The differences between a cast floor and concrete floor
Are you still unsure between a PU cast floor or a cementitious cast floor (also called concrete, concrete ciré, residential concrete, living concrete, designer concrete and concrete look)? We are happy to explain the differences so you can make an informed choice.
Sustainable
A new floor is quite an investment, so it’s nice that your floor doesn’t need replacing after just a few years. In terms of durability, a PU cast floor is more solid than cementitious cast floors. This is because a PU cast floor has a crack bridging capacity of up to 2.5 millimeters. Cementitious cast floors are made of water and cement which can cause these floors to shrink, therefore cementitious cast floors have a greater risk of cracking. A PU cast floor typically lasts up to 30 years!
Also, a cementitious cast floor is less scratch-resistant than a PU cast floor, so more user marks will become visible over time. By the way, no floor is completely scratch-free, so even with a PU cast floor, it is important to take precautions to prevent scratches (for example, place Scratch no More under your furniture).
The fact that a PU cast floor is very strong is also evidenced by the fact that EPI PU cast floors were developed from industrial floors. EPI PU cast floors therefore have the load-bearing capacity of an industrial floor and the stylishness of a design floor.
Comfort and design
A PU cast floor and a cementitious cast floor have in common that they both look rather sleek and modern. Both materials therefore do well in the industrial look, but with a cast floor you have many more design options. In fact, unlike with cementitious, with an EPI Superbase cast floor you have a wide range of colors and types to choose from, so that your floor fits your taste perfectly.
A cast floor is also a good choice when it comes to comfort. For example, a cement-based floor can feel rather cold, despite the fact that underfloor heating is an option here, as with a PU cast floor. PU cast floors do not directly absorb ambient heat so the floor does not feel cold even in winter, even on your bare feet!
Applying a cast floor
Both floors are easy to maintain, but a cementitious cast floor gives off dust, requiring more frequent cleaning. As mentioned earlier, a cement-bound floor is less scratch-resistant than a PU cast floor. Because scratches can also occur on a PU cast floor, it is important to keep this in mind when cleaning and maintaining your floor. So use a soft brush when vacuuming and avoid using abrasive cleaning agents. In addition, you would do well to place a dry walking mat near the door to prevent sand and stone dust from scratching your floor. More tips on maintaining your cast floor? Take a look at our maintenance advice