Comparing Polished Concrete and MicroLux Options for Your Residential Space

Introduction to Concrete Flooring

Concrete Flooring in Modern Interiors

Concrete flooring has become a staple in modern interior design, combining durability with sleek aesthetics. Once confined to industrial and commercial settings, concrete has evolved to suit residential spaces, offering versatile design possibilities. Its appeal lies in its ability to complement a variety of styles, from minimalist and industrial to traditional interiors. More than just a design statement, concrete floors are highly functional, withstanding daily wear and tear while offering low-maintenance upkeep.

History and Evolution

The use of concrete as a flooring material has a rich history, dating back to ancient civilisations. Early forms of concrete were used by the Romans, but its application in flooring remained largely functional until advancements in finishing techniques brought polished and decorative options into the spotlight. Today, concrete flooring represents a harmonious blend of practicality and aesthetics, with treatments like polished concrete and Micro cement offering tailored solutions for residential environments.

Popularity in Residential Spaces

Concrete flooring is increasingly chosen by homeowners for its numerous advantages:

• Durability: Long-lasting performance, even in high-traffic areas.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal cleaning and upkeep.
• Energy Efficiency: Works well with underfloor heating, retaining and radiating heat.
• Design Flexibility: Offers a range of finishes, colours, and applications to suit diverse styles.

As the trend for versatile and modern flooring grows, polished concrete and MicroLux have emerged as leading options for homeowners seeking beauty and functionality.

Understanding Polished Concrete Floors

What is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete flooring is a premium flooring solution achieved through the installation  and polishing of a concrete slab. This process creates a smooth, dense surface with a sleek, modern appearance. Polished concrete is highly durable, making it ideal for residential spaces such as kitchens, living rooms, and hallways. Lazenby’s polished concrete floors are handcrafted by skilled craftsmen, ensuring each installation is tailored to the client’s vision.

The Polishing Process

Polished concrete is created through a multi-step process:

1. Set up and preparation: The area is meticulously prepared to ensure optimal conditions
2. Concrete Pour: Our skilled craftsmen lay the concrete and gradually refine and polish the floor throughout the day
3. Cover during curing: A protective covering is installed over the floor to allow the concrete to wet cure 
4. Sealing & Polishing: The floor is polished to achieve the desired sheen, ranging from matte to high-gloss finishes.

This meticulous process reveals the natural beauty of the concrete, resulting in a stunning and unique floor.

Sheen and Finish Options

Polished concrete offers various finishes, including:

• Matte: Subtle and understated, ideal for modern interiors.
• Satin: A low-sheen finish with a soft glow.
• High-Gloss: A reflective, mirror-like surface for a contemporary look.

Polished Concrete Colours

Lazenby’s polished concrete flooring is available in 15 standard colours, carefully curated to suit a variety of interior styles. Each colour can be further customised to create bespoke finishes, ensuring a perfect match for your space.

Standard Colours Include:

• Light/Warm Tones: Off White, Oyster White, Cream Buff, Henley Buff
• Greys: Cool Grey, Light Natural, Iron Grey, Dark Grey, Mayfair Grey
• Bold Options: Black, Basalt, Pink, Moss Green, Walnut

Customisation Features:

• Bespoke Colours: Lazenby’s technical team can mix custom colours to suit specific design requirements.
• Finish Options: Colours can be paired with finishes like matt, satin, or gloss for added versatility.
• Indoor-Outdoor Transition: Matching colours can be used for both indoor and outdoor spaces to create seamless transitions.

Exploring MicroLux (Micro Cement) Floors

What is MicroLux?

MicroLux is a revolutionary micro cement product developed in partnership with Forcrete. Unlike traditional concrete, MicroLux is a thin, lightweight surface with a profile of just 2–3mm. It is designed to mimic the look of polished concrete while offering additional versatility and benefits, such as being suitable for walls, stairs, and worktops.

Features of MicroLux

• Seamless Application: MicroLux can be applied to floors, walls, and other surfaces without the need for joints.
• Lightweight: Its slim profile makes it ideal for spaces where weight is a concern, such as upper floors.
• Waterproof: Naturally waterproof and stain-resistant, making it perfect for bathrooms and wet rooms.
• Eco-Friendly: Contains low VOCs and no toxic solvents, ensuring a safe and sustainable choice for your home.

Installation Process

MicroLux is applied in layers over a prepared substrate, such as a cured concrete screed or cement boards. The surface is then smoothed and sealed with the desired finish (matt, satin, or gloss). This process is less invasive than polished concrete, making it suitable for renovations and spaces with existing flooring.

MicroLux Colours

Lazenby’s MicroLux offers 8 standard colours, inspired by their polished concrete range. These colours are designed to complement polished concrete shades, making it easy to combine both materials in a cohesive design.

Standard Colours Include:

• Light Tones: Chalk, Ivory, Cotswold Buff
• Greys: Lunar, Ash, Smoke, Shadow
• Unique Option: Rose Mist

Customisation Features:

• Bespoke Colours: Like polished concrete, MicroLux can be mixed in custom colours to meet specific design visions.
• Sealant Finishes: Choose from matt, satin, or gloss sealants to enhance the chosen colour and protect the surface.

MicroLux colours are specifically formulated to provide a smooth, seamless appearance, imitating the polished concrete aesthetic while offering additional versatility.

Comparing Polished Concrete and MicroLux

Durability and Longevity

• Polished Concrete: Renowned for its exceptional durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic. With proper care, it can last decades, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways.
• MicroLux: While also durable, MicroLux is very dependent on the quality of the sub floor. The better quality the sub floor, the more durable the MicroLux surface. However, its stain resistance and scratch-proof qualities make it suitable for spaces like bathrooms and living rooms.

Thickness and Weight

• Polished Concrete: Requires a minimum thickness of 75mm (100mm recommended) and is heavier, making it unsuitable for upper floors without reinforced structures.
• MicroLux: With a slim profile of 2–3mm, MicroLux is lightweight and perfect for upper-level installations or projects with weight restrictions.

Aesthetic Options

• Polished Concrete: Offers a natural, glossy or matte finish with exposed aggregates for a distinctive look. Available in 15 standard colours with bespoke options.
• MicroLux: Provides a smooth, seamless surface that mimics polished concrete. Available in 8 standard colours, with bespoke mixing available for unique shades.

Applications

• Polished Concrete: Best suited for floors in large, open spaces or areas requiring high durability, such as kitchens and living rooms.
• MicroLux: Ideal for walls, stairs, worktops, and bathrooms, thanks to its waterproof and lightweight properties.

Maintenance Requirements

Polished Concrete

• Daily Cleaning: Regular dust mopping and occasional damp mopping with a neutral pH cleaner.
• Long-Term Care: Re-polishing or resealing may be required every 5–10 years, depending on use.

MicroLux

• Daily Cleaning: Similar to polished concrete, requiring dust mopping and damp wiping.
• Long-Term Care: Avoid bleach based products and strong chemicals to ensure the sealant remains intact.

Ideal Applications for Each Option

Polished Concrete

• Best For: Large scale renovations or new build projects
• Example: A polished concrete floor in an open-plan kitchen and living area, seamlessly extending to an outdoor patio.

MicroLux

• Best For: Renovation projects where ceiling height is a concern or full wet room enclosures.
• Example: MicroLux applied to a bathroom floor and walls, creating a cohesive and waterproof design.

Making the Right Choice

Assessment Criteria

When choosing between polished concrete and MicroLux, consider the following:

• Durability: Opt for polished concrete in high-traffic areas.
• Weight Restrictions: Choose MicroLux for upper floors or projects with weight limitations.
• Design Flexibility: Use MicroLux for walls, ceilings, or intricate designs.
• Maintenance: Both options are low maintenance but require periodic resealing.

Conclusion

Both polished concrete and MicroLux offer unique benefits, making them excellent choices for residential spaces. Polished concrete excels in durability and timeless appeal, while MicroLux provides versatility and lightweight convenience. By carefully considering your needs and the specific requirements of your space, you can select the perfect flooring solution to enhance your home’s functionality and style.