Many people consider concrete to be a plain and practical option for flooring, which may even look quite ugly.  In truth, however, that's absolutely not the case - while concrete may be practical and cost-efficient, it can also be made to look very visually appealing.  Not only that, but there are several ways you can get even more out of your concrete flooring than you were expecting.  Here are some options you may not have considered:

Inserts

You don't need to fill the entire surface with just one solid stretch of concrete.  You can break it up with stones, slabs or tiles according to taste - and it's such a simple process that no matter what kind of inserts you're interested in, it's likely that any concreters you contact will be willing and able to take care of it for you.  Just be aware that different materials will produce very different surface results; if you're looking for something perfectly smooth, then make sure your contractors know that so that they can achieve that effect.  Otherwise, you may end up with a cobbling effect - pretty, but not necessarily what you're looking for.

Sealing

If you're concerned about how long your concrete floor will last, especially if it's at risk of being stained, then having it sealed may be a great option for you.  Not only will sealing help your concrete to resist stains from oils, greases, dyes and more or less any other product you throw at it, but it will also protect the floor against weather damage.  Just be aware that it will produce a different, slightly shinier look.  It is possible to apply sealer yourself, but as it can look lumpy and unappealing if applied incorrectly, it's probably best to leave this to your contractors.  Ask them to include it in your quote.

Staining

Some people take issue with concrete's colour.  Gray can be very restful to the eyes - but if you're looking for something a little more exciting, then ask your contractor about your options for staining.  Many different colours are available, regardless of whether you're looking for something natural and subtle, or something a little bolder.  It's also quite possible to stain a pattern into your concrete; doing this correctly and sealing it can produce some really stunning effects that look far more expensive than they really are.

In essence, concrete is not as plain and basic an option as it may seem.  There are plenty of ways to spice it up and improve it - and they're all great value for money. For more information, contact concreters in your area.