Polished Concrete Flooring - the Smartest Summer Flooring Choice for UK Homes?
- Alba Flooring
- Jul 6
- 5 min read
With more homeowners seeking cool, minimalist interiors that stay stylish and comfortable in every season, one material is making a modern comeback: polished concrete flooring. This durable, low-maintenance surface is already a go-to for commercial spaces, but its popularity in UK homes (particularly in SE London) is rapidly rising. So, the question stands: Is polished concrete the smartest summer flooring choice for your home?
This comprehensive guide from Alba Flooring explores the summer benefits of concrete floors, the styles available, and how to achieve a seamless look using expert advice and nationwide installation services.
Looking to transform your space with polished concrete flooring?
Our team at Alba Flooring are here to help.
What is Polished Concrete Flooring and Why Is It Trending?
Polished concrete flooring refers to a process where poured concrete is mechanically ground, honed, and polished to create a smooth and shiny surface. It can be finished in varying degrees of gloss or left matte for a more subtle, industrial look.
More than just a style statement, it brings long-term functional benefits. It offers a high thermal mass, which helps maintain stable indoor temperatures. During hot months, this makes concrete feel cooler underfoot—a welcome relief in sun-filled homes or open-plan kitchens.
In SE London homes, where large windows, south-facing rooms, and modern extensions create heat retention challenges, concrete flooring offers a refreshing alternative to carpet or timber.
Why homeowners are turning to polished concrete:
Seamless and modern
Exceptionally low maintenance
Naturally cool underfoot in summer
Compatible with underfloor heating for winter
Sustainable, with low VOC options
Concrete Floors for Modern Homes: Cool, Practical and Elegant
Concrete's minimalist look is ideal for modern homes, particularly those embracing open-plan living, bi-fold doors, and indoor-outdoor continuity. In kitchen-diner extensions across Beckenham, Bickley, and Sutton, we've installed polished concrete flooring that blends kitchen, living, and garden zones in one flowing material.
Some of our most successful recent installations include:
Beckenham: Burnished concrete in a rear kitchen extension with Crittall doors
Bickley: Grey matte polished finish across ground-floor renovation
West Wickham: Microcement overlay for a bathroom and utility space
Sutton: Seamless polished concrete in an open-plan kitchen-living room
Summer Comfort: Why Polished Concrete Flooring Keeps You Cooler
When temperatures rise, concrete floors for modern homes become especially attractive. Unlike timber or vinyl, concrete doesn't trap heat. Instead, it absorbs daytime warmth and releases it slowly, helping regulate internal temperature without artificial cooling.
Other reasons it works so well in summer:
Non-porous: When sealed, it's resistant to spills and moisture
Dust-free: Ideal for allergy sufferers and households with pets
Unfussy: Easy to clean post-garden traffic or holiday guests
Additionally, polished concrete pairs beautifully with other cooling materials like glass, stone and steel. It also reflects natural light well, brightening interiors even as it cools them.
Choosing the Right Finish: Polished, Burnished, or Microcement?
The finish you choose will affect not only the look but also the performance of your flooring. At Alba Flooring, we guide you through each finish to ensure it aligns with your space and lifestyle.
Polished Finish
Smooth and glossy, this finish enhances the concrete’s natural colour variations and offers the highest light reflectivity. It is particularly well suited for contemporary kitchens, loft-style flats, and minimalist homes.
Burnished Finish
This soft sheen finish is more subtle and has a slightly aged look, offering elegance with less reflection. Great for rustic and industrial design schemes.
Microcement
Applied as a surface layer, microcement creates the look of concrete without the need for a full-depth concrete slab. Ideal for upper floors, bathrooms or renovations.
Matte Finish
Perfect for those who want the benefits of concrete but a softer, more understated aesthetic. Less light-reflective, but still smooth and easy to maintain.
You can explore our full range of Concrete options in our Flooring Catalogue.
Indoor to Outdoor: Achieving Seamless Living
In Summer 2025, the trend of seamless indoor-outdoor flooring is going strong. Polished concrete lends itself well to this, especially with patios or terraces made of the same or complementary material. Alba Flooring helps you transition cleanly from interior kitchen to garden paving for a unified look.
Polished concrete also supports architectural concrete elements like benches, planters, and built-in shelving, bringing cohesion to modern designs.
Is Polished Concrete Suitable for All Areas of the Home?
While often associated with kitchens and living rooms, concrete is now appearing in bathrooms, hallways, and even bedrooms. With the right finish and sealing, it becomes a sustainable, moisture-resistant, and hygienic surface across the entire home.
It is also compatible with:
Underfloor heating: Retains and radiates heat efficiently
Built-in lighting: Reflects natural and artificial light beautifully
Open-plan layouts: Enhances flow, reduces visual clutter
Still unsure if it suits your space? Visit our team at Alba Flooring for expert advice.
Visit Our New Cinematic Showroom in Shirley
Nothing beats seeing the texture and light play of polished concrete in person.
In our brand new showroom, at 574 Wickham Road, Shirley, CR0 8DN, you can explore full-scale installations and view samples under natural light.
With over 100 display boards featuring solid polished concrete, parquet, and the latest tile designs,
it’s the best place to buy concrete flooring in the South London.
10% off for all walk-in clients*
(*Terms and conditions apply)
Why Choose Alba Flooring?
Alba Flooring is more than a supplier—we are flooring specialists and installers who help homeowners across London and the UK achieve high-performance, beautifully crafted spaces.
Why trust us?
Superior Quality: We only use top-grade materials for long-lasting performance
Expert Guidance: From selection to sealing, we support every stage
Stylish Options: From rustic aggregate to industrial chic
Nationwide Installation: Based in London, serving the entire UK
We work with trusted partners including:
Ted Wood
Amtico Flooring
Woodpecker
Tuscania Ceramiche
Explore our story on the About Us page or browse more ideas on our Expert Advice blogs.
Let’s Talk About Your Flooring Project
Every space has a story – and the right flooring helps tell it. Whether it’s polished concrete flooring for commercial use, engineered boards for a home office, or laminate flooring with an antique finish, Alba Flooring combines style and service in perfect measure. Our recent projects across South London stand as testament to our commitment to quality.
To learn more about how we can help with your next flooring upgrade, get in touch with our expert team or visit our Croydon showroom today.
Walk in and receive 10% off your purchase – terms and conditions apply.*
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is polished concrete flooring cold in winter?
Not when paired with underfloor heating. Its high thermal mass means it retains heat well, offering warm comfort when properly installed.
2. Is concrete flooring expensive?
The cost varies based on finish, location and prep work. However, its durability and low maintenance can make it a cost-effective long-term investment. You can learn more from this Self-Build guide to concrete flooring.
3. Can you use polished concrete in a bathroom?
Yes. With the right sealing, it’s water-resistant, hygienic and visually stunning. Microcement is also a great choice for bathrooms.
4. Does concrete crack over time?
Minor hairline cracks are possible, but with expert installation and expansion joints, they are rarely structural or noticeable.
5. How do I maintain polished concrete floors?
Simply sweep regularly and mop with pH-neutral cleaner. Resealing every few years helps preserve its finish.
Looking to upgrade with polished concrete flooring for your home in SE London or beyond?
Discover seamless style with Alba Flooring’s nationwide installation and trusted guidance.
Click here to get your free quote or email sales@albaflooring.co.uk.
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