TWhen considering flooring options, concrete is unlikely to be at the top of most homeowners' lists. People tend to think of concrete as a more industrial material, better suited for garages and warehouses than for your living room.

However, the material is gaining traction as an option for both new and existing homes. It's an inexpensive way to get a durable, easy to clean floor, and a simple polish can give it an impressive high-end look.

It's especially easy to incorporate concrete floors into new homes since the foundation slab can be used as the first floor as well. Natalie Myers, writing for the home design website Houzz, says that if a homeowner outgrows it or a new buyer doesn't like it, they can easily put down a new floor on top of the concrete.

Though people are likely to picture concrete floors as gray and drab, they can actually be made in a number of different colors and styles. Christine Tusher, also writing for Houzz, says the use of colored powder, acid etching, and staining can all be used to give the floor a new color or texture.

Integral colors can be added during the concrete mixing process. Kim Hildenbrand, writing for HGTV, says dyes, color hardeners, and paints can also be used to enhance the color of the material.

Concrete floors can also be given a shinier look through the use of sealants or finishes. Myers says an acrylic sealer can be used to give a wet look to the floor.

When it comes to cleaning the floor, concrete offers an easy option. Aside from regular vacuuming and sweeping, Hildebrand says concrete floor just need a mopping or application of a gentle cleaner to stay looking great. Tusher says waxing every six months will disguise any scuffs and scratches.

Concrete is able to take just about anything that is thrown at it. It's long lasting, won't stain, and is fire-resistant. It's also less likely to be damaged by pets or any dropped items.

The material is also an environmentally friendly option. Concrete requires less energy than other floors, produces minimal waste, and is recyclable. It helps moderate interior temperatures, absorbing heat during the day and cold during the night and distributing it the opposite time of day. Concrete also does not contain the volatile organic compounds that will reduce air quality.

Concrete is also one of the most economical options for installation. Prices can start as low as $2 per square foot.

Of course, concrete might not be right for all homeowners. Since it is a heavy material, it might not be feasible to install concrete on an upper floor.

Unlike some flooring options, concrete installation should not be done as a do it yourself project and should instead be done by a professional. It's a messy material to install, so you need to take special care to protect your walls and furniture before it goes into an existing home.

Cracks may also start to appear in concrete over time, especially if it is not put down properly. Contractors are usually able to anticipate this issue and some homeowners are fine with incorporating the cracks into the look of their house. However, cracks are difficult to clean and may appear unsightly to some people.

Concrete also does not have the ability to absorb sound as well as carpet or hardwood floors. As such, it can create echoes and reverberations that some homeowners might find irritating.

Some people might find concrete floors uncomfortable, especially if they are standing on them for a long period of time. They can also be slipperier than other kinds of floors.

Though they are considered one of the most economical options, the cost per square foot starts to climb if you are looking for more complex designs such as marbled floors. The floor is also not as easy to customize as some materials; factors such as air temperature and sand mixture during the making of concrete can produce an imprecise result, so homeowners looking for concrete floors should be aware that the material might not come out exactly as they hoped.

The final cost will be based on factors such as the size of the area, preparation needed for the slab, artistic details, and the quality of both the installer and the materials used.