What Will Your New Concrete Floors Sound Like?

One of the most popular myths about concrete flooring is that it makes homes loud and amplifies echos. While this is true in a few cases, the same phenomenon occurs with all kinds of flooring, especially if your layout is extremely open.
In reality, the sound qualities of concrete flooring are much easier to modify than you think. For instance, many homeowners find they can simply rearrange furniture near hallways and other spaces to cut down on echoes from foot traffic. Others simply use area rugs, which have the advantage of being easier to move when it’s time for a new design scheme.
Some bamboo and hardwood floors are just as prone to cause echoes as concrete is; it all depends on the local environment. Some factors that can impact how rooms sound include the presence of wall treatments, such as artwork or hangings, and the size of the space in question. You’ll even notice that covering your windows with heavier curtains can muffle echoes.
Why not simply start off with rugs or hardwood? While there are many benefits to these flooring options, some property owners want to retain the option to make changes later. Concrete flooring can also serve as a base for other substrates, allowing partially floored designs, such as traditional hardwood kitchenette flooring that opens out onto a more modern concrete dining room floor.
Remember, concrete floors aren’t the only factors that might contribute to the acoustics in your home or office. The way your space sounds depends on how you decorate, and concrete makes it easier to experiment freely.