Get matched with top epoxy flooring pros in Fort Totten, ND

You can paint concrete with paint rollers. In fact, using paint rollers is considered one of the easiest ways to evenly apply paint on concrete. A paint roller with a 1/2- to 3/4-inch-thick nap—which is basically a fabric paint roller cover—is best for painting concrete. The thicker the nap, the more paint it can hold to fill those pesky concrete cracks and crevices.

Polished concrete gets its glass-like finish from several rounds of polishing, using increasingly finer grit diamond grinding pads. The concrete’s hardness will determine which grits you need to get your desired finish. The densifier and sealer also contribute to the look of the final floor, so either talk to a concrete pro (or hire one) to achieve the right concrete floor finish.

Yes. So-called “floating” cork floors can be installed over concrete subfloor, though a polyethylene vapor barrier is required. This type of installation is achieved using the glue-down tiles, which are trickier for a DIY approach, so consider calling a professional to help you if you’re planning to install your cork floor over concrete. 

Polished concrete floors also have downsides. Some homeowners, for example, might dislike the coldness of the material (though area rugs can help warm up the space). Concrete floors are also hard, which isn’t always ideal for children and pets. What’s more, these floors are susceptible to cracking, and repairs can be costly. Some homeowners might not like that installation isn’t DIY-friendly.