Hallelujah, the floor gods have gifted us a modern, versatile and affordable flooring option for almost all applications: Cement & Stone-look Laminate flooring.
Okay, maybe there aren’t “flooring gods,” but there ARE flooring manufacturers – and they’re delivering downright sleek laminate plank flooring options with stone or cement finishes from all over the globe.
Nothing refreshes a room quite like new flooring, and with a vast array of modern colors and finishes available, we’re running out of excuses for dingy carpet or chipped tile floors. From industrial greys to warm stone hues, the cement and stone laminate planks on the market offer something for just about everyone.
Because of its ease of installation and durability in non-standing water applications, cement and stone laminate plank flooring options have been incorporated into both residential and commercial applications alike.
Applications, Design & Durability
One of the best features of cement and stone laminate plank flooring is its versatility in a variety of installation applications. Most brands are approved for just about any application, including going over wood subfloor, existing ceramic tile and sheet vinyl floors, and also the ironic application of installing over a cement slab.
Creating an industrial, sleek look is easily attained with cement plank flooring. Even when other flooring options aren’t possible due to budgetary or application-related limits, cement and stone laminate planks are an easy-to-install, relatively cheap & budget-friendly flooring option.
Laminate flooring is known to be a great choice to complement a radiant floor heating system. Most cement and stone laminate planks are approved for such a toasty application.
As durable as most brands report to be, these stylish cement and stone planks can be incorporated into the ped-friendliest of homes, standing firm to the occasional indoor game of fetch and other shenanigans. Most online reviewers report that the laminate planks hold up well to their packs of pets and/or children.
Reviews & Where to Buy
Achieving the modern cement look is relatively easy. Multiple brands, colors and styles are available via various online stores, big box stores and some local flooring supply stores.
Due to the nature of laminate’s installation, most finished cement plank products will still have a subtle plank-like appearance, though a couple products have managed to blur the lines a bit.
Here are a few interesting options we’ve looked at:
Classen Visiogrande Screed – Style: Cement
Classen Visiogrande Screed is a well reviewed, mid-range priced product. The faux cement finish is realistic and the cool grey & white hues are sure to deliver on the modern spectrum.
Finished look: Planked
Kronoswiss Noblesse Veracruz – Style: Cement
Kronoswiss Noblesse Veracruz receives decent reviews on its finished look and durability, though installation can be a bit of a challenge for the beginner.
The more advanced (though, still relatively easy) installation technique provides a more seamless finished product, closely simulating the look of a cement floor.
Finished look: Relatively Seamless
Armstrong Stone, Slate & Limestone Laminate – Style: Stone
A big player in the flooring industry, Armstrong Laminate offers some decent options in the stone plank genre. Choices like Castilian Block, Limestone and Slate provide a broad selection of design options within the simulated grouted stone style.
Finished look: Grouted stone
Navagio by Branton Flooring – Style: Stone
The Navagio Stone Laminate Flooring offers an embossed texture with low gloss sheen to closely mimic the look of real stone tile. A staggered pattern is created with the Droploc installation system, further emulating the look of actual stone tiles.
Finished look: Grouted stone
Pros vs Cons: What’s Good & Not So Good
Let’s get the bad out of the way.
Laminate floors can’t get wet. Yes, even the sleek cement, slate and stone laminate floors; they’re still made out of wood.
Manufacturers have done an excellent job in simulating the cement and stone looks, but nothing changes the fact that water is wood laminate’s most-feared enemy (note: waterproof laminate options are making their way into the market, though).
Do you promise to guard your floors from any and all hydro attacks?
Good! Enough gloomyness, let’s talk about the positives.
Advantages
Most laminate flooring can be installed virtually anywhere, including over radiant floor heating systems. The usually cold laws of concrete and stone can be defied by installing sleek planks over hot water coils. Thereby providing warm, welcoming heat with each footstep.
Installation is relatively easy. A savvy DIYer should be able to take on the installation of laminate flooring, though patience, tools and time will be the keys to success. For those looking for a full service experience, professional installation is the way to go, with most smaller projects taking just a day or two to complete.
Nothing has to be forever with laminate flooring, but this is a positive. The stunning, statement-making cement or stone laminate floor installed today can be enjoyed… until it isn’t. Styles and preferences change, homeowners change, and so can your laminate – fairly easily. As easy as it goes in, most laminate flooring will come right back out just the same. You may even be able to salvage the material for use in a different application.
Cement and stone laminate planks are also a low maintenance option, leaving homeowners to relish in Sudoku and Pinterest instead of mopping and grout-scrubbing actual tile floors. In fact, a simple spray-and-wipe home mixture of rubbing alcohol, vinegar and a couple other household ingredients (there are a few recipes out there) will keep your floors spotless.
FAQ
Yes, you’ll be happy to know that there is laminate flooring that looks identical to cement flooring. The advantage of cement laminate flooring is that it’s incredibly light so it’s ideal for upper-story buildings. Additionally, it’s the perfect flooring if you’re going for a rustic look in your apartment or house.
There are various grey tones and finishes to choose from, so if you want a more realistic contrast you can choose cement laminate flooring that has dark and light tones in it.
How do I install laminate countertops over cement stone?
Installing laminate over cement on your countertops would be slightly different from how you would install laminate on your floor. This is because the laminate will come in sheets and not boards. First, measure your countertop depth. To check the length of your countertops, measure along the back wall. You should also account for overhangs, which are usually ¾” to an inch.
Cut out your laminate sheet according to your measurements, apply contact cement (glue) to your pieces, and stick them down onto the cement stone.
How do you paint countertops to look like cement stone?
Instead of laminate, you could try a spray-on paint that will give your countertops an authentic cement stone finish. With this type of paint you can refresh your existing countertops or even plywood.
You’ll first need to paint your countertops with one or two coats of white epoxy undercoat. Let it dry and then lightly sand the undercoat. Then use a speckled grey spray paint from a brand such as Rust-Oleum. They come in various stone colors, but you will want to use the black and white one for a cement stone look.
Let the paint dry on your countertops and then lightly sand it and add a clear coat over your surface.
Is cement stone flooring expensive?
No, cement stone flooring is an affordable flooring option. Cement stone flooring is less expensive in residential areas, and is also more affordable compared to hardwood flooring. A cement stone floor costs between $2 and $15 per square foot. On the other hand, other types of flooring such as hardwood cost between $12 and $20 per square foot depending on the species of the wood.
Bottom Line
We’ve gotten to the bottom of the cement and stone laminate plank flooring story. For most applications that aren’t going to see a lot of moisture or standing water, cement and stone plank flooring is a viable option. It’s easy to maintain & holds up to pets and kids.
Color samples are available on various internet supplier sites and at big box stores. Otherwise, quantities can typically be purchased in increments of between 18-23 square feet per box.
This classy, modern flooring option has the power to transform an entire room. It should be considered for any remodel or new build application as a durable, versatile, cost effective solution.
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