Which Concrete Floor Systems Are Best for Warehouses and Industrial Use?

A Closer Look at Portland-Limestone Cement
and the Questions It Raises

In the race toward reducing carbon emissions and building a more sustainable future, the construction industry has placed significant emphasis on material innovation. One of the most talked-about shifts in recent years is the rise of 1L concrete, also known as Type 1L Portland-limestone cement (PLC). While its environmental intentions are clear, the execution and field performance of this material have sparked deep concerns among contractors, finishers, and construction professionals across the country.

What Is 1L Concrete?

1L concrete is a blended cement product made by intergrinding Portland cement clinker with up to 15% finely ground limestone. It falls under ASTM C595 and was promoted as a more sustainable option than traditional Type I or Type II cement, with a claimed reduction in embodied carbon of about 10%.
This transition is part of a broader movement toward lowering the construction industry’s carbon footprint. However, for many professionals working in the field every day, the reality of 1L’s performance has not aligned with its promise.

Why the Push—And Why the Pushback?

Advocates of 1L cement cite decades of successful use in Europe and a growing need for climate-conscious practices. Major producers in the U.S. began shifting almost entirely to Type 1L in 2022 and 2023, often with little consultation or consideration for the practical realities faced by contractors and specialty finishers.
This sudden change, often framed as a “drop-in replacement,” has led to a number of serious challenges:
Surface Defects & Finish Failures
Many contractors have reported inconsistent finish quality, scaling, dusting, and difficulty achieving color uniformity in decorative and exposed applications. In some cases, these issues have led to litigation over failed installations.

Lack of Field Testing & Support

Although some densifiers and admixtures are being promoted as compatible with 1L, most have not undergone sufficient independent testing to ensure reliable long-term performance. Contractors are left to troubleshoot on their own, often at their own expense.

Distrust from the Field

For many in the construction world, especially those working on architectural concrete, decorative finishes, or high-performance surfaces, the lack of transparency and technical support has created a deep sense of frustration and mistrust.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

While many material producers remain committed to 1L cement, an increasing number of contractors, specifiers, and consultants are raising red flags. Some are now avoiding 1L altogether in high-exposure projects or are specifying additional treatments, sealers, or surface hardeners to compensate for performance issues.
Yet even these remedies come with asterisks: most haven’t been thoroughly tested alongside 1L, and results vary based on climate, substrate, and finishing practices. While some contractors are beginning to find combinations that work, there is no universally endorsed solution at this time.

Proceeding with Caution

There’s no question that sustainability is an urgent priority—but true sustainability must also account for durability, performance, and constructability. When cement fails in the field, the environmental impact of replacement materials and labor far outweighs any initial carbon savings.
As the industry continues to explore lower-carbon alternatives, many experts are calling for a more thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive approach—one that includes rigorous testing, real-world data, and support for the contractors on the front lines of implementation.

The Bottom Line

1L concrete may represent a step toward sustainability, but for now, it’s a step that should be taken with full awareness of its limitations. The current landscape demands caution, continued evaluation, and an honest dialogue between producers and practitioners.
Until field data improves and manufacturers take stronger accountability for performance, the use of 1L cement should be considered on a case-by-case basis, especially in projects where finish quality, color uniformity, or long-term durability are critical.

Warehouses are rough and tough environments. Between machinery, equipment, dropped tools, spills, and heavy foot traffic, traditional floors would take a beating. For that reason, warehouses require a very different type of flooring, one that can withstand a lot of daily use and abuse. Fortunately, there are several great options worth consideration.

If you own a warehouse in Orlando and are in the process up upgrading or renovating, it is imperative to look at different concrete floor coating systems. That way, you can make comparisons and choose the one that fits your needs best. At the top of the list is epoxy. Of all the warehouse flooring solutions, this is among the most durable. When properly installed, epoxy floors will last for years while providing your warehouse personnel with a comfortable light reflective walking surface.

You might also consider metallic flake epoxy floors, such as Dura-Kote Metallic, for your warehouse. The only difference between standard epoxy and metallic epoxy is that for the latter, metallic flakes make the floor more visually pleasing. If you want, you can use conventional epoxy for the main work floor and metallic epoxy for the warehouse restrooms, meeting rooms, lunch rooms and office.

Beyond epoxy, there are other concrete floor systems for warehouse environments. For instance, polished concrete is not only gorgeous but also incredibly strong. Other benefits of using this flooring system in your warehouse include resistance to high foot traffic, low maintenance, long service life, sustainability, and resistance to moisture.

Even if your warehouse has medium to high foot traffic, polished concrete stands up and looks great. You will also discover that instead of spending countless hours trying to keep the floor in good condition, polished concrete requires little maintenance. All you need to do to keep this floor beautiful is sweep and damp mop as needed. Because the protective surface works as a barrier against spills, cleanup is a breeze.

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