Polished concrete is a type of flooring that is produced by grinding down the top layer of concrete to reveal a smooth, glossy, shiny surface. It is a popular choice for both commercial and residential flooring because it is durable and easy to maintain. Polished concrete can be made in any colour or pattern, and it can be high-gloss or matte.
To make polished concrete, the first step is to grind the surface of the concrete with a diamond-tipped grinder. This removes any imperfections and creates a smooth surface. The next step is to apply a polishing compound to the surface and continue grinding until the desired level of shine is achieved. Finally, the floor is sealed with a clear sealer to protect it from stains and scratches.
Milk Chocolate
Amber
Silver
Truffle
Toffee Cream
Rivergum
Twilight
Taupe
Caramel
Cherry
Steel Grey
Asparagus
Ochre
Flax
Shale
Burnt Ochre
Sand
Camel
Peach
Sienna
The benefits of polished concrete floor finishes
There are many benefits of polished concrete, which is why it is becoming increasingly popular for both commercial and residential applications. Polished concrete is:
- Durable – ideal for high-traffic areas
- Easy to maintain – does not require waxing or re-sealing like other flooring options
- Environmentally friendly – does not emit harmful chemicals like some synthetic flooring materials
- Available in a variety of colours and can be customised to create any desired look
- Has a unique look that can add character and style to any space
- Can be textured to create a slip-resistant surface
Do polished concrete floors cost a lot?
How much your polished concrete floors cost depends on a number of factors. Here we list the main ones:
- The area to be polished. Unsurprisingly, the smaller the area that you need polished is, the more expensive polishing it is likely to be when calculated by square metre.
- Floor condition. If the surface to be polished has cracks that need to be repaired before the floor can be polished, this adds to the overall bill. Also, the rougher the service, the more polishing it is going to require.
- Ease of access. If the areas that need to be polished are hard to access for workers and equipment, this is likely to add to the cost of polishing your concrete.
- Polishing technology used. Honing, grind and seal, or mechanical polishing carry different price tags.
- The amount of polishing needed. Expect to pay more for a high-shine, glossy finish, than for a matte finish.
- Concrete finish. Polishing not just regular concrete but stamped concrete, coloured concrete or exposed aggregate can cost more.
Each project is unique – so, to get an idea of how much residential polished concrete floors could cost in your case, you should contact us to discuss your project requirements.
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Come and be inspired at our Forestville showroom which has plenty of samples, displays and photos of our work. Or arrange for a consultant to visit you for a free no obligation quotation. Our experienced and professional team will help you design the perfect exposed aggregate, stamped concrete or coloured concrete project for your property.
How Popular are Residential Polished Concrete Floors
There’s no doubt that we can see more and more polished concrete flooring in Adelaide. The durability and low maintenance requirements of residential polished concrete floors make them an appealing option for busy homeowners, while their stylish look can add a real wow factor to any home.
Residential polished concrete floors are a great option for those looking for a durable and easy-to-maintain flooring solution. Polished concrete is especially well-suited for high traffic areas, as it can withstand heavy foot and paw traffic – and is resistant to stains and scratches.
Polished concrete floors are exceptionally easy to clean and require little maintenance. In addition, they are hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and mildew, making them a great choice for households with allergies or respiratory problems.
Also, if you are looking for an eco-friendly flooring option, you should definitely consider polished concrete. Adelaide homeowners that are environmentally conscious will be pleased to find out that concrete does not emit harmful chemicals. So, polished concrete floors are an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, easy-to-maintain, and eco-friendly flooring option.
Getting polished concrete in Adelaide - FAQ
Polished concrete is available in a variety of finishes. Mechanically polished concrete (MPC) is the finest form of polished concrete that is for indoor use only. This type of concrete is polished and buffed until it becomes very smooth. MPC concrete lasts many years, as it does not have any coating that could wear away over time.
Honed concrete is less refined than the MPC and is perfect for outdoor use. A clear or coloured sealer is used to protect the honed concrete, so it needs to be re-sealed every few years to maintain its appearance and protect it from excess wear.
Grind and seal concrete can be used outdoors as well as indoors. It involves a clear coating of polyurethane or epoxy being applied to the concrete after grinding. The result looks similar to the mechanically polished concrete – but the sealing wears off over time and needs to be reapplied every 2 to 3 years.
Also, depending on the number of polishes performed, you end up with matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss polished concrete.
Mechanically polished concrete can be slippery when wet – so, for outdoor use, honed or grind and seal concrete finishes are recommended. While honed concrete has non-slip properties due to its nature, grind and seal concrete can have a special anti-slip component added – and its amount can be tailored for your needs.