How Much Do Polished Concrete Floors Cost?

Polished concrete floors, though a relatively recent trend, have roots in the longstanding use of concrete. Since the first polished concrete floors were introduced in Australia around 1991, they have become a popular choice for both homes and workplaces. Polished concrete offers a unique and stylish look with minimal maintenance requirements. However, many people wonder, how much do polished concrete floors cost? Explore this detailed guide on polished concrete flooring costs to find out more.

What Is A Polished Concrete Floor?

The process of mechanically grinding and polishing a concrete surface to produce a glossy, smooth surface is known as polished concrete floors. This procedure turns ordinary concrete into a long-lasting, glossy surface that looks like polished stone, adding to its aesthetic appeal and usefulness. You may experience many benefits of having polished concrete floors.

• Strength and Lifespan: Because polished concrete is so strong and durable, it can withstand a lot of wear, impact, and foot traffic. Because of this, it is perfect for home and business use and requires little upkeep over a long period.


• Low Maintenance: Concrete floors are simple to keep and clean after they have been polished. Unlike other floor varieties, they only need to be swept frequently and occasionally mopped. They also don't require waxing or sealing.


• Cost-Effective: Economical Polished concrete is an affordable flooring choice, particularly for areas where the current concrete slab may be used. The durability and low maintenance requirements also achieve long-term savings, as replacement and repair expenses are negligible.


• Environmentally Friendly: Polished concrete eliminates the need for extra materials like carpet or hardwood because it utilises the existing slab. The process also improves energy efficiency. It works by reflecting light, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and assisting in better controlling indoor temperature.

Polished concrete floors look sleek and modern. They also provide practical benefits for both home and office settings. So, try them and enhance the appearance of your property on a low budget.

What is the Concrete Floor Polishing Cost?

Polished concrete floors typically cost between $50 and $65 per square meter, whereas a full floor costs around $2,500 on average. Prices for various polishing methods and techniques may vary.

Several variables can affect the Concrete Floor Polishing Cost, such as:

• Size: Because smaller spaces take more setup time and detail work than bigger spaces, smaller spaces will cost proportionately more than larger spaces.


• Condition Of The Floor: Before evaluating the concrete floor polishing cost, it is important to evaluate the condition of the floor. hence, look for rough or cracked surfaces that will need more effort to fix.


• Type Of Concrete Finishing: The concrete finishes that are polished to reveal exposed aggregate (pebblecrete) or that are coloured, stamped, or stencilled might be more expensive. The three types of polishing that are used—mechanical, honing, and grind and seal—have varying pricing points.


• The Amount Of Polishing Required: Powder-coated polished concrete floors are more expensive than matte-finished ones.


• Access: It refers to how simple it is for personnel and machinery to reach the floor.

Before you begin construction on a new home, contact concrete grinding services. They can polish the flooring before the frame is constructed. This can reduce the total Concrete Floor Polishing Cost by removing the need for excessive detail work.

How Much Do Polished Concrete Floors Cost in Renovation Projects?

In remodelling projects, polished concrete floors usually cost between $3 and $8 per square foot. This may depend on many criteria, such as the state of the original concrete, the desired level of polish, and any decorative additions (like dyes or stains). The cost of a basic polish with little grinding will be reduced, but repairs, high-gloss finishes, and detailed designs might raise the price. The cost per square foot for sophisticated projects could reach $10 or higher. Although polished concrete requires a larger initial expenditure, it is a durable and low-maintenance alternative that frequently lowers overall long-term costs.

Concrete Polishing Types

There are three methods for polishing concrete, and each has an associated cost:

• Grind and Seal: This method of Concrete Floor Polishing Costs less. The aggregate is exposed during the grinding process if the aggregate is introduced. Polishing the concrete is still required even if the aggregate is not utilized. The floor is then sealed with a non-penetrating sealer to give it a glossy appearance. Around $50 is spent per square meter on concrete grinding and sealing.


• Honed Concrete: Similar to grind and seal, but with the application of a penetrating sealant, is called honing concrete. The price of polished concrete is about $75 per square meter.


• Mechanically Polished Concrete: The priciest alternative is mechanically polished concrete, which costs around $100 per square meter. The floor has a glossy appearance thanks to many grades of professional sandpaper. After being applied, a densifier interacts chemically with the concrete. The procedure may take a while.

In a residence, concrete that has been sealed and ground has to be refinished every five to ten years. After removing the non-penetrating sealer, a fresh coat is applied. Mechanically polished concrete will endure significantly longer than concrete that has been ground and sealed. For heavy traffic areas, mechanically polished concrete floors are therefore perfect.

Concrete Polishing Procedure

Regardless of the technique, concrete polishing calls for specialized equipment. The least expensive method is grind and seal as less grit is required. Because mechanically polished concrete requires progressively finer grit of concrete to get the desired gloss level, the cost is higher.

Anything less than diamond or silicon "sandpaper" won't survive very long. At least two grades of sandpaper are needed for the grind and seal process as well. Many more grits are required to get a mechanically polished surface. Additional machines are required in locations where the machine used for the majority of the floor is too big and unable to reach corners.

Impacts Of Polished Concrete

When polished to a matte, satin, or high gloss finish, swirls, and various hues of grey may be seen in even plain concrete, making it seem gorgeous. Polished concrete need not be boring, either. For various purposes, the concrete can also be coloured or have aggregate added. The Concrete Floor Polishing Cost increases as a result.

• Colour is added to a polished concrete floor using aggregate. For a gorgeous-looking floor, different types of aggregate will have varied colours or a blend of colours. To provide a more consistent floor, the concrete itself can also be coloured.


• Polished concrete floors can be customised with patterns. The pricing depends on how intricate the design is. A competent concreter may make practically any design by combining different coloured concrete or aggregate in one place and coloured concrete or a different colour of aggregate in another. However, a basic pattern on Concrete Floor Polishing Cost, price is less expensive than a more complicated one.

Concrete sealers come in high gloss, satin, and matte finishes. The grit chosen will determine the gloss level if the floor is mechanically polished. Because more effort is required, high gloss polished concrete floors are more expensive.

How Many Days After Concreting Floors Are Polished?

After the concrete is poured, polished concrete floors are usually polished seven to twenty-eight days later. Because polishing cannot start until the concrete has completely set and hardened, the exact timing is dependent on the curing process. It is possible to begin polishing as early as seven days for a lighter finish. But waiting the full 28 days for a higher gloss finish ensures better durability and a smoother surface. Hastily completing the process before the concrete has had enough time to cure can result in uneven surfaces or weakened concrete.

Receiving Concrete Floor Polishing Cost Quotation

Request quotations from local concreters or concrete grinding services, evaluate them carefully, and select a reliable business you can trust to finish the task well. Flooring professionals should have years of experience and be able to provide samples of their work.

You should strive for the greatest finish rather than the least expensive one since a polished concrete floor will last for the duration that you own your house. Select a reliable concrete grinding company that can give you recommendations and has a warranty. Even though it will cost more, the outcome will satisfy you more.

Conclusion

Polished concrete floors are a visually appealing, long-lasting, and reasonably priced flooring choice for homes and businesses. You will see that they have a sleek and contemporary appearance. You can also experience long-lasting function even with minimal maintenance. Renovation with polished concrete may give you many benefits. This may ensure the best results in your home on a low budget.