You’ve probably heard of polished concrete before, but maybe you’re not sure what the process is, how much it costs, how it compares to other flooring types, and what your design options are. Here you’ll find out everything there is to know about polished concrete.
When people hear the word “concrete” they often think of a cold, gray material used in garages the world over. However, with advances in polishing practices, new dyes, stains, aggregates, etc. Concrete has become one of the most popular flooring choices for commercial, industrial, and residential spaces. Not only is it economical and practical, but it can also rival expensive natural stone options for beauty and elegance. Don’t take our word for it! Check out some of our portfolio photos, you will be blown away by all the possibilities polished concrete can offer. But, before that, let´s go over the basics.
What is polished concrete?
The process of polishing concrete is very similar to that of sanding wood. Industrial grinders, with diamond aggregates, are used to grind the concrete down in ever finer grits until it becomes satiny and glossy. The finished product is a smooth, beautiful surface any bit as beautiful as marble or natural stone.
Where can polished concrete be installed?
Polished concrete is a great choice for any residential, commercial, or industrial space. Because it is long-lasting, durable, and resistant to damage from impact, many large warehouses or warehouse outlets use polished concrete. Due to its easy maintenance and anti-stain properties, many hotels, restaurants, and retail stores use polished concrete flooring. Additionally, polished concrete provides a professional reflective shine that can illuminate and flatter any subject. For that reason, many auto showrooms and professionally designed homes utilize polished concrete.
What are my design options?
There are many, many design options available for polished concrete. There is an infinite number of stains and dyes available in every color and shade. You can also add custom detailing, stenciling, or decorative aggregates. Polished concrete is so versatile that if you can imagine it, we can implement it.
What are the benefits?
Polished concrete has many benefits, several were mentioned above. It is known for its durability, accessible cost, and versatility. However, it has many more benefits for residential and commercial spaces.
- Residential spaces: It is cheaper in the short and long run. It is more economical to install than other materials and requires no additional upkeep or maintenance. Ever. All you will need to do is a light dusting or sweep and occasional mopping.
- Commercial spaces: Again, polished concrete is cheap to install and cheap to maintain. It is also highly resistant to damage from heavy traffic, waterproof, spillproof, anti-allergenic, hygienic, and attractive. It´s not often that you can have both quality and aesthetics, but with polished concrete, you get it all.
How much does polished concrete cost?
The costs of polished concrete will vary depending on if you are starting from scratch or retrofitting an existing concrete slab. The costs will also vary by region, the size of your floor, the needed preparation, and the complexity of the design of your project. However, as a rule of thumb, you can expect to pay about $3-12 per square foot. You can expect industrial or larger spaces to be slightly cheaper because larger machines can be used and the project completed more quickly.
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