Category Archives: Residential

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramic wear. The craftsman would fix the broken pot or cup by filling the cracks with sap resin and gold powder. Inspired by Kintsugi, we recently created a gold crack concrete repair on a polished concrete floor. This has had the effect turning a flaw into a unique feature.

Gold Crack Concrete Repair

The philosophy behind kintsugi (golden joinery) is to accept damage as part of the history of an object, instead of treating it as a problem to be hidden. The same approach can be taken to polished concrete. This floor developed cracks over time. Instead of trying to match the colour of the floor the owner chose to have them filled with gold. However close to the floor colour a repair is, it will always remain visible to some degree.

Concrete is made from natural materials, including sand, aggregate and water, so its makeup changes over time as the water is released. Methods such as mesh, fibres and control joints can be used to reduce the chance of cracks forming, but it remains a risk. Normally we would use a filler to conceal the cracks as much as possible. The kintsugi style repairs are an option for customers who want to opt for a more dramatic statement. It works especially well in uncluttered spaces where the floor contributes significantly to the room’s appearance.

A gold crack concrete repair will look striking on any floor. Here we have installed the repairs on a floor with a rustic finish, so they introduced a sharp contrast to the rest of the room. On a variable or fully exposed concrete floor the effect would be quite different. We are enthusiastic about concrete. It is exciting to find new techniques we can use to develop both new and existing floors.

While cracked concrete may be seen as a problem, it is a part of the floor. Whether you wish to conceal cracks or whether you see them as a part of the story of your floor, Concrete Polishing can help.

Polished concrete floors are now a feature in homes across the UK. Ideal for contemporary homes, classic interiors can also benefit from the introduction of polished concrete. Many people, however, are unclear about how the polished effect is achieved.

Concrete is mixture of sand, cement, aggregate and water. The reaction between the water and the cement creates the dense, hard substance present in almost every building. Using a specialist grinding and polishing machine concrete can be refined. The process is similar to sanding wood, where finer grit sandpaper is used to develop a smooth finish.

Instead of sandpaper, diamond grit is used to grind and polish the concrete. Diamond grit is a by-product from the jewellery industry, hard enough to refine concrete. Once the grinding stage is complete, a densifying agent is spread across the floor. This reacts with the concrete, making the surface harder. When the floor has been densified, the concrete is strong enough to be polished. This process again uses diamond grit to improve the surface. Each pass uses a finer grit to create a flat, gloss finish.

Once the desired level of shine has been achieved the floor can be sealed. On properly prepared polished concrete, it is the refining of the floor which creates the shine. A sealer is applied to protect the floor against liquids and dirt.

Why Do Some Concrete Floors Look So Different to Others?

The appearance of a polished concrete floor can vary a great deal. The biggest choice is how much grinding is performed. Grinding deeper into the floor will expose the aggregates in the concrete. The deeper the grind, the larger the area of the aggregates exposed will be. With little to no grinding, a rustic finish can be achieved. This is often seen in new builds, extensions and contemporary interiors. Existing concrete floors can be polished, or new floors can be placed specifically for polishing.

How Much Does Polished Concrete Cost?

Once the mechanics of concrete polishing are explained, this is normally the next question. Both polishing and placing concrete is highly dependent on the details of the project. Costs need to be calculated on a case-by-case basis. If you are considering polished concrete in your home or business, you can use the form at the bottom of the page to request a quote. This is a free service and will not place you under any obligation. Alternatively, you can call or email us to discuss your project in greater detail.

While polished concrete floors are becoming more and more popular, polished concrete stairs are less often seen. Properly installed and polished, a concrete staircase can transform the look of a building. Split level spaces can be made to look great by connecting the polished concrete floor to the upper level in a seamless way.

To install a concrete staircase formwork is created to pour the concrete into. Once the concrete has begun to harden, the surfaces are hand trowelled. This continues the surface appearance seen on the floor. After a period of curing time the stairs can be polished at the same time as the floor.

These pictures were taken at a residential property where we installed polished concrete stairs. The form of the steps is mirrored on the reverse of the staircase. Low level lighting was installed on both side walls. This helps to create layers of light which refract off the polished surface of the staircase.

Polished concrete stairs are an impressive architectural feature. They provide a focus for rooms and add to the modern aesthetic concrete creates. They are an investment of time and money, though, and should be added to architectural plans at a very early stage.

A staircase can be built into a wide variety of shapes, including curves and corners. It is suitable for residential or commercial buildings, provided there is enough space to accommodate it. Before it is decided upon, we suggest that any clients ask their architects or designers to provide them with 3d renderings of how the building will look.

A polished concrete staircase can help to transform a building into a modern, dramatic space with immediate visual impact. If you, or your client, are interested in polished concrete stairs as part of your project please contact us for more information.