What is Polished Concrete?

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.