What is Polished Concrete? What You Should Know About Polished Concrete Floors

What is Polished Concrete? What You Should Know About Polished Concrete Floors

Apr 24, 2022 | Concrete Polishing Tips

industrial concrete

Are you struggling to find a solution for your dull, bare concrete floors? If your home or business has concrete floors, you may be wondering if there’s a way to make them look nicer. You’re in luck because there is – polished concrete!

However, many people are hesitant to invest in polished concrete because they don’t know enough about it. In this article, we’ll dispel some of the myths surrounding polished concrete and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.

What Is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is a type of concrete flooring that has been treated with a chemical densifier and then ground down with progressively finer grinding tools. The result is a smooth, shiny surface that can be left as-is or stained to create any desired look. Polished concrete is also incredibly durable, easy to maintain, and long-lasting – making it an ideal flooring solution for both residential and commercial properties.

Types of Polished Concrete

There are two main types of polished concrete – mechanically polished concrete and chemically polished concrete.

Mechanically polished concrete is achieved by grinding the surface of the concrete with progressively finer grinding tools. This type of polished concrete is typically used for interior flooring because it produces a lower level of shine.

On the other hand, chemically polished concrete uses a chemical densifier to harden the surface of the concrete before it is ground down. This type of polished concrete is often used for exterior flooring because it produces a high-gloss finish.

Where Is Polished Concrete Used?

Polished concrete can be used in both residential and commercial properties. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional flooring options like carpet, tile, and hardwood.

Polished concrete is often used in high-traffic areas because it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It’s also a great choice for flooring in industrial facilities, retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings.

Benefits of Polished Concrete

There are many benefits of polished concrete, which is why it’s such a popular flooring choice. Some of the most notable benefits include:

Durability: Polished concrete is incredibly durable and can withstand a lot of foot traffic.

Easy to Maintain: Polished concrete is easy to clean and doesn’t require any special cleaners or sealants.

Long-lasting: When properly maintained, polished concrete floors can last for decades.

Aesthetically pleasing: Polished concrete can be left as-is for a sleek, modern look or stained to create any desired aesthetic.

Versatile: Polished concrete can be used in both residential and commercial properties.

Affordable: Polished concrete is a more affordable flooring option than many other types of flooring.

Installation Process for Polished Concrete

The installation process for polished concrete is fairly straightforward. The process includes:

Preparing the Surface

Before you can begin polishing the concrete, you need to make sure the surface is clean and free of any dirt, debris, or stains. You may need to use a power washer to remove any stubborn dirt or grime.

Applying a Densifier

Next, you’ll need to apply a chemical densifier to the surface of the concrete. This will help to harden the surface and prepare it for grinding.

Grinding the Concrete

Once the densifier has been applied, you can begin grinding the concrete with progressively finer grinding tools. This will create a smooth, shiny surface.

Applying a Sealant

After the concrete has been ground, you’ll need to apply a sealant to protect it from stains and damage.

Design Options for Polished Concrete

There are many design options available for polished concrete. For example, you can choose to leave the concrete as-is for a sleek, modern look. Or, you can stain the concrete to create any desired aesthetic. Some of the most popular designs are:

Marble: Marble polished concrete features a soft, white color with swirls of gray.

Slate: Slate polished concrete has a dark, rich color with subtle variations.

Terrazzo: Terrazzo polished concrete is a mix of colors and patterns that creates a unique look.

Importance of Using a Licensed Company

Polished concrete is a great flooring option for both residential and commercial properties. However, it’s important to note that polished concrete is not a DIY project.

While the installation process may seem straightforward, there are many potential risks involved in trying to polish concrete yourself. Without the proper experience and equipment, you could end up damaging your concrete floors beyond repair.

That’s why it’s always best to leave polished concrete projects to the professionals. A licensed company will have the experience and expertise needed to get the job done right – ensuring that you’ll be happy with the final results.

Polished concrete is a type of concrete flooring that has been treated with a chemical densifier and ground down to create a smooth, shiny surface. Polished concrete is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional flooring options like carpet, tile, and hardwood.

Polished concrete has many benefits, including durability, easy maintenance, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. However, it’s important to note that polished concrete is not a DIY project. A licensed company should always be used to avoid damaging the floors beyond repair.

If you’re ready to install polished concrete in your home or business, be sure to contact a licensed company today.