Polished concrete is in vogue, and it's easy to see why: few flooring options are so timeless, aesthetic, durable, and affordable. Thinking about installing some polished concrete floors at your place? Read on, because we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions we get about polished concrete floors.
Our team at Policrete is Melbourne's leading provider of polished concrete. We can pour and polish concrete floors for homes, commercial hubs, warehouses, workshops — you name it! With a variety of different services on offer, read on to find out more about how e can help with your polished concrete needs.
Is polished concrete expensive?
Polished concrete has become chic and stylish, and is an increasingly popular choice for stylish cafes and boutique retail outlets. However, polished concrete is actually a surprisingly affordable surface. Pricing will depend on a number of different factors, like the size of the surface, the style of the concrete, and the finish being used. Find out more specific information about pricing by getting a free quote from our team.
Can old concrete be polished?
If you're looking to rejuvenate your tired old concrete floors, but don't want to invest in the pouring of an entirely new slab, you're in luck. Pre-existing concrete can usually be ground down and sealed again. This sort of grind and seal finish is a popular choice for a number of reasons:
Because you don't have to wait for a slab of concrete to dry, it's a faster process than pouring new concrete.
With less labour and materials than other flooring styles, this is one of the most affordable flooring types on the market.
It's an easy way to make sad-looking concrete floors vibrant again.
Is polished concrete cheaper than hardwood?
Polished concrete can be comparable in price to hardwood. There are many different factors that can go into establishing the price of a polished concrete floor, and a surface that pulls out all the stops may be more expensive than hardwood floors. However, for those on a budget, there are polished concrete options that will almost always be cheaper than a hardwood floor.
Is polished concrete slippery?
Generally, polished concrete isn't any more slippery than other hard floors. Mechanically polished concrete is resistant to slipperiness to a certain extent, but you're advised to be cautious when the surface is wet.
For concrete that is likely to be wet — like a surface that surrounds a pool — it's possible to leave a rougher surface on the concrete to afford better grip and avoid accidents.
Can you do polished concrete yourself?
Polishing a concrete floor requires special tools that aren't easy to use. Our team goes through extensive training to ensure they can use our concrete polishing tools effectively and safely.
Pouring a flawless concrete slab can be just as difficult. Inexperienced concreters face a sea of troubles when pouring concrete, including structural cracks. If you're planning on pouring and/or polishing a concrete surface, it pays to seek help from the professionals.
How long does it take to polish a concrete floor?
Different concrete surfaces will take different lengths of time to install. Factors include:
Does another surface have to be torn up before work can commence? We offer tile, carpet, and vinyl removal, and this will add to the timeline for polishing concrete.
Is an old surface being ground and sealed? Or does a new concrete slab have to be poured? If the latter is the case, then we'll have to wait for the slab to dry before the polishing process begins.
To get a more precise timeline, contact our team and they'll let you know how long the job is likely to take.
What is the best finish for concrete floors?
The best finish for your concrete floor will depend entirely on the intended purpose of the surface and your personal aesthetic considerations. We offer a range of different finishes for concrete floors, with different looks and functionalities. Don't know where to start? We have a gallery on our website, so you can start looking at different finishes and get an idea of your preferences.
