Polished concrete floors are everywhere you look. From inner city pads and suburban houses to supermarkets and cafes, the polished concrete aesthetic is ascendant. You might have your heart set on this refined flooring in your home or business. That is, until a quick check for new polished concrete reveals the price.
The good news is that there are many options for achieving the look of polished concrete without the cost. And among these, concrete grinding is the best. It's an easy and affordable way to make your old concrete floors look and feel classy and sophisticated.
The Policrete team is a veteran concrete grinding outfit. We've helped restore countless old concrete floors and transform people's homes and businesses. Read on to find out everything you need to know about concrete grinding.
[content_aside]Policrete can help you out with all your concrete grinding needs. Discover all of our services for new and existing concrete floors.[/content_aside]
What is concrete grinding?
Concrete grinding is the process of grinding rough concrete surfaces down to achieve a smooth, glossy appearance. Using superior Swedish Husqvarna grinders, Policrete removes the upper layers of an existing slab and then applies a finish of your choice, creating a glossy concrete floor that is durable, easily maintained and stain-resistant. The best part? The cost is a fraction of that of a new floor.
What steps are involved in concrete grinding?
There are several steps we follow to carry out concrete grinding. Together they ensure an appealing floor with longevity.
- Our concrete flooring technicians remove imperfections in your existing concrete floor with Husqvarna grinders.
- Special patching materials are used to repair cracks in the concrete.
- If necessary, more concrete grinding is carried out to increase the floor's smoothness.
- The floor is cleaned and readied for sealing. We can add a stain if you'd like.
- We seal the floor with your choice of finish.
There are a variety of sealants and finishes to select form — including high gloss and matte. Chat to our team about what options we can arrange for your floors.
How long does concrete grinding take?
The time concrete grinding takes depends on a number of factors such as:
- shape and size of the area
- any repairs to the concrete that may be required
- preferred level of stone exposure
- degree of desired glossiness
In general, the process almost always takes less than a week. For a precise time frame, get in touch with Policrete.
How much does concrete grinding cost?
There's no set price for concrete grinding since it depends on a number of factors like:
- Whether the site is easily accessible
- If the surface requires repairs beforehand
- How glossy you want the floor to be
Nevertheless, the cost of concrete grinding per square metre is significantly less than the cost of new concrete. Furthermore, it can be considerably more affordable than other flooring types such as carpet, floorboards or tiles. Talk to us about your situation and we can provide a complimentary quote.
Can you grind concrete yourself?
Some construction jobs are easy to do yourself. Concrete grinding is different. Achieving an even, professional and safe concrete grind requires expensive specialty machines that are powerful and heavy. These pose a danger to the untrained operator, as well as potentially damaging your concrete. For your health and safety, DIY concrete grinding is not recommended. It is a task best left to the specially trained professionals at Policrete.
What finishes can I choose after concrete grinding?
When concrete grinding has been completed, and your concrete is smooth and even, it's time for the application of a finish. This will seal the surface and lend it a distinctive look, as well as protecting it from damage. Several seal finishes are available. The one you choose will have a significant impact on the appearance and longevity of your floor. A few of the options include:
- Matte finish: Ideal for industrial environments, a matte finish conceals imperfections within the concrete. As well, dirt won't appear on this finish as easily as on other surfaces. While the raw, natural look of a matte finish suits heavy industry, interiors designers increasingly employ it for hospitality businesses and cutting-edge homes.
- High gloss finish: Lustrous and luxurious, a high gloss finish is elegance manifest. If you're looking to wow visitors to your home or place of business, this will do it. One thing to consider is that it can emphasise flaws in concrete. This might be okay for concrete in excellent condition, but for some concrete it may be unappealing. Policrete technicians will always examine the area and advise you on whether a high gloss finish is appropriate.
- Semi-gloss finish: A touch of class with sturdy durability. For something more luxe than matte and less intense than high-gloss, you can't go past a semi-gloss finish.
- Burnishing: An unusual and totally gorgeous option is a burnished finish. This involves buffed wax applied to concrete, resulting in a sleek concrete floor impervious to damage.
- Grind and seal: Grind and seal involves applying a seal after grinding, with a huge range of available options. You can achieve the glamorous and sophisticated appearance of polished concrete while still being kind to your wallet.
Is concrete grinding necessary if I want carpet or other floor coverings?
We advise everybody redoing their concrete floors to arrange concrete grinding. Old concrete can be rough or uneven. It may have degraded over time or it could have been constructed improperly. Installing flooring on the top of imperfect concrete is a recipe for disaster. To ensure the longevity of any floor coverings it's important to make sure that the concrete beneath is true.
