Polished Concrete Frequently Asked Questions
Polished concrete is a mechanically refined concrete flooring surface. Industrial grade diamond tooling is used to create a smooth and reflective finish.
During the polishing process, we use chemicals called densifiers which react with the concrete to harden it and make it denser. This makes it stronger, more resistant to wear, and easier to clean. Polished concrete can handle extreme weight, heavy foot traffic, furniture, vehicles, spills, and daily wear and tear.
No. Sealed concrete involves applying a coating that sits on top of the concrete surface. Polished concrete is refined through mechanical grinding and polishing that enhances the natural strength and beauty of the concrete itself.
Yes, for the most part. Although polished concrete increases the stain resistance of untreated concrete, it is not completely immune to industrial stains such as acid or oil-based spills. However, a penetrating sealer can be added to increase stain resistance when used in high spill areas.
10-20+ years with the low end being in industrial facilities with extreme wear.
Yes. Polished concrete is one of the easiest type of flooring to maintain. You never need to wax, strip or recoat anything. Because of the smooth, glossy surface, dust and dirt do not adhere to the surface. The only cleaning required is a sweep and damp mop. Autoscrubbers can be used to keep surface looking fresh longer on high traffic floors.
This is a common question because of the glossy look of polished concrete. However, it is no more slippery than tile or hardwood. In cases where safety is paramount and slipping is a concern, there are even anti-slip sealers that can be added to make it more slip resistant.
This is highly variable and dependent on concrete condition, hardness, how many walls and corners present, and size of project. Even small projects typically take at least 2 days to complete. A large industrial space with many concrete imperfections to repair could take weeks. Because of our experience in the field, we can give you a good idea as to how long you can expect your project to take, once we have the details.
Polished concrete floors are becoming a popular choice for high-end retailers and high traffic commercial spaces alike. They’re used in Apple stores, Walmart, retail pharmacies, Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, designer boutiques, and many high-end car showrooms.
Polished concrete is eco-friendly, as it uses existing flooring materials without adhesives or coatings, and enhances the flooring that's already installed with minimal environmental impact. Polished concrete is also aesthetically pleasing and customizable. You can add stains and dyes for color variations, and choose different levels of aggregate exposure and gloss to create the perfect look for your space. We can even do samples of different options in your space for you to decide what look suits you best. Polished concrete is also fire and extreme temperature-resistant, making it an ideal choice for spaces where fire safety may be a concern.