Residential Concrete Polishing

Polished concrete, also called bonded abrasive polished concrete or mechanically polished concrete (MPC), is an affordable alternative to other floorings. The concrete will be stained, ground, polished, and sealed to create a high-gloss look.

Any new or existing structurally solid concrete floor can be polished. However, existing concrete floors require surface preparation and cleaning before polishing. New concrete floors that will be polished perform better with a thicker pour but don’t require a special mix.

Polished concrete does not need to be sealed, but it may stain and show watermarks easily. Sealing polished concrete provides extra protection, which requires less maintenance over time. Some sealants might also change color with exposure to UV light.

Polished concrete floors last over 20 years or even a lifetime if maintained properly. Polished concrete floors last long if refurbished every 15 years, depending on the age, condition, and environment.

Polished concrete floors are no more slippery than any other hart, flat flooring. Mechanically polished concrete is slip-resistant, however, most flooring options are slippery when wet.

Polished concrete floors are waterproof. During installation, grinding, and sealing create a protective surface that does not absorb water.

Polished concrete flooring is extremely strong and does not chip or scratch easily.

1. Grind the floor with an appropriate level abrasive grinding pad. Go slow, making sure we overlap slightly to avoid bare patches.
2. Fill or repair cracks, holes, or scratches in the floor. The coating must be removed before repairing the floor.
3. Grind with the next level of grit, going from heavy to light. We monitor how much floor surface is being removed and keep your floors level.
4. Continue with the metal bonded discs, using finer and finer grit until you get the concrete to the desired level of smoothness.

There are multiple factors that go into the cost of a polished concrete flooring project. We’ve broken down some of the most common projects and their estimated costs. Read more here.

If you’re still trying to decide if polished concrete is the right choice for your flooring, we can help you decide by comparing other popular flooring choices to polished concrete.

PROS

• Longevity – Can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance
• Withstands wear and pressure, hard to damage or stain, resists tire marks
• Low maintenance – only dusting or wet mopping. No waxing or floor stripping necessary
• Lifecycle costs can be 60% less than on other floors
• Versatility – Numerous colors and design options
• Eco-friendly, LEED-approved materials are available to render and color floor
• Mold and mildew resistant
• Hypoallergenic – prevents the build-up of allergens and reduces the airborne silica present from unpolished concrete
• Increases light in a space up to 100%
• No need to remove the existing floor to lay the desired flooring

CONS

• No shock absorption; whatever falls on it can be damaged or shattered
• Can be uncomfortable and cold to stand on
• Amplifies sound

Read more here.