What is Polished Concrete?

A full mechanically polished concrete floor utilizes the existing concrete slab as the finished floor for a cost effective, long term flooring solution. This beautiful, deep, rich luster and highly reflective finished floor is achieved by a process using industrial concrete grinders and diamond tooling. They will prepare, grind, hone and polish the surface of the concrete in order to flatten and close the pores, leaving a beautiful gloss concrete floor.

Why would I consider polished concrete floors?

Polished concrete floors offer great long term value. This type of flooring is completely green; in educational, government, commercial and industrial facilities it will help towards your “LEED” points. Polished concrete is beautiful and lasts a long time with very little maintenance. In addition to the benefits above, you can also stain it,logo it or add a patterned design, creating beauty and depth to the floor.

Advantages of Polished Concrete

Gorgeous ​

Mechanical concrete polishing dramatically enhances new or existing concrete by increasing the reflectivity, or the shine of the concrete, producing a brilliant glass-like luster.

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The Floor is Strengthened​

Concrete densifications, sealing, and polishing have demonstrated to increase wear resistance and fortify the concrete from within.

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The Floor is Repaired​

Beat up, uneven or weathered slabs can be repaired with joint and surface crack repair.

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A Breathable Surface​

The most significant reason concrete coatings fail is due to hydrostatic pressure building up under the coating. Polished concrete can breath, allowing moisture to escape while not allowing salts to form, increasing surface spill resistance.

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Durable​

Unlike epoxy, paint and other surface coatings that can wear off, your concrete is the wear surface, which is extremely durable. If needed, polished concrete can be refurbished for a fraction of the original time and investment.

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Cost Effective​

Generally, the installation cost for polished concrete is less than other concrete coating systems and they typically won’t delaminate, crack, fade, stain, yellow or wear out.​ Moisture / Mold Resistant​ Polished concrete breathes, eliminating the moisture-related issues that come with carpet, coatings and epoxy.

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Less Maintenance​

Polished concrete floors require minimal maintenance. No more waxes or coatings requiring labor, time and material expense to maintain. Additionally, polished concrete can be resistant to marks left by forklift tires and fluid staining.

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Environmentally Friendly​

The polishing process is mechanical and almost dust-free and water-free surface preparation system​ using water-based, odorless, zero VOC chemicals.

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LEED certified​

Polished concrete contributes towards LEED credits.

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High Light Reflectivity / Energy Savings​

The increased shine, also increases the reflectivity of the surface which will brighten your space and​ save on energy costs by reducing the amount of artificial lighting.

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Safe Floor​

A polished concrete floor will have a coefficient of friction meeting or exceeding national standards.

Polished Concrete Finishing Options

Polished concrete can be finished with 4 different classes / surfaces and 4 different finishes / levels.

Classes

Finishes

Processing a concrete floor surface to achieve a specified level of finishes prior to application of any protective treatment; Flat (Ground), Satin (honed), Semi-Gloss, and Highly Polished are measured in reflective clarity (DOI), and reflective sheen (specular gloss). Finished Gloss is classified as levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 with varying degrees of reflective clarity, and sheen.