what is Polished Concrete Floor

Polished concrete is very similar to standard concrete in that chemical densifiers are added to fill holes to give a dense, durable matrix. The surface is then ground with diamond polishing tools to achieve the desired smoothness, shine and finish.

The polished concrete flooring trend has been around for quite some time, but it’s finally come into the mainstream, and it’s taking people by storm. However here in the real world, a polished concrete floor is often just a pipedream. It can be horrendously expensive to install and a little tricky to maintain. Here are some tips for how to keep your concrete polished

 

⇒Advantages of polished concrete floor

• The stone style almost looks like marble
• Low maintenance
• Easy to clean
• Extremely durable
• Can provide a smooth look between inside and outside
• Ideal for ground floor heating
• Absorbs and retains heat.
• Available in a range of colors to compliment used combinations.
• Non-slip surface

 

⇒Protect

A polished concrete floor is a fantastic, low-maintenance way to brighten up your home. However, it’s prone to scratches, stains, and cracks.

⇒Maintain

As great as a polished concrete floor can look, it takes a bit of work to keep it looking its best. 

⇒Polish with Acrylic Sealer

Sealer is a liquid that you can apply over your  floor. As well as providing protection, it gives your floor a beautiful shine. This isn’t a cheap option, though. It will cost around $20 to $50 per gallon and will need several coats to completely cover your floor. You should also be aware that the sealer needs regular reapplication – at least every six months, but preferably once every two or three months to protect your home floor from staining and dirt build-up.

Don’t Forget About Sealing The Edges

One of the best ways to ensure your polished concrete floor lasts for years is to make sure that you properly seal it. Just like any other type of flooring, polished concrete needs to be protected with a sealant. Fortunately, sealing a concrete floor is easy and cheap when you follow these simple instructions.

Polished Concrete Floors Worth the Cost?

The cost will depend on what type of finishing you need, as well as the amount of preparation before laying the concrete. As a guide, a new polished concrete floor, poured, finished, and sealed, will cost £ 120-150 per m².

As a flooring material, concrete is anything but popular. Not only does it take quite a bit of effort to make your polished concrete floor look great, it can also be very expensive to put in. Is polished concrete really worth all that time and money? Definitely not. This is why I’m going to give you a few tips on how to keep your new concrete floor looking amazing without breaking (too much) of sweat or going bankrupt in the process. Let’s get started!

polished concrete flooring types

It’s a question that’s been asked for years: is polished concrete flooring better than hardwood? This can be a tricky question to answer, and it depends on your requirements. What makes polished concrete flooring different from most other types of floors is that it won’t scratch or warp. It does not absorb liquids and can be buffed to a high gloss for an incredibly durable finish.

polished concrete kitchen floor

Getting a polished concrete floor installed isn’t something you just go ahead and do without planning. But that’s not to say it needs to cost an arm and a leg, either. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your own polished concrete flooring project, from identifying if your home is suitable to finding installers who know what they’re doing.