What is concrete polishing?
Kansas City Concrete polishing is NOT like polishing other floors. You are not just applying a surface polish or coating to a concrete slab.
It’s similar to polishing granite or marble. Specialized equipment using diamond grit, is used to finely grind the surface of the floor. Concrete polishers use different grit levels to achieve different looks in the finished product.
The resulting glossiness comes from the concrete itself – not from adding a shiny liquid coating.
Concrete polishing not only makes your floor look great but also makes it more durable. By increasing the density of the concrete’s molecules, the hardness of your floor nearly doubles during this process.
Who uses polished concrete floor systems?
Polished concrete floors can be seen just about everywhere, including:
- offices
- manufacturing settings
- factories
- big box retail stores
- boutique retail shops
- shopping centers
- warehouses
- airports
- churches
- auditoriums
- and many other types of commercial floors
Polished concrete works exceptionally well in industrial and commercial environments. It provides a durable and long-lasting floor. It holds up well under the high traffic and constant wear of industrial and manufacturing spaces.
It also provides a modern, attractive, professional image for lobbies, offices, and showroom floors.
What are the Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors?
Affordable – concrete is one of the most economical flooring materials per square foot available.
Attractive – The polished surface gives a simple, clean, modern appeal to your floors.
Long Service Life – When a concrete floor is polished, it becomes stronger and heavier – making it an ideal surface for warehouses, garages, and big offices with heavy traffic.
Low Maintenance Cost – Your polished concrete floor will never need waxing, is easy to clean, and is affordable compared to other flooring options.
Versatility – Polished concrete flooring can be installed just about anywhere. It’s well suited for a wide range of flooring applications including warehouses, industrial floors, sales floors, and offices. Anywhere you need highly durable, great-looking floors.
How long does it take to polish concrete?
Depending on the concrete surface, gloss level, and other factors, concrete polishing can take upwards of 2 to 3 days. However, the polished surface can be immediately put into service.
How long do polished concrete floors last?
You can expect your polished concrete to last 5 to 10 years before it needs refinishing.
Depending on your use, you may need to re-apply an industrial sealer every six to twelve months.
What is Aggregate Exposure?
Aggregate Exposure refers to the amount of aggregate (gravel, sand, etc.) that will be exposed at the surface. The amount of exposure is related to how deeply you grind into the surface during the concrete polishing process.
What is the best aggregate floor finish?
Choosing an aggregate exposure is a balance between appearance and function. The “best” finish depends on your particular needs.
Grinding to expose aggregate makes for attractive floors in a commercial space. That same level of exposure may not work as well in a manufacturing or warehouse space.
Below are three common aggregate exposure levels for polished concrete floor finishes.
Is it a good choice for warehouse floors?
Yes. Concrete polishing closes up the pores in the concrete. It also hardens the concrete and increases its density.
Polished floors can withstand traffic from heavy equipment. Resistance to tire marks staining making it a popular choice for warehouses and industrial facilities.
What About Safety?
Even though it looks smooth, polished concrete often provides better slip resistance than unpolished floors.
When wet (from water) it can provide shoe traction than other flooring solutions. (You’ll still want to clean up spills ASAP as a general safety practice.)
Are polished concrete floors stain-proof?
Polished concrete is stain RESISTANT. Not stain proof. You still need to provide proper care to protect your floor and keep it looking beautiful.
Will polished concrete crack?
All concrete floors will crack. Concrete polishing does not make your floor more susceptible (or less) than unpolished concrete. Cracks may be less noticeable on a polished concrete floor.
What is Clarity of Reflection?
Clarity of Reflection refers to the degree of the shine (or level of polish) of your floor.
Think of it as how clearly you can see your reflection when standing on the surface. Floors with a high degree of clarity of reflection also have that “wet” look when viewed from different angles.
Am I stuck with grey concrete?
No. Your concrete installer can use pigments and dyes to provide you with a variety of colors.
Are polished concrete floors waterproof?
Properly polished concrete floors are resistant to water.
If you expect your concrete floor to be regularly exposed to water, then a silicone-based penetrating sealer may be appropriate.
Polished concrete does not rely on sealants to provide its shine.
Can I have polished concrete in bathrooms?
Yes, polished concrete is a great option for bathrooms and locker rooms. Polished concrete offers greater protection against chemicals, moisture, and daily wear and tear than vinyl tile or laminate. Its non-slip surface provides greater safety for your employees, tenants, and visitors.
Is polished concrete hard to take care of?
Ease of maintenance is one of the things that polished concrete flooring such a popular choice.
Routine maintenance involves sweeping and damp mopping is all you need – there’s no need for wax, sealers, or special chemicals.
What is the difference between polishing and burnishing?
Burnishing typically happens after the first or second hour of pouring. High-speed burnishers are used to heat, melt and buff a topical coating into the concrete.
Concrete polishing happens after the concrete is cured. It involves grinding the concrete and actually changes the physical properties of your floor as described above. The result is a smooth and durable surface.
How much does concrete polishing cost?
Concrete is one of the most economical flooring materials available. While each project is unique, you can expect to pay a range of $3 to $12 per square foot to polish a plain gray slab to a luminous gloss.
What should I look for in a concrete polishing service provider?
Selecting the right provider is essential to the success of your project. Here are some questions to ask during your research phase to give you the best chance of making the right selection.
Have they been doing business in your area for at least 5 years? Unfortunately, there are companies in our industry that “disappear” when it’s time to perform maintenance or warranty work.
Are they willing to visit your workspace and help you choose the best options available for your needs? Or do they just want to quote you their “standard” fee based on square footage or blueprints?
Do they have a dedicated concrete polishing team? Or do they have “a guy who can do that”?
Do they have a continuing education program? To keep their technicians informed and trained on the latest materials, tools, and techniques.
Do they have a high employee turnover rate? It’s hard for a concrete polishing service provider to build a team of experts when they have to constantly hire and train new employees.
Are they experienced in working with different types of flooring systems? Concrete flooring solutions have a lot of great applications – but they’re not the solution for every situation. Choose a professional who will help you make the best decision for your business application.
Do you have questions about polished concrete flooring?
Feel free to reach out anytime via our contact form or call 913-322-6200.
