Polished Concrete is mechanically treated concrete, treated with diamond grinding tools. Typically polished concrete is defined as treated with 800 grit up to 3000 grit level, (anything around below 400 grit is not technically considered polishing). Grinding tools are progressive pads building to the desired polish level. Polishing often includes using liquid hardeners and/or densifiers to add durability and serviceability to the surface. Colors and dyes can be used in conjunction with the polished system to further enhance the aesthetics. Some other methods to meet client desires for a polished concrete look depend on the existing concrete profile.

Polished concrete is not to be confused with “stained” concrete, “epoxy” concrete, “terrazzo” concrete or “sealed” concrete. Sealers or epoxies are applied over plain concrete or stained concrete which can produce a flat finish or a high gloss finish.

Polished concrete is actually changing the surface of the concrete physically by using pads, grits and buffing materials to achieve the finish mechanically.

Polishing Benefits

• A sustainable design flooring option
• Uses materials already present
• Eliminates the energy and additional materials to apply other flooring options such as carpet, wood, tiles etc.
• Low maintenance
• More durable and easier to clean than many other flooring options.
• Reduces the opportunity for dust and dust mites for asthma and allergy suffers.
• Improves natural lighting with the reflective surface bouncing light around the room.
• Potentially reduces the need for additional interior lighting
• Hard wearing surface has less opportunity for chipping, denting and wear and tear
• Cleaner, healthier atmosphere for restaurants, hospitals and medical clinics, etc.

Types

• New (construction of a new floor can have a huge effect on the final polished product).
• Retrofit (either with an overlay that is polished or by “cutting” and sanding the existing floor)