FAQ

The concrete polishing process can be different with each concrete floor, but it does have a general process despite this. First, your floor will be inspected for damage, such as cracks, holes, and chips. Any damage that’s found will need to be repaired prior to polishing. If your concrete has any existing coatings or paints, they’ll need to be removed next. Once this is finished, we can begin the grinding and honing process. The amount of grinding will depend on the level of sheen that you want your floor to have. After the grinding is completed, chemical gardeners are applied to the concrete to make the surface denser. Finally, the polishing process can begin. The amount of polishing will also depend on the sheen that you desire. Depending on the state of your concrete, some of these steps may vary.

The lifespan of a polished concrete floor is one of the main reasons that more people are switching to this flooring option. As polished concrete is highly resistant and durable, it can last for more than two decades! So long as they are installed by professionals with the correct equipment and properly maintained over the years, these floors will easily meet this lifespan.

Concrete polishing can bring many different benefits to any space. Some of the most notable benefits are as follows:

• Cost-efficient – The low maintenance afforded by this flooring option will save home and business owners time and money over the years. Unlike other flooring systems, polished concrete doesn’t cost much at all to maintain.
• Longevity – When properly installed and maintained, polished concrete floors will last well over 20 years.
• Appearance – With the limitless design options available to polished concrete, these floors can be installed in a variety of colors and patterns to make your space more beautiful.
• Durability – Polished concrete is a remarkably durable flooring system that will not be damaged from high foot traffic, impacts, or abrasions.
• Resistance – These floors are highly resistant to various chemicals and water thanks to the non-porous surface. This also prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria!

Unfortunately, not every concrete floor can be polished. Before the polishing process can start, your concrete will need to be inspected for damage. Simple cracks and surface damage can easily be repaired. However, if there is extensive damage to the existing concrete or if the structural integrity of the slab is compromised, a different approach may be necessary. The good news is, the majority of damaged concrete floors can still be repaired and polished.

A common misunderstanding with concrete polishing is that it has to be performed on standard, gray concrete. Actually, polished concrete is highly customizable with an assortment of colors and patterns possible. With new concrete, integral color can be mixed in during the pouring process. We can also stain new or existing concrete to create a polished concrete floor that matches any design scheme. There are two types of stains that we can use, water-based and acid-based. Water-based stains are available in many vibrant colors. Acid-based stains are used to create mottled effects with earth tones. Concrete dye is another option for customizing polished concrete. We can use it to create a wide range of effects, such as translucent and marbled floors, as it reacts chemically with the concrete.

The maintenance of polished concrete floors is quite simple. To keep your new floor looking and performing beautifully, it’s recommended to dust mop on a daily basis to remove dirt and grit from the floor’s surface to prevent scratching over time. Wet mopping is recommended on an “as needed” basis. Be sure to use a neutral-pH cleaner and avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners as they can dull the shine on the floor. Always use clean water to mop up the cleaning solution to avoid leaving a film on the floor’s surface. Polished concrete is resistant to staining, though we suggest cleaning up spills as they occur to lower the chance of stains.

Polished concrete is no more slippery than regular concrete. It’s possible for a polished concrete floor to become somewhat slippery if it’s wet. If slip resistance is a concern for your space or if it will be exposed to wet conditions on a regular basis, we do have non-skid additives that can be incorporated into your floor to make it more slip-resistant. In most cases, this isn’t necessary as polished concrete is naturally slip-resistant.

Every project is different and there are several factors that go into calculating the cost of concrete polishing. Some of these factors include the size of your floor, the level of sheen, and the extent of repairs. In most cases, the larger the area, the less the price per square foot will be. Without knowing the conditions of your project, the average concrete polishing job will cost between $3 and $12 per square foot. For more pricing information, give us a call to receive a free estimate!

This all depends on the severity of the stain in question. Concrete polishing can remove some stains entirely through the grinding and polishing process. However, deep, set-in stains may not be fully removed during this process. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they will remain unchanged though. Many stains can still be lessened by the concrete polishing process. It’s best to keep in mind that every stain is different and will react differently to the process.

Several factors should be kept in mind when determining how long a concrete polishing project will take. The size of the project, the level of sheen, and the condition of the existing concrete will all play a role in the amount of time needed. On average, the typical concrete polishing job will take roughly 2 to 3 days to complete. However, you can immediately use your new floor after the polishing is finished.