Polished concrete floors are a smart, modern choice for commercial, industrial, retail, and even residential settings. Durable, low-maintenance, and highly customizable, this flooring option has surged in popularity due to its clean look and cost-efficiency. Learn more about why polished concrete floors are so popular.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how polished concrete floors are made, why they're such a great choice, and what you need to know if you're considering them for your space.
Polished concrete is created by grinding down a concrete surface with diamond abrasives, then refining it with finer grits to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. The process also includes applying a densifier to harden the surface and a sealer to protect against stains, moisture, and wear.
The result is a sleek, high-performance floor that can mimic the look of marble, granite, or tile - without the maintenance headache. You can explore more on our concrete flooring specialists page.
The process is labour intensive and requires the right tools and expertise. Here's how our experts do it:
The first step is thoroughly cleaning the floor and removing any stains. Stubborn marks may require high-strength cleaning agents, used in well-ventilated areas with protective gear.
After cleaning, we patch any cracks using concrete filler and remove any protruding elements like nails or metal remnants. Learn more about our concrete repair services.
We use MOHS hardness picks to assess the surface. This step determines which grinding discs are appropriate to use, ensuring the best results.
We use industrial grade concrete grinders fitted with diamond-embedded discs. The process begins with coarse grinding to remove imperfections, followed by progressively finer grits for a smooth finish. A spray on densifier is applied mid process to reduce porosity and increase durability. For more information, visit our concrete grinding page.
Once the floor is ground and densified, we switch to polishing pads to achieve the desired finish, from matte to high gloss. Finally, we apply a water or solvent-based sealer to protect against dirt, grease, and moisture, while enhancing the floor’s reflectivity. View our range of floor sealing solutions.
Polished concrete floors are ideal for shopping centres, hotels, offices, and airports. Their light-reflective properties improve brightness and reduce energy costs while maintaining a clean, professional appearance.
In homes, polished concrete is increasingly used in kitchens, living areas, and basements. It’s durable, allergy-friendly, and works well with underfloor heating.
With proper care, a polished concrete floor can last over 20 years. Regular cleaning, avoiding harsh chemicals, and periodic re-polishing will keep the surface in great condition for decades.
Yes. Acid-based or water-based stains can be applied to achieve a wide range of colours and effects, giving you more design flexibility to match your aesthetic preferences.
Polished concrete is a high-performance, stylish solution for both homes and businesses. It’s tough, attractive, and easier to maintain than most traditional floors.
To find out more about creating a durable and visually appealing polished concrete floor in your commercial, industrial or residential property, please get in touch with our team today or call us on 01590 676 585.