There is nothing quite as refined and modern as gorgeous polished concrete floors. If you love a sleek and sophisticated look paired with a hard-wearing floor – polished concrete could be the answer.

If you’re looking for a new flooring option for a home or considering renovating an existing property, polished concrete offers plenty of benefits for your property.

In this article, we explore the pros and cons of polished concrete so you can make an informed decision on this popular floor material.

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What’s the process for polished concrete floors?

To make a floor into polished concrete one, there is a little bit of a process that is carried out by a flooring expert.

As a starting point, the floors will be mechanically ground, honed and polished with a range of abrasives to get the floor surface ready.

Once this is done, then the flooring is refined layer after layer until the perfect finish is created.

The flooring ranges based on the material in the flooring and the entire process can take up to 2 to 3 days.

Unlike other types of flooring, you can walk on these immediately after the floors are cut and polished, allowing you the comfort of your new flooring without the annoying wait (like timber floors and tiles).

No matter the age of the concrete, most floors can be polished and enhanced; however, the only way to know if this option is available for you is to contact a professional who can provide an inspection to see if your floors are suitable.

Floors made from polished concrete generally need to be repolished every 2 years on average. Your installer can provide the necessary information on upkeep and maintenance to ensure you are across the ongoing care of your flooring.

Polished concrete floors pros and cons

The polished floor is up to your personal taste, however, if you need a little help deciding if it is right for you then read on.

Pros

• Durable material – you can’t get more durable than concrete. If you are looking for a strong floor that will stand the test of time, concrete is an amazing option. You will find it difficult to dent or scratch a polished concrete, and it withstands heavy foot traffic, making it great for residential and commercial purposes.
• Cost-effective – updating your floors to polished concrete is quite affordable compared to other flooring options. Often starting well under $50 per square meter, you can create the perfect look for a fraction of the price of other flooring options.
• Clean and chemical resistant – if you want to make sure your property is spick and span, then this is for you. It gives great peace of mind that the floors can be kept clean and tidy without the worry of chemicals eating away at your flooring when you want to keep floors clean.

Cons

• Floors can be super hard – this is quite obvious, however, if you are searching for a cushion under your feet, polished concrete can’t do that.
• They can be loud – polished concrete floor will make sound travel, so if you are looking for flooring that will reduce noise, polished concrete is not a great option either.
• Cold and don’t retain heat – while the material in polished concrete is great for the look of your property, they can make a space quite cold. They don’t retain heat very well, so if you are in a climate that gets really cool, this might mean your heating costs in winter will be higher.

Why should I install polished concrete floors?

This type of floors is durable and cool, making it perfect for the Australian climate. As well as the comfort factor for cooling, the flooring is also long-lasting, compared to wooden floors that can get easily damaged and dented – ideal for families.

If you are looking for a functional, hard-wearing and stylish flooring, polished concrete is an excellent choice.

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How much should I expect to pay for polished concrete floors?

The cost will always vary based on each and every case, however, on average you can expect to pay anything from $40 to $70 per square meter for polished concrete.

As a guide, the cost for an average size concrete floor is around $1,000 for a 20 square meter room. So, if you have a space that you want to have polished concrete floors throughout, you will need to count the number of rooms to get an estimate.

Polished concrete floor colours

You can create a polished concrete look to match your style and colour scheme, including aggregate combinations. These include glass and even glow in the dark aggregates in some instances.

Based on the product used, you can create a coloured concrete option that suits your needs and space.

Pigment colour charts are available from most concrete providers and range from beige right through to pink. On top of the colour, a sealer is added to coat the polished concrete and works to seal and create the perfect look on the existing concrete slab.

Coloured concrete polished floors are used in a range of ways and there is a huge variety of colour palates form earthy tones through to vibrant greens.

To find out more about polished concrete options like a coloured concrete, speak with a local polished concrete expert to arrange a consultation and view options to suit your property. Affordable and stylish, polished concrete offers endless possibilities, find out if this fantastic flooring option is for you today.