How much do polished concrete floors cost?

Wondering about polished concrete floors cost? Generally, polished concrete floors price per square metre ranges between $50 and $100. The average price for concrete polishing in a residential space in Australia is about $2,500.

These prices are indicative and can vary based on different factors such as location, project complexity, type of concrete finish, and any additional services you may require.

Residential polished concrete floors have gained immense popularity in recent years, thanks to their sleek and modern aesthetic appeal, as well as their durability and easy maintenance. If you’re considering this stylish flooring option for your home or commercial space, one crucial aspect to consider is the cost.

Understanding the expenses involved in installing polished concrete floors is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions. In this cost guide, we explore:

• The difference between concrete floor polishing, grind and seal and honed methods
• How much do polished concrete floors cost?
• What factors affect the cost of polished concrete flooring?
• How to get quotes from concrete polishing experts, and more.

Want to find a concrete grinding expert in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

Different concrete polishing methods

Here are three different approaches to concrete polishing, ranging from the most affordable to the most resilient and long-lasting options:

Grind and seal

One popular alternative to polished concrete is the grind and seal method. In this method, the concrete substrate is meticulously ground back, typically to a grit level of 200 to 400, and then coated with either a polyurethane or epoxy topical coating.

Opting for a grind and seal approach offers several advantages compared to polished concrete:

• Requires less labor, making it a time-efficient option
• Offers higher abrasion resistance compared to polished concrete
• More cost-effective, often priced at around half that of polished concrete
• Low maintenance
• Provides a completely non-porous surface, preventing the harboring of bacteria.

Many people confuse polished concrete with floors featuring a high gloss sealer applied to a ground concrete slab. However, usually what they’ve observed is a grind and seal method. This is very different from genuine polished concrete.

You might like: How much does epoxy flooring cost?

Honed concrete

Another option similar to grind and seal is honed concrete. Honed concrete is achieved by using finer grit abrasives (ranging from 100 to 400 grit) to create a matte surface that can offer varying levels of sheen, from low to medium or high. To enhance its durability, penetrating sealers like silicates, siloxanes, and silanes can be applied, forming a chemical barrier that protects the concrete from chemicals and moisture.

Polished concrete

Polished concrete is also known as “mechanical polish”. A significant portion of existing concrete slabs lack the necessary strength to achieve this desired high-gloss, exposed-aggregate appearance so it’s more suitable for new homes and commercial areas.

Polished concrete stands out as a robust solution for handling heavy foot traffic due to its unique composition. By using a specialised chemical hardener or densifier that triggers a chemical reaction within the concrete, it increases its durability and sustainability.

The surface refinement process involves meticulous treatment with ultra-fine grit abrasives (800, 1500, or 3000) resulting in a desired smooth and lustrous appearance. Remarkably, one of the most appealing aspects of a mechanically polished concrete floor is its long-lasting nature, eliminating the need to repolish, and surpassing other methods in longevity.

You might like: How much does concreting cost?

Polished concrete floors cost

If you’re exploring the cost of polished concrete floors in Australia, several factors come into play. The price range can vary significantly depending on the level of finish and the complexity of the project. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere between $50 and $100 per square metre.

Polished concrete floors price per square metre

• Grind and seal polished concrete: Around $50 per square meter.
• Honed concrete: Approximately $75 per square meter.
• Mechanically polished floors: $100 or more per square meter.

Want to find a concrete polishing company in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

Factors affecting the cost of polished concrete floors

There are many different factors that affect polished concrete floor cost, from the area size to the polishing technique. Not all polished concrete floors are the same, so you will need quotes from local concrete floor technicians for the most accurate prices for your job.

Here are some of the other factors that affect the cost of polished concrete floors:

• Ease of access: The accessibility of the concrete floor will make the job less expensive.
• Room size: Smaller floors tend to have higher costs due to increased detail and setup time. There may be equipment limitations, and additional manual labor may be required.
• Room shape: Concrete floors with square or rectangular shapes generally have lower costs compared to sloping or curved floors.
• Floor condition: Older or rough concrete floors may need more repairs before polishing, which can increase costs.
• Polished concrete type: The chosen method of polishing, whether it’s grind and seal, honed, or mechanically polished.
• Polish level: The desired finish, such as low lustre or matte versus medium or high gloss, affects the overall expense.
• Concrete design: Elements like exposed aggregate, patterns, or unique colors incorporated into the concrete can influence the cost of the polishing project.

You might like: How much does timber floor sanding and polishing cost?

How to polish concrete floors

Concrete polishing involves specialised machinery. The grind and seal method is the most cost-effective option as it requires fewer grits. For mechanically polished concrete, progressively finer grits of diamond or silicon “sandpaper” are necessary to achieve the desired level of gloss, making it a more expensive process. Even for grind and seal, at least two grades of sandpaper are typically used.

The large size of the main polishing machine means that often additional machines are required to access corners and other hard-to-reach areas.

You might like: How much does concrete cutting cost?

How to clean polished concrete floors

Cleaning polished concrete floors is pretty straightforward. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose debris. Next, mop the floor with a pH-neutral cleaner, avoiding abrasive materials. For stains, use a mild concrete cleaner and gently scrub the affected area. Ensure the floor is thoroughly dried to prevent water spots.

Regular maintenance, including reapplying a sealer or polish, helps maintain the floor’s condition. Follow manufacturer guidelines or consult a professional for specific cleaning and maintenance instructions.

You might like: How much does a tiler cost?

Get quotes from concrete polishing experts

If you’re seeking polished concrete services, obtain multiple quotes from local concreters or concrete grinding companies and compare them diligently. Ensure you select a reputable and reliable company known for delivering quality work. Its important to choose an experienced service provider with a track record of successful projects and years of expertise.

Request to see examples of their work’, references, and find out about any warranties they offer. Prioritising the best finish over the cheapest option will likely lead to greater satisfaction with the results.

Want to find a concrete polishing company in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.