What is burnished concrete?
Index
What is burnished concrete?
What is burnished concrete? Burnished concrete is a type of finish achieved by polishing the surface of concrete to create a smooth and glossy appearance. Burnishing concrete involves the use of a high-speed burnisher, which rotates at around 1,500 to 2,500 rpm.
Specialised custom machines are designed specifically to apply heat, melt, and buff a topical coating or wax-based product into the polished concrete surface. Furthermore, you may apply a densifier product to enhance the hardness and durability of the concrete.
Want to find a concreter in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?
Burnished concrete floors pros
A burnished concrete floor boasts exceptional durability and has the potential to endure for decades. Burnished concrete stands out as one of the low-maintenance surface options available.
Opting for burnished concrete floors presents a host of benefits. Compared to mechanically polished concrete, the process requires less labor and fewer steps, making it cost-effective. Once installed, burnished concrete is resistant to wear, stains, and scratches, making it a long-lasting flooring choice.
Its low maintenance requirements suit busy commercial spaces and residential areas alike, reducing upkeep time and costs. The smooth, glossy surface enhances aesthetics, while its increased light reflectivity improves natural lighting in the space. Environmentally friendly and allergy-friendly, burnished concrete utilises existing concrete slabs, reducing waste and promoting better indoor air quality.
With various customisation options available, burnished concrete allows for unique and personalised designs, making it a versatile flooring solution suitable for a wide range of applications. The installation process is also relatively quick, minimising downtime during the project.
You might like: How much does concreting cost?
Burnished concrete floor cons
One drawback of burnished polished concrete floors is their inadequate heat retention. This can result in the floor surface feeling quite chilly during the winter months.
When you don’t polish and seal your concrete floor adequately, it can become porous, making it vulnerable to water seepage. Another consideration to factor in when choosing your concrete floor finish is that walking on the firm and sturdy surface of burnished concrete can be quite noisy.
Want to find a concreter in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?
Burnished vs polished concrete cost
The cost of burnished concrete compared to polished concrete can vary depending on several factors, This includes your location, size of the project, condition of the existing concrete, and the complexity of the design. Generally, polished concrete tends to be more expensive than burnished concrete due to the additional steps involved in the polishing process.
Though burnished concrete flooring may appear similar to mechanically polished concrete flooring, it involves a distinct process. The burnishing method heats, melts, and buffs a chemical coating onto the surface instead of grinding down the existing concrete substrate. You can employ the use of chemical densifiers to offer a comparable level of durability as polished concrete floors.
On the other hand, polished concrete involves multiple steps of grinding, honing, and polishing, which require more time and effort to achieve its glossy, shiny appearance. Without the burnishing process, the surface may appear lacklustre.
You might like: Polished concrete floors cost guide
Here’s a rough breakdown of the cost differences between burnished and polished concrete:
Burnished Cost
Burnishing typically involves fewer steps and less labour compared to polishing, which can make it a more cost-effective option.
- Cost of burnished concrete: between $30 to $85 per square metre, on average.
Polished Cost
- Cost of polished concrete: $50 to $100 or more per square metre, on average.
These cost estimates are general guidelines and can vary significantly based on the specific project details and local market conditions. Larger projects may be more cost-effective on a per-square-metre basis, while smaller projects may have higher costs due to setup and minimum labour requirements.
Hiring a concreter and getting quotes
For an accurate cost estimate for your particular project, contact local concrete contractors and request quotes for your job. They can provide detailed pricing based on the scope of work and condition of your existing concrete surface. Investing in high-quality workmanship is essential to ensure the longevity and appearance of the finished burnished concrete surface.