The Benefits of Polished Concrete and What You Need to Know

Polished concrete is becoming increasingly popular in commercial and residential buildings due to its durability, sustainability, aesthetic qualities, and easy maintenance. This type of finish offers a sleek look that can be customized according to each home or business style. However, homeowners and businesses must be aware of the variables when choosing polished concrete over other flooring options. In this blog post, they will illustrate why

What is Polished Concrete and Its Benefits

Polished concrete is a type of flooring created by grinding down the concrete surface to expose the aggregate beneath. This process reveals an attractive and durable finish, making it perfect for residential and commercial applications.

Polished concrete offers numerous advantages over traditional flooring options. Unlike carpet or hardwood floors, polished concrete requires minimal maintenance and upkeep. It is also highly resistant to scratches and wear, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Polished concrete is highly durable and resilient, making it an ideal option for extreme temperatures or moisture.

Regarding aesthetics, polished concrete offers a wide range of options. You can choose from different colours, textures and sheen levels to create a unique and attractive surface. Furthermore, because it is highly reflective, polished concrete can brighten any room with its natural shine. Finally, due to its versatility and low cost compared to other flooring materials, polished concrete is an excellent value for your money.

Preparation Before Installing Polished Concrete

Your surface needs to be adequately prepared before installing polished concrete. This includes removing existing flooring and debris, filling any cracks or holes with a concrete patching compound, and ensuring the surface is level. Once the preparation is done, you can apply a bonding agent to help ensure that the slab adheres firmly to the surface.

Afterwards, you must apply a concrete densifier and hardener to the surface. This will help fill any pores in the concrete and ensure it is as solid and durable as possible when polishing. Once this step has been completed, you are ready to begin polishing your concrete.

Different Types of Polished Concrete Surfaces

Polished concrete has numerous applications, and the type of surface you are trying to achieve will depend on the desired result. The most common types of polished concrete surfaces include:

• Honed: A honed finish is achieved by grinding down the surface with a coarse-grit abrasive, which removes any imperfections in the concrete. It results in a smooth, matte look perfect for commercial and residential applications.

• Glossy: A glossy finish is achieved using a finer abrasive to grind down the surface, leaving it a glossy shine. It’s perfect for areas with a lot of foot traffic that must be cleaned often.

Cost Considerations for Polished Concrete Floors

Budgeting and costs are significant considerations when installing a polished concrete floor. Depending on the size of the room, the type of finish, and the amount of labour required.

If you’re looking for ways to cut costs, here are some tips:

• Consider DIY: If you have experience laying concrete, you can save money by padding and polishing the floor yourself.

• Choose a low-sheen finish: A low-sheen finish requires less grinding and polishing than a high-sheen polished concrete floor. This could save you quite a bit of money as well.

• Hire an experienced contractor: A good contractor will know the right way to lay and polish your concrete floor to look great and last a long time.

Maintenance Tips for a Lasting Shine

Minimal maintenance is still necessary to keep your floor looking good for years.

• Sweep regularly: Make sure you sweep up dirt and debris regularly so it doesn’t get ground into the surface of your floor.

• Use an appropriate cleaner: You should always use a pH-balanced cleaner to avoid damaging the sealer on your concrete floor.

• Re-seal regularly: Depending on the type of sealer used, you may need to re-apply it every few years to keep your floor looking its best.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Project!

Polished concrete is an excellent choice for commercial, industrial, and residential spaces. It is durable and can resist wear and tear while looking beautiful and modern. And with its long-lasting products backed by Polished Concrete Newcastle’s professionalism and expertise, you know the job will be done correctly and quickly. You can call Polished Concrete Newcastle Specialist today if you want to take advantage of their cutting-edge technology resulting in high-quality polished concrete solutions that offer customers endurance, beauty, and cost efficiency. Give them a call now to get started on your next project!