The Advantages of Polished Concrete Flooring
One of the most popular recent design trends is the shift toward the use of polished concrete floors. Both businesspeople and homeowners are discovering the versatility, aesthetic appeal, environmental benefits, and cost savings available with polished concrete flooring.
Concrete floors of any color can be polished to create a shiny, attractive surface for a home or any type of business. Polishing concrete is a multi-step process that allows the customer to choose the amount of shine desired, from satin to high-gloss to a mirror-like finish. Professional concrete contractors can also create decorative saw cut patterns or embed aggregates or other objects into the concrete before polishing to create a stunning and unique visual effect. Almost any color imaginable is possible.
The concrete polishing process follows the same principles as sanding a hardwood floor. A polishing machine outfitted with diamond-impregnated segments or disks gradually grinds down the surface of the concrete, similar to the way sandpaper smoothes the surface of wood.
In the initial process, coarse diamond segments bonded in a metallic matrix are used to remove small pits, blemishes, stains, and light coatings from the surface of the concrete floor. Then diamond abrasives in a plastic or resin matrix are used to further grind the concrete. Successively finer grits are used until the desired level of shine has been achieved. An internal impregnating sealer is applied during the process. The sealer sinks into the concrete to protect, harden, and densify the material. The use of a sealer means that a topical coating is not necessary, which significantly reduces maintenance requirements. A commercial polishing compound can be added to the surface to create even more shine, help to clean any residue from the surface, and create a dust-resistant finish.
Polished concrete offers several advantages over other flooring options. It costs significantly less than other flooring materials, since the slab on grade can be used. Polished concrete is more durable and less subject to wear and damage than other types of flooring, such as carpet, tile, linoleum, or wood, so it will require less maintenance and will not need to be replaced, resulting in further savings. Polished concrete is easy to clean and allows the floor to breathe, preventing moisture from being transferred in the way that it can with other types of flooring. Polished concrete is a sustainable flooring option that does not require the use of cleaners and adhesives that can harm the environment. A building with polished concrete flooring may be eligible for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) credits. Polished concrete’s reflectivity reduces the need for indoor lighting, which contributes to lower energy bills. Polished concrete floors are generally less slippery than waxed linoleum or polished marble.
Polished concrete is an attractive, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional types of flooring. With a wide array of colors available, the ability to customize the amount of shine, and lower maintenance and energy costs, polished concrete flooring offers an affordable and beautiful solution for any home or business.