So perhaps you’re having a new house built, or you want to upgrade the bland concrete flooring in your existing home? Polished concrete isn’t just for commercial use; it’s one of the most versatile, durable, and beautiful flooring options available.
There are many great benefits that polished concrete can provide, so ahead, we’ll take you through 8 facts about polished concrete that are sure to help you see just why it’s become so popular in recent years.
#1. Nearly Any Existing Concrete Floor Can Be Polished
Just so long as your concrete is free of serious moisture problems, level, and in a good condition, it can be polished. It should be noted, however, that, if the concrete was not designed to be polished, the surface could take on a more random appearance when finished due to the concentration of aggregate that will be revealed at the surface.
#2. Polished Concrete Is Economical
While factors such as location and the complexity of the project will inevitably come into play, polished concrete tends to cost around $3 to $12 per square foot, making it one of the more affordable flooring solutions available. Essentially, the price structure around polished concrete really just comes down to the number of levels of grinding that will be necessary to achieve the desired smooth surface. With the addition of decorative effects, such as staining or etching, for example, the cost can start to go up but it still tends to be an economical and permanent floor solution.
Polished concrete tends to be more economically viable with larger spaces, as smaller areas, such as residential homes, tend to cost a little more due to the necessity of using smaller equipment, and the difficulty that can entail. Still, even the Best Polished Concrete Gold Coast contractors make it easy to get a beautiful polished concrete floor within your budget.
#3. Polished Concrete Is Low Maintenance, and Easy to Clean
One of the many great benefits of polished concrete is just how little looking after it requires. All that’s necessary is sweeping or vacuuming in order to remove any dirt or dust, or a simple mopping with warm water. If anything is spilled on a polished concrete surface, there is the possibility that it could lead to staining if left too long, so make sure to clean it up right away and there’ll be no harm.
If a deeper clean is required, then a PH neutral cleaner along with a soft mop or cloth will do the trick. You should always be careful not to use anything abrasive to avoid scratches on the surface and loss of sheen. Typically the floor will need to be resealed once every few years, too, depending upon the level of use and foot traffic.
#4. Polished Concrete Is Extremely Durable
Polished concrete has exceptional durability, especially when compared to other alternative flooring solutions such as vinyl, linoleum or hardwood. Due to the extreme durability of polished concrete, it can be commonly found in both residential and commercial buildings and it’s used extensively in areas with heavy foot traffic such as retail stores, warehouses, and restaurants.
#5. A Range of Colors and Designs are Available
Who says concrete needs to be boring? With the use of acid staining, a special acid is introduced to an already hardened and cured concrete slab, causing the concrete to undergo a chemical reaction and produce fantastic, colorful, almost three-dimensional marble-like results.
Alternatively, non-reactive, water-based stains are another option. By mixing water, pigment, and either an acrylic or polymer binder with the wet concrete, acid stain effects can be mimicked, an opaque effect can be achieved or even the color of the concrete can be changed completely, with a whole unlimited range of colors available at your fingertips.
#6. Polished Concrete Is Great at Storing Heat
Due to the high thermal mass of polished concrete, it’s extremely adept at storing and distributing heat. Not only is this great for increasing the comfort of the home by introducing a more consistent warmth, but its ability to store heat can significantly reduce your need for heating your house, and the same goes for cooling it in the summer months.
#7. Polished Concrete Provides a Great Non-Slip Surface
Despite the shiny surface of polished concrete making it appear to be super slippery, it’s actually not really at all. Tests taken over the years have proven, in fact, that polished concrete not only usually meets, but also quite often exceeds the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards for slip resistance on surfaces.
Due to the way in which the floor is mechanically ground, the high spots and low spots are reduced, and the surface of the floor is closed, making it non-porous, so essentially there will be more surface contact between the floor and your shoe, increasing friction.
#8. Polished Concrete Floors Are Long Lasting
One of the greatest benefits of polished concrete floors is how long-lasting they are. As long as the floor has been installed properly, a polished concrete floor can last for decades, even in areas of heavy foot traffic. This can lead to significant savings long-term, where alternate flooring options need replacing every 3 to 10 years or so.
