Many of us are looking at our tired, old floor coverings and wondering if we can polishing existing concrete floors. It looks so good on television renovation shows, and the new house your friends built has polished concrete floors. To be honest, you're a little envious. So, now you find yourself Googling, "Is polishing existing concrete floors possible?"
Here is our take: our flooring specialists always say it's more complex than a yes/no answer.
When a concrete floor is laid, standards regulate the materials used and the quality of the finished product. Older concrete floors may not have had any standards to adhere to, so we always check the quality of the mix.
We're often asked for polishing existing concrete floors that's had floor coverings laid over it, such as carpet or tiles. The removal of these finishes often leaves markings and patterns on the concrete that will continue to show through the polish. Many clients like this kind of 'imperfection' as it adds to the floor's story and provides unique texturing. Tamped or ridged concrete isn't suitable for polishing.
There is a range of finishes and types of polished cement floors. The quality of your concrete slab will determine which kind of finish is possible.
Poor or aged slabs can be porous. They can be polished, but reaching a clean, even look often needs more grinding, densifier, and sealing. That raises cost.
Floors that had past coverings may show glue marks, nail or tack strip holes, and faint grout lines. Holes can be filled and blended. Grout line “ghosting” usually stays.
Old or industrial polished concrete floors on existing slab may have deep stains from oil, vehicle fluids, food, or wine. Some contaminants react with the cement and won’t fully leave. Polishing reduces contrast, but many marks remain faintly visible in the finished floor.
Polishing existing concrete floors depends on the finish you want. First, the floor is checked for flatness and cleaned. Any glue, paint, or bumps are removed. Then a densifier is planned for later to harden the surface. Finishes that show a lot of stone (full aggregate) need more grinding.
The first cut sets the base. If there are coatings or uneven spots, the finisher uses a rough metal-bond diamond, usually 20/30 grit.
Next is grout. Grinding can reveal small holes, pinholes, and hairline cracks. The finisher spreads acrylic grout to fill them. While it is wet, a 100/120 grit metal diamond is run over the floor to work the grout in.
Now the densifier is applied. It hardens the cement and the filled areas. After it dries, higher-grit hybrid diamonds remove any metal-bond scratches.
Polishing comes next. For a low-sheen look, many start with 400-grit resin pads and stop there. For a brighter gloss, they move up through finer resins.
To protect the finish, a sealer or guard is used. A penetrating sealer sinks in, cures, and is polished to boost strength. A topical sealer sits on top and may need re-coating later.
Over the past decade, polished concrete floors has become one of the most famous flooring solutions available. Here's our list of benefits polished concrete flooring solutions offer to our customers:
Polished concrete floors are more economical than hardwood, tile, marble, or stone alternatives.
Unlike other types of flooring that need stripping, waxing, and refinishing periodically, a polished concrete floor needs no upkeep once installed and remains undamaged.
Unlike other flooring systems, you won't encounter issues like flooring failure, peeling, or cracking. No matter how long you keep your polished concrete floors, there will be no need for touch-up work or repair.
Polished concrete floors stands out from other flooring choices because it doesn't get damaged by moisture or mold, which benefits families with allergies or asthma issues.
Floors can be employed in indoor and outdoor applications and dyed and stained with an unlimited variety of designs and colors.
To keep a polished concrete floor in good shape, you need to mop it weekly using a neutral-based cleaner and water.
They are safe for you, your employees, customers, and children. These flooring systems resist mustiness, allergens, and fungus.
You have the flexibility to select various colors and aggregates to achieve your desired look. Moreover, these floors are seamless, so there are no grout lines.
We at Floor Doctor focus on installing polished concrete floors and decorative concrete overlays. We have earned a reputation as a top concrete flooring contractor in Central Texas. Our pride lies in our work and competitive pricing. We handle all installations and own our machines and tools.
Polishing existing concrete floors only work for some. The floor needs to be structurally sound, reasonably flat, and free from severe contamination or crumbling.
Cost depends on the condition of the polished concrete floors on existing slab, the level of repair needed, and the finish you choose. More grinding, patching, and densifier usually means a higher price per square foot.
Most homes take a few days, depending on the size of the space and the level of finish. Extra repairs, coating removal, or very soft concrete can add more time to the schedule.
Professional polishing uses machines with powerful dust extraction to keep dust to a minimum. There may be some fine dust on surfaces, but it is usually easy to clean up after the job.
Polished concrete has a smooth, glossy look but still offers good slip resistance when kept clean and dry. In areas that get wet often, a suitable sealer and good cleaning routine help maintain grip.
Routine care is simple and mostly involves regular sweeping and mopping with a neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads so you protect the shine and extend the life of the finish.
We prefer polishing existing concrete floors for homes, but stained concrete might be better if your old concrete is very worn or damaged. Stained concrete can cover flaws that polished concrete floors would show in moderately damaged floors. If you want to know more about polished cement floors and polished concrete floors, please reach out to us today!
