Understanding Polished Concrete Finishes

There are many different approaches to creating a polished concrete floor that fits in perfectly with your interior design plan. Whether you are polishing an existing slab or starting from scratch, there are many variables that can be altered to give your floor the perfect finish.

Laying Polished Concrete Floors

If you are considering polished concrete as a flooring option, you’ll need to decide on the methodology that is best for creating the look that you desire. Your choice will also be affected by whether you a pouring a new slab, or polishing an existing slab.

If you’re building a new home, office, or factory then you will have the benefit of choosing a slab mix that will finish well. You can even select aggregate mixes that will complement your interior design plans. Different colors and textures in the aggregate mix can create an eye-catching look.

You can also have your existing concrete slab ground and polished for an excellent result. If you’re looking for more control over the finish or would like a particular color or pattern, then you may like to consider designer floor overlays.

Controlling Your Grind

Choosing the right grind isn’t important only for your morning espresso. By altering the amount a slab is ground, the amount of exposed aggregate will be altered. To create a polished concrete floor, the slab is ground down, the deeper the grind, the more of the aggregate that is exposed. For a few speckles of dark color, opt for a light grind. A heavy grind will show much of the aggregate and makes for a very textured and eye-catching surface. A medium grind is a good balance between the two. If you’re pouring a new slab you could also consider a burnished finish. In this instance, the concrete is poured in a manner that allows it to be sealed without grinding. This is a very practical way of achieving a polished concrete finish.

Aggregate Finishes

If you’re pouring a new slab then you can choose your aggregate mix to determine the final look of the flooring. Adding river rock, pebbles, and even marble chips can create a stunning variety of different finishes.

Designer Floors

Designer floors are a great choice if you’re looking for a durable floor that will always be in vogue. These kinds of polished concrete finishes are popular in shops, restaurants, showrooms, as well as in homes. The original slab is ground down, and a new surface is created over the top, and then sealed. Different colors, effects, and patterns can be achieved.

Stained Concrete Overlay

Like designer floors, a stained concrete overlay gives you the choice of a wide range of colors and finishes. If you think polished concrete finishes are limited to grey, then think again. The translucent finish resembles that of natural stone, the look is timeless and elegant.

The current popularity of concrete as preferred floor covering means that there is new technology and methods constantly being developed. With such a wide variety of polished concrete finishes available, your only real limit is your imagination.