Concrete Polishing

Our Concrete Polishing Process

Contractors are unlikely to utilize the same equipment, tooling, chemicals/materials, and processes. Because of that, the buyer receives different quotations and results for concrete polishing. When a buyer decides which contractor to use, they should consider that not all floors are polished the same or last a long time. The following is how we approach each floor:

We begin the process by attaching 80-grit rhombus metal diamonds (used in most cases) to our concrete floor grinders and grinding the whole surface. We then vacuum and/or scrub the floor, and apply the Peldex Reactive Colloidal Lithium Densifier to harden, mitigate moisture, and help resist chemical staining.

Areas We Service

Dane County

We service all of Dane County which includes Madison, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Verona, and Fitchburg.

Sauk County

We service all of Sauk County which includes Baraboo, Sauk City, Reedsburg, Wisconsin Dells, and Prairie du Sac.

What Does Polished Concrete Look Like?

Here is a close up of a recently polished concrete floor that was initially poured in the 60s using local aggregate as the base for the concrete.

The type of aggregate used in the initial pour of a concrete floor dramatically affects its overall look. This aggregate doesn’t have much color but you can see stones that are black, brown, tan, white, and gray. There isn’t much you can do to vary the color if it is an existing floor.

However, before a slab is poured, you can embed various types of different colored stones, glass, or other additives that may make the floor more colorful or varied. Here is an example we did of a normal concrete mix with the addition of colored glass.

As you can see, this slab is much more colorful and creates a more unique floor. To get this type of effect, color glass or stones must be embedded into the concrete while it is being poured. The slab can then be polished to reveal the colored glass and stones.

FAQs

What is polished concrete?

Polished concrete is a mechanical grinding and polishing process that transforms ordinary concrete into a durable, low-maintenance, and attractive flooring surface. Using progressively finer diamond abrasives, the concrete is refined to achieve the desired level of shine and performance.

How long does polished concrete last?

Properly installed and maintained polished concrete can last decades. Unlike coatings that may peel or wear away, polished concrete becomes part of the slab itself, making it highly durable for commercial and industrial environments.

How do polished concrete floors compare to concrete coatings?

Polished concrete becomes part of the concrete slab and typically requires less maintenance than coatings. Because polished concrete becomes a part of the slab, it lasts about as long as the slab does while coatings wear away over time. Coatings systems can provide additional chemical resistance and decorative options. We help customers determine which system best fits their application.

Can existing concrete be polished?

In many cases, existing concrete can be polished if it is structurally sound. However, the older the concrete is, the more grooves, stains, and low spots there tend to be which can lead to an uneven looking floor. Our team evaluates each floor to determine whether polishing is the best solution or if repairs are needed first.

Is polished concrete slippery?

Despite its glossy appearance, polished concrete can provide excellent slip resistance when kept clean and dry. Its smooth surface also reduces dust accumulation and improves overall cleanliness. However, when wet, polished concrete can become very slippery. That’s why we usually don’t recommend it for areas that tend to get wet frequently like garages.

What grit levels of polished concrete do you offer?

We offer polishing levels ranging from 100 grit to 800 grit. The specialized densifiers and guards we use give a nice shine even at 100 grit but we can go to 800 grit if a high gloss is desired. We help customers choose the best finish based on their facility’s needs and budget.

How much does concrete polishing cost?

Concrete polishing generally costs between $3 and $8 a square foot, depending on desired level of polish, obstructions, any coating removal, hardness of concrete, and other possible factors.