A Guide to Polished Concrete
Polished concrete floors are durable, aesthetically appealing, and functional. They’re also impressively cost-effective. Read on to find out if they are worth your while.
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Polished concrete floors are a functional and aesthetically appealing floor option. They are durable, so they can serve you and your family for many years, and come in different finish styles. They’re also very low maintenance. Polished concrete floors cost an average of $2,688. This price is determined by several design factors.*
This guide explains polished concrete costs, pros and cons, and do-it-yourself (DIY) installation possibilities. After reading, you’ll have all the information you need to make an educated decision.
*All article pricing data is sourced from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and HomeGuide.
Cost of Polished Concrete Floors
Concrete polishing involves refining the surface of a concrete floor with abrasive materials to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. To achieve the desired results, you need to grind down the surface with progressively finer diamond concrete grinders. Then, you can leave the surface as is or apply different finishes.
The polished concrete floor project can cost between $1,536 and $3,840 The final price depends on several factors, such as floor size, grinding complexity, and finish type.
Cost by Square Foot
Size is the biggest cost factor of your concrete polishing project. Depending on the polishing technique and job complexity, you can expect to pay $2–$16 per square foot. If you’re starting the project from scratch (i.e., haven’t poured the concrete yet), expect to pay between $6 and $24 per square foot.
If you have a 200-square-foot room, expect to pay between $400 and $3,200 for polishing concrete floors. If you have a 1,500-square-meter home, be ready to pay between $3,000 and $24,000.
The grinding process itself costs $1–$4 per square foot. However, the total cost depends on how intensively you want to polish the floor. The more grinding you do, the more polished the floor will look. A matte floor finish can cost less than a polished surface because it requires less work. Polished concrete is a cost-effective option compared to many other flooring types.
Material prices are shown in the table below:
| Floor Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $2–$14 |
| Bamboo | $2–$20 |
| Linoleum | $3–$12 |
| Laminate | $3–$13 |
| Stone | $6–$20 |
| Hardwood | $6–$25 |
| Tile | $15–$20 |
Cost by Finish Type
The cost of your concrete polishing project depends on whether you want to stop at simple polishing or pursue other concrete finishes.
Simple Polishing
Simple polishing uses a grinding machine to grind the concrete floor surfaces to a smooth finish without adding design elements. This basic concrete finishing form is the least expensive option because it doesn’t require additional materials and labor.
To polish concrete without any add-ons, you’ll likely pay $2–$5 per square foot.
Dyeing
Dyeing involves applying color dyes to the polished concrete surface to achieve a specific color. It adds depth and vibrancy to the concrete but is more costly than simple polishing. Expect to pay for dye materials and additional labor.
Dyeing concrete can cost you $1.50–$3 per square foot.
Staining
Staining involves applying acid or water-based stains to the polished concrete surface. It helps add color and/or mimic the look of natural stone.
This finishing process offers a wide range of color options and can enhance the concrete’s aesthetic appeal. It increases project costs due to the stain material costs and the skill required for application.
Stained concrete will cost you $2–$10 per square foot.
Sealing
Sealing involves applying an epoxy sealer to the polished concrete surface to enhance its durability and resistance to stains. While sealing itself is relatively inexpensive, it’s often considered an essential step in the concrete finishing process.
Sealing can cost you $0.85–$7 per square foot.
| Finish Type | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Simple polishing | $3–$5 |
| Dyeing | $1.50–$3 |
| Staining | $2–$10 |
| Sealing | $0.85–$7 |
Cost by Budget Level
Concrete polishing is a cost-effective method of creating aesthetically appealing and durable floors. With proper maintenance, these floors can last for decades. The initial investment can define the floor’s functionality and longevity. However, excellent results can be achieved even with a lower budget.
Lower Budget
If you’re on a tight budget, simple polishing without additional treatments such as dyeing or staining is the most cost-effective option. This involves basic one-time grinding.
The average cost of basic-level polished concrete is $2–$8 per square foot.
Medium Budget
Homeowners with a medium budget can explore decorative options, such as staining and higher-level concrete grinding. These treatments mimic the appearance of natural materials and add more appeal to your home.
The average cost of medium-level polished concrete is $5–$12 per square foot.
High Budget
If you don’t have budget limitations, you have many choices, from high-gloss finishes to intricate staining patterns. You can even explore custom engraving or embedded aggregates such as glass or metal flakes.
A high-budget project can cost from $8–$16 and beyond.
Other Costs Factors
Besides room size and finish types, other factors that can affect the final cost of your concrete polishing project include the following:
- Grinding complexity: The number of times you polish the concrete affects the level of its smoothness and reflectivity. For low-budget flooring projects, one grinding can be sufficient. If you need another, expect to add $3–$5 per square foot to the price tag.
- Labor: Floor installation contractors charge between $0.60 and $4 per square foot. The cost may differ depending on your location, the contractor’s experience, and the project type.
- Old floor removal: If you currently have another flooring type or an old concrete floor that needs to be removed, you have to incorporate the removal into the project cost. Depending on the floor type, it can cost $1.50–$3.50 per square foot.
You may be able to save on polishing your concrete floors by taking the following steps:
- Choosing one-time simple polishing without additional decorative treatments
- Opting for a standard concrete mix instead of specialty mixes (for new floors)
- Working with concrete to address all the surface imperfections before polishing
- Doing prep work (removing existing flooring, pouring concrete, repairing the flooring) on your own
- Shopping around for quotes
- Choosing a matte or satin finish that requires less polishing
Once you polish your concrete floors, implement a regular maintenance routine. It can help you avoid unnecessary repair and replacement costs in the future.
Pros and Cons of Polished Concrete Flooring
Polished concrete flooring is a popular choice among homeowners thanks to its multiple advantages, including the following:
- Durability: Polished concrete is resistant to heavy foot traffic, abrasion, and impact. It can withstand wear and tear better than many other flooring options, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and living rooms.
- Low maintenance: Once polished, concrete floors are easy to maintain. They require regular sweeping and occasional mopping. Unlike other flooring materials that may need refinishing or replacement over time, polished concrete may require applying a concrete sealer every few years.
- Cost-effectiveness: Compared to flooring options such as hardwood or tile, polished concrete is less expensive.
- Design flexibility: Polished concrete can be customized with various sheen levels, colors, and decorative elements.
While highly appealing, polished concrete floors have several disadvantages:
- Hardness: The durability of polished concrete floors is offset by their hardness. Standing or walking on polished concrete for extended periods can be uncomfortable.
- Coldness: Concrete naturally retains and conducts cold temperatures, making polished concrete floors feel cold underfoot.
- Susceptibility to stains: Despite being sealed, polished concrete floors can still be susceptible to staining from certain substances such as oil, grease, or acidic liquids.
- Cracking: While durable, concrete floors can be prone to cracking. Dropping heavy objects on the floor could result in damage, leading to significant repair expenses.
Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to maximizing the polished concrete floor’s advantages and minimizing its disadvantages.
Polished Concrete vs. Grind and Seal
Grinding and sealing is another type of concrete floor finish. While it’s similar to polishing, it’s less labor-intensive. This process involves grinding the concrete surface to a desired level of exposure and then applying a sealant. Here are the main differences between the two options:
- Aesthetics: Polished concrete uses polishing pads to create a high-gloss finish, while ground and sealed concrete (also called burnish concrete) has a more matte appearance.
- Budget: Grind and seal finishes are usually more cost-effective since they require less time and labor for installation.
- Durability: Polished concrete is more resilient and stays in better shape over time.
Both finishes can be a good option for residential purposes. The choice depends on the homeowner’s aesthetic preferences and budget.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
If you have the tools and experience, you could turn the concrete polishing process into a DIY project. Compared to hiring a professional contractor, this choice comes with certain pros and cons:
Overall, with the right guidance, tools, and experience, you can try to DIY. However, if you’ve never polished a concrete floor before and have little time to learn, you may need to hire a professional.
Our Conclusion
Polished concrete flooring is a great choice for residential properties because of its durability and aesthetic appeal. The cost of polishing a concrete floor can vary depending on many factors, such as your home’s size, polish type, and finishing options.
You can try polishing concrete floors yourself. However, without experience and the right tools, it may be problematic. The majority of homeowners hire contractors to do the job.
FAQ About Polished Concrete Floors
What are the disadvantages of polished concrete floors?
The disadvantages of polished concrete floors include hardness, coldness, and the possibility of cracking.
Is polished concrete cheaper than hardwood?
Yes, polished concrete floors are cheaper than hardwood floors. Polished concrete costs $2–$6 per square foot, while hardwood floors can cost up to $25 per square foot.
Is polished concrete cheaper than tiles?
Yes, polished concrete floors are cheaper than tiles. Polished concrete costs $2–$6 per square foot, while tiles can cost up to $20 per square foot.
Is polished concrete good flooring?
Polished concrete is a good flooring option for homeowners seeking cost-effective, durable, and aesthetically appealing flooring.
Do polished concrete floors crack?
Polished concrete floors can crack if you apply too much pressure on them or expose them to constant temperature fluctuations.
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