Polished concrete flooring

Polished concrete is a decorative and functional flooring option created by grinding, honing, and polishing a concrete surface to a smooth, glossy finish. The process involves using a series of progressively finer diamond abrasives to smooth the concrete and achieve a high shine. This treatment can be done on newly poured concrete or existing floors that are resurfaced.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in creating polished concrete:

1. Grinding: The concrete surface is first ground down using heavy machinery equipped with diamond abrasives. This process removes imperfections, stains, and rough patches in the concrete. Once the surface is level, finer abrasives are used to further smooth the surface and prepare it for polishing.
2. Polishing: The concrete is polished using increasingly fine diamond pads. This step gives the concrete its reflective, glossy finish.
3. Sealing: After polishing, a sealer is be applied to protect the surface and enhance its shine.

The colour of the polished concrete floor depends on the chosen finish.

Premium Finish: The final appearance of your floor will be influenced by the natural colours in the concrete, which are determined by the materials sourced from your local quarry. Some ready-mix concrete suppliers may offer the option to add custom dye to the mix, although this service can vary depending on the supplier.

Industrial/Bronze Finish: For an industrial or bronze look, a shaker top can be applied to the surface of the concrete as it is being poured. This technique enhances the overall texture and appearance of the floor, giving it a unique, sophisticated finish.

The concrete specifications to order are: 35newton concrete, 10mm pump mix, S3

Concrete is a durable material, but cracking can occur even if preventative measures are taken. At Balcrete, we take the following steps to minimise the risk of cracking in our installations:

1. High-Quality Mix Design
   We ensure the concrete mix is optimised for strength, durability, and shrinkage control, using the right proportions of cement, water, aggregates, and admixtures.
2. Joint Placement
   Control joints are strategically placed to allow for controlled shrinkage and movement, helping to direct cracking to less noticeable areas.
3. Site Preparation
   Proper site preparation, including compacted sub-bases and even surfaces, ensures the concrete has a stable foundation and helps reduce settlement cracks.
4. Load Considerations
   Concrete thickness and reinforcement are designed based on the expected loads, we recommend a thickness of 100mm of concrete to be poured for polishing.

These measures ensure the longevity and structural integrity of our concrete products and installations. If you have concerns about cracking or maintenance, feel free to contact us for expert advice.

While we take every precaution to prevent cracking, it’s important to note that concrete floors can crack. Sometimes it can happen fast or  sometimes they develop over time. If cracks do appear, they can mostly be repaired. However, despite our best efforts to make repairs as discreet as possible, some repaired cracks may still be visible.

Polished concrete works exceptionally well with underfloor heating (UFH), as it is an excellent conductor of heat. The combination of the two ensures efficient warmth distribution across the floor. Concrete’s thermal mass helps store and radiate heat, making it an ideal pairing with UFH systems for a consistent and energy-efficient heating solution.

When installing polished concrete with UFH, the heating system is typically embedded in the concrete slab during the pour, allowing for seamless integration. This setup provides both aesthetic appeal and practical warmth, making it a popular choice for homes and commercial spaces alike.

Yes, polished concrete can be used without underfloor heating. While it is often paired with UFH for enhanced comfort, especially in larger spaces or colder climates, it is not a requirement.

Polished concrete is a versatile and durable flooring option that performs well on its own, providing a sleek, low-maintenance surface without the need for heating systems.

Polished concrete can feel cool underfoot, particularly in cooler months, as it tends to absorb ambient temperatures. However, if your space has good natural light or large windows, the concrete can benefit from solar gain, where sunlight naturally warms the floor, helping to create a more comfortable indoor environment.

Additionally, when combined with an underfloor heating (UFH) system, polished concrete becomes a highly efficient choice for maintaining a consistently warm surface, making it more comfortable year-round. Without UFH, the floor will stay at a temperature similar to that of other hard flooring options like tile or stone, feeling colder in cooler conditions but still quite neutral overall.

For residential projects, polished concrete typically costs between €100 – €150 per square meter, depending on factors such as:

• Location: Costs can vary based on the availability of materials and labour in your area.
• Project size: Larger projects often result in lower costs per square meter due to economies of scale.

For commercial projects, polished concrete usually works out to be less expensive than residential installations because of the scale of the projects.

To receive a non-obligatory quote, please get in touch.

Yes, existing concrete floors can often be polished, but their suitability depends on a few factors:

• The concrete must have a minimum strength of 35 newtons.
• We cannot polish sand/cement screed, which is commonly used under some flooring in houses, as it does not have the required strength or durability for polishing.

Additionally, the floor should be structurally sound, free of major cracks, and relatively level. If your floor meets this criteria, it can be transformed into a durable and visually appealing polished surface. For heavily damaged or uneven floors, additional preparation such as resurfacing or repairs may be required.

Looks can be deceiving with polished concrete. Despite the sheen, polished concrete has good slip resistance.

In a commercial setting, it can be improved even further by changing the finish grit; lower grits give a higher PTV (Pendulum Test Value).

Yes, external concrete can be polished, but it is usually not polished to the same high-gloss finish as indoor concrete. This is because highly polished surfaces can become slippery when exposed to rain or other weather conditions. Instead, external concrete is typically ground and sealed to provide a durable, low-maintenance surface with added slip resistance.

Here are some key considerations:

1. Concrete Condition and Strength:
   The concrete must be in good condition, structurally sound, and have a minimum strength of 35 newtons to ensure a durable finish.
2. Weather Suitability:
   Grinding and sealing create a matte or low-sheen surface that is more weather-resistant and less prone to becoming slippery in wet conditions.
3. Protective Sealing:
   A high-quality sealer is applied to protect the surface from water, UV rays, and freeze-thaw cycles, ensuring long-term durability.
4. Surface Preparation:
   Any uneven or damaged areas of the concrete may require preparation to achieve the desired finish.

This approach maintains the aesthetic appeal and durability of the concrete while ensuring safety for outdoor use. Contact us for an assessment to see how we can enhance your external concrete surfaces.