What Is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete is a multi-step process that involves mechanically grinding and honing a concrete surface with progressively finer diamond tooling. The result is a smooth, high-gloss surface that rivals the appearance of polished stone — at a fraction of the cost.
Why Choose Polished Concrete for Your Commercial Space?
Commercial property owners and managers are increasingly choosing polished concrete for its unique combination of beauty, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Here's why:
1. Stunning Aesthetics
Polished concrete delivers a sleek, modern look that elevates any commercial environment. From subtle matte finishes to mirror-like high-gloss, you can customize the appearance to match your brand and design vision.
2. Exceptional Durability
When properly installed and maintained, polished concrete floors can last the lifetime of a building. They withstand heavy foot traffic, rolling loads, and daily wear without showing signs of deterioration.
3. Low Maintenance Costs
Unlike carpet, tile, or vinyl that require regular replacement, polished concrete needs only routine dust mopping and occasional damp mopping. This translates to significant savings over the floor's lifetime.
4. Improved Light Reflectivity
The reflective surface of polished concrete can increase ambient light levels by up to 30%, potentially reducing lighting energy costs in your facility.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Polished concrete uses the existing slab — no additional materials need to be manufactured, transported, or installed. It's one of the most sustainable flooring options available.
Polished Concrete Cost Breakdown
In the NYC metro area, commercial polished concrete typically costs:
- Basic polish (Level 1-2): $3-$5 per square foot
- Standard polish (Level 3): $5-$7 per square foot
- High-gloss polish (Level 4): $7-$12 per square foot
Factors that affect cost include:
- Current condition of the concrete slab
- Level of polish desired
- Size of the project (larger projects = lower per-sq-ft cost)
- Need for repairs, leveling, or densification
- Color or staining additions
The Polishing Process
- Coarse Grinding: Metal-bonded diamond tooling removes imperfections and creates a flat surface
- Densification: A lithium silicate hardener is applied to strengthen the concrete
- Fine Polishing: Resin-bonded diamond tooling progressively refines the surface
- Final Polish: The last diamond pass achieves the specified gloss level
- Guard Application: An optional stain guard protects the finished surface
Maintenance Tips
- Dust mop daily in high-traffic areas
- Damp mop weekly with a neutral pH cleaner
- Address spills promptly to prevent staining
- Re-apply guard coating annually or as needed
- Avoid acidic cleaners that can etch the surface
Is Polished Concrete Right for Your Space?
Polished concrete is ideal for:
- Office lobbies and corridors
- Retail showrooms and stores
- Restaurants and hospitality spaces
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Healthcare and educational facilities
Contact Southside Concrete Polishing for a free consultation to determine if polished concrete is the right choice for your commercial space.