How Much Does Polished Concrete Cost? A Complete Breakdown

Polished concrete floors are a favourite among many homes and businesses. They are durable, sleek in appearance, and extremely low-maintenance. But before you begin, it is good to know the costs involved. In this article, we break down the prices for polished concrete, look at the different types of finishes available, explain the factors that affect the cost, compare polished concrete with other flooring options, and offer some tips on how to save money.

Different Types Of Polished Concrete Floors

The final appearance and price of your floor will also be based on the style of polished concrete finish you go with. There are three broad types:

Grind and Seal

The Grind and Seal is the simplest of the options. In this process, the surface of the concrete is ground away to level out any irregularities or previous coatings. Once levelled, the surface is coated with a protective sealant. This process works to bring out the natural appearance of the concrete and protect it from day-to-day wear and tear.

• Cost: On average, you pay around $50 per square metre for a grind and seal finish.
• Uses: This method is great for both homes and business spaces where you need a durable floor without spending too much.

Honed Concrete

Honed concrete is another alternative that provides your floor with a smooth, matte finish. It is done by grinding the concrete to a higher degree than Grind and Seal to make it appear softer and less shiny. A penetrative sealer is then applied for protection.

• Cost: The cost is typically around $75 per square metre.
• Uses: This finish is widely used in outdoor spaces like patios, pool areas, or any area where a non-slip surface is required.

Mechanical Polish

Mechanical Polish is the premium for polished concrete. The method uses several cycles of grinding and polishing. The finish has a shiny, mirror-like appearance that is extremely up-to-date and appealing. This type of mechanically polished concrete requires more time and effort, making it the costliest of the three.

• Cost: Prices are approximately $100 per square metre and may increase based on the level of complexity involved.
• Uses: Mechanical polish finds application in high-end residences or commercial premises where a luxurious appearance is preferred.

Factors Affecting Polished Concrete Prices

A variety of factors can determine the overall cost of a polished concrete floor. Getting to know these can assist you in managing your budget better.

Size of the Area

One of the most apparent factors is the area size you need to cover. In most instances, bigger areas can translate to a lower cost per square metre. This is due to the fact that the set up and equipment cost are distributed over a larger area. Conversely, smaller areas can be more expensive per square metre because the set up time and effort are nearly the same.

Type of Concrete

Concrete is not at all created equal. How your current concrete floor is will have a great deal to do with the cost. If your concrete is good, with little cracking or holes, then less preparation will be required. If the floor is broken or uneven, additional work, such as patching or repair will increase the cost.

Polishing level & finish

The level of finish you prefer will also play a role. More effort and time will go into a high-gloss or special finish, so you will be charged more. For instance, a reflective polish finish costs more than an everyday Grind and Seal.

Surface Preparation

Prior to any polishing, the surface needs to be prepared. It can include stripping of old coating, adhesives, or other substances. If the floor is uneven or stained, additional grinding or cleaning may be required. All of this extra work adds to labour costs.

Sealing & Coatings

After finishing, the concrete is typically sealed. The quality of the sealer (matte, Semi-gloss, or high gloss) may vary the cost. Some surfaces may also require additional coats for specific uses, such as making the surface anti-slip or more stain-resistant. These additional layers contribute to the final cost.

Labour & Installation Costs

Labour prices can differ from region to region. The effort required to get to the work area, whether daytime or nighttime or even if additional equipment like lifts or scaffolding is needed, can affect the cost.

Cost Comparison: Polished Concrete vs. Other Flooring Options

When selecting a floor, you are going to have to look both at the expense and the gain in the future. A straight comparison between polished concrete and popular flooring materials follows below:

Polished Concrete vs. Tiles

• Cost per Square Metre: Polished concrete ranges from $50 to $120. Tiles range from $30 to $150 per square metre.
• Durability: Polished Concrete is highly resilient and can last decades with minimal care. Tiles are also durable, but crack or chip overtime.
• Maintenance: Polished concrete requires minimal maintenance. Tiles need more cleaning and frequent re-grouting.
• Appearance: Although tiles provide a lot of design freedom, polished concrete provides a smooth, contemporary appearance.

Polished Concrete vs. Timber Flooring

Cost per Square Metre: Timber flooring would cost $80 to $200 or more per square metre, which would generally be more expensive than polished concrete.

• Durability: Timber floors are nice to view but scratch and wear out faster. Polished concrete is tougher and will take lots of abuse.
• Maintenance: Timber requires frequent polishing and periodic refinishing at times. Polished concrete requires only an occasional cleaning.
• Lifespan: Polished concrete will last for 20 years and more with regular maintenance, while wooden floors can be replaced or refinished to a great extent after 10–15 years.

Polished Concrete vs. Epoxy Flooring

• Cost per Square Metre: Epoxy flooring tends to be less expensive at the outset, between $30 and $80 per square metre.
• Durability: While epoxy floors are incredibly beautiful and glossy, they are not as durable and may have to be redone more frequently than polished concrete.
• Maintenance: Epoxy floors will wear and scratch faster than polished concrete.
• Longevity: Polished concrete is longer-lasting than epoxy and is thus a wiser long-term investment.

How to Save Money on Polished Concrete

If you’re on a tight budget, there are a few things you can do to stay within it without compromising on quality.

1. Select a Basic Finish: Select a grind and seal finish rather than an expensive mechanical polish. This will reduce your cost.
2. Save Your Concrete: If your current floor is still in good shape, you’ll be saving money on repairs and surface preparation.
3. Keep the Design Simple: Do not use custom or complicated designs that will require additional time and effort.
4. Get Multiple Quotes: Call multiple different contractors and compare their rates. This will enable you to get a reasonable rate.
5. Plan Ahead: Having your work completed during the period the contractor has fewer projects may enable you to get a lower rate.
6. Do Some Prep Work Yourself: Where possible, get the simple cleaning or small repairs done before the contractor comes. This will sometimes reduce the total cost.

Is Polished Concrete Worth the Cost?

Polished concrete floors possess a few real benefits that make them an exceptionally good investment.

They are very durable. With good care, these floors will last for decades, so you won’t have to replace them nearly as frequently as with other products on the floor. Second, they are extremely modern and trendy. The smooth, sleek look can add brightness and airiness to any room. Third, the upkeep is minimal.

In comparison to the timber floor that requires constant refinishing or tiles that one must clean thoroughly, polished concrete only requires a little maintenance every now and then. While the initial price seems more expensive than some of the others, like epoxy flooring, the ease and low maintenance of it, combined with its durability, make it more cost-effective in the long term. Most people are ready to pay the cost for the benefits of a completed concrete floor, such as its strength and low maintenance needs.

Conclusion

Polished concrete floors are a contemporary and durable option for homes and businesses. They come in different forms, from affordable grind and seal to expensive mechanical polish, and they offer choices in price and appearance. Prices differ with factors like floor size, condition, degree of polishing, and extra coating.

Polished concrete, as opposed to tiles and wood, is more economical in the long run, maintenance-free, and long-lasting. Although it costs more to install, it is less to fix or replace.

To be cost-effective, select a less detailed finish, maintain your concrete well, and solicit several bids from contractors. Polished concrete provides quality at a cost. Generally, it is a durable, current, and low-maintenance flooring choice, making it a good investment for residential and commercial buildings.