With the economy bouncing back more slowly than anticipated, it has become the norm for homeowners to make do with existing features or used refurbished supplies for upgrades on a budget. Many businesses are doing the same and in the right circumstances, can save thousands of dollars by updating facilities rather than remodeling. Concrete has been a popular flooring solution for generations due to its durability. If your facility has a foundation of concrete, but your floors are looking less than their best, there is a budget-friendly solution. Concrete polishing is becoming an increasingly popular technique.
What is Concrete Polishing?
Concrete polishing is a process that removes the top layer of concrete material to create a smooth surface. It involves removing any existing coatings, such as epoxy or paint, and then sanding down the concrete with standard or diamond abrasives in an increasingly fine grit. The finished result is a floor that is uniform in color and texture, as well as being sturdy and attractive. This process is appropriate for most concrete floors, with the exception of those that have large cracks. When cracks have been repaired, the patches will be apparent when polished.
How Can Polished Concrete be Customized?
Concrete polishing alone is more attractive that unfinished concrete because it creates an even appearance. It can be completed at varying levels, leaving the result a matte or shiny tone. Polished concrete can also have additional procedures done to compliment it. It may be stained or dyed in any color, sealed with a clear epoxy coating, or finished with a coating that has aggregate added. Depending on the original composition of the concrete floor, it may be polished down to a degree where embedded stones are visible on the surface. This creates a terrazzo look at a fraction of the cost.
How Much Does Concrete Polishing Cost?
The specific cost of a concrete polishing project will depend primarily on the size of the room that is being upgraded and any fixed obstacles or severely damaged section.
When compared to other types of floor materials, concrete is one of the least costly. In general, concrete polishing costs approximately half of the rate for installing tile and a quarter of marble or other luxury masonry. In the long run, concrete polishing can incur significantly fewer additional charges, as it has a long lifespan and needs minimal maintenance.
What is the Timetable for Concrete Polishing?
One of the key benefits of concrete polishing is the fact that it can be completed quickly. There is no drying or curing time, so polished floors can be walked on right away unless additional coatings have been added. ICS Coatings uses proprietary equipment to move the project along quickly. The continuous operation machinery not only grinds quickly, but is equipped with a vacuum system that greatly reduces dust. If you have a specific timetable requirement, that will be taken into consideration when scheduling your project.
When you are ready to talk with a professional about your next concrete floor project, talk to the team at ICS. We have over 20 years of experience and have installed or updated over a million square feet of concrete floors. The combination of expertise, proprietary equipment, and dedication to a job well-done make ours the service you can trust. To get started, fill out the Got a Project form with some basic information about your project.
Concrete Flooring Service Area
ICS provides concrete solutions to all of the northeast. Here is a small list of cities and towns where we have completed many industrial and commercial concrete flooring applications.
| Portland, Maine | Bangor, Maine | Augusta, Maine |
| Nashua, New Hampshire | Manchester, New Hampshire | Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Boston, Massachusetts | Worecester, Massachusetts | Springfield, Massachusetts |
| Burlington, Vermont | Montpelier, Vermont | St. Johnsbury, Vermont |
| Providence, Rhode Island | Warwick, Rhode Island | Cranston, Rhode Island |
| Hartford, Connecticut | New Haven, Connecticut | Stamford, Connecticut |
| New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |