There are several options when it comes to choosing concrete floor finishes for your business. Some are decorative, others simple and functional. The choice will depend heavily on the intended purpose of the room. Different types of finishes also require specialized equipment and may take a range of time to complete. Your project budget, as well as the time available for completion also factors in this decision.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is one of the most popular options due to its versatility and simplicity. To polish concrete, the surface is sanded down using diamond polishing pads and increasingly fine grit levels. It also generally includes the addition of a concrete hardening material to increase the durability of the surface. This creates a high-shine surface that is bright and clean. It reduces a floor’s susceptibility to water damage, stains, and scuff marks. Polished concrete can also have other elements added, such as coloring or textured aggregates added.
Concrete Coatings
Concrete coatings are beneficial because they seal the surface and prevent contamination from chemicals and similar hazards. They are usually made from urethane, epoxy, or acrylic and can be installed over existing flooring or new construction.There are several options for these coatings that include varying thicknesses, application times, and odors that may affect the choice of material used. The coatings can be applied with a glossy or matte finish. Additionally, you may choose to add colored coatings to organize walkways, driveways, and storage areas with colored lines.
Paints, Dyes, and Stains
The addition of paints, dyes, and stains can add an aesthetic quality to your floors in addition to being practical. This procedure depends heavily on the moisture content of the concrete. Particularly most surfaces will experience difficulty in absorbing the applied materials. For existing floors, the surface may need to have other procedures done in advance, such a polishing or removing an existing finish. Paints are available in a wide range of colors and can be custom mixed to match your facility. Dyes and stains work by a similar means. However, it is important to seal the floor afterward to prevent tracking the colors onto other surfaces.
Textures and Patterns
When pouring new concrete or resurfacing an existing floor, it is possible to update the texture. The addition of lines, borders, and custom pattern designs can give concrete the appearance of various types of masonry such as tile or stone. Another option is to add an aggregate to the surface layer, such as stones, glass, or shells. This material can be embedded, then polished and coated to create a smooth surface with only the appearance of texture. This is primarily a cosmetic addition, but can significantly improve the appearance of concrete with a complete replacement.
Contact a professional
These are some of the most common finish choices, but this is not an exhaustive list. You may also need different finishes in specific areas when undertaking a full facility project. For example, you may choose to polish a warehouse floor, add a clear coating to hallways, and create a combination of colors and patterns in the entry area. These finishing techniques can often be used
For a personalized recommendation, contact a concrete flooring professional. The contractors at ICS are experienced in all aspects of concrete floors and can assist you in making an informed decision. Our services are available throughout the United States, in places like New Haven, CT; Manchester, NH; Boston, MA; and several other metro areas. Start by entering your information into the Got a Project form and a representative will contact you shortly. For regular updates, subscribe to our email list with the form in the right margin.
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 |