You may be familiar with the term “concrete polishing,” but what does it actually mean for your home? 

In short, concrete polishing is the process of transforming a rough, unfinished concrete floor into a smooth, shiny surface. This can be done through a combination of grinding, honing, and polishing. 

Not only does this process make the concrete more aesthetically pleasing, but it also increases the durability and longevity of the floor. 

Polished concrete floors are one of Geelong’s most popular types of flooring. So this article will explore all there is to know about concrete polishing.

Process of Concrete Polishing

Concrete is made up of several components; it’s a composite material. The ingredients include cement, water, and aggregate, which is a rocky substance like crushed stone, sand, or gravel. 

Here, two factors influence the concrete installation process. One is the degree of exposure grind you like, and the other is hydronic heating. 

Installing polished concrete entails the following steps: 

• Prep and level the ground. 
• Place foils in the ground if you want hydronic heating. 
• Lay the slab and guard it while it dries. 
• Finish the surface with polish and sealant.

A new concrete floor pouring and polishing are difficult tasks that should only be handled by trained experts. A fresh concrete slab might be destroyed by structural faults in inexperienced hands. 

Types of Polished Concrete Floors

You might have seen different variations of polished concrete in Geelong. You probably couldn’t even tell if some of them were concrete. So, let’s see some examples. 

• Cream polished concrete: This is one of the most basic varieties of concrete flooring,  also known as the “Bronze” finish. 

The concrete’s surface is polished using diamond pads rather than being ground or honed. This brings out the floor’s natural colour.

Because no concrete is removed from the floor, the organic variegation and texture of the fresh concrete slabs will be exposed, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Also, this style of polished concrete flooring has become quite popular in residential settings, particularly in contemporary projects. Furthermore, you may also stain the concrete to further improve the appearance of your floor.

• Full aggregate finish: Aggregates are coarse, fine-grained particles (such as crushed stone and sand) used in the construction process. The concrete surface is extensively grounded in the exposed aggregate finish in order to reveal the aggregates in the mix. 

The aggregates’ colour can range from earthy brown tones to rose quartz and scarlet granite, depending on their geological origin. If you want your concrete flooring to stand out, you can use any decorative aggregate such as granite or limestone.

• Salt and pepper concrete: In this style of finishing, the concrete surface is softly crushed to show the fine granules beneath the surface paste. This is sometimes known as “gold” concrete.

In contrast to the full aggregate finish, which gives the surface a matte appearance, this type of concrete offers a high-gloss finish. You may even alter the appearance to match your favourite colour and gloss level.

Benefits of Concrete Polishing

Increased durability

One of the most significant benefits of concrete polishing is that it increases the durability of the floor. A polished concrete floor can withstand heavy foot traffic and high levels of wear and tear. 

This is because the polishing process actually hardens and seals the concrete, making it more resistant to damage.

Easy maintenance

Another significant benefit of polished concrete floors is that they are easy to maintain. Unlike other types of flooring, polished concrete does not need regular waxing or sealing. 

A simple mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is all that’s needed to keep your floor looking its best. Polished concrete floors also don’t need specialised cleaning equipment. A standard vacuum cleaner will be enough.

Aesthetically pleasing

Besides being durable and easy to maintain, polished concrete is also aesthetically pleasing. 

You can customise polished concrete to suit any taste or style. It can be in its natural grey colour, stained to produce a mottled effect, or even dyed to produce a solid colour. No matter what your preference, there’s a polished concrete floor that’s right for you.

Budget-friendly

Concrete is relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners. Additionally, concrete slabs will last for many years before they need to be replaced, so you will get your money’s worth in the long run.

Disadvantages of Concrete polishing

Despite their many benefits, concrete slabs do have some disadvantages as well. 

• Susceptible to cracking: One common problem with concrete slabs is that they can crack over time. It may be due to changes in temperature or ground movement. Cracks can also occur if the slab is improperly installed.

• Suitable for ground floors only: Concrete floors are only ideal for use on ground levels due to their weight. The foundations must be sturdy enough to support the weight of the concrete slabs. 

• Concrete can be slippery: Concrete can be very slippery when wet. This can pose a safety hazard in areas where people are likely to walk barefoot or in shoes with poor traction. For this reason, concrete pool decks often have textured surfaces to prevent slipping.

Conclusion

We hope this blog post has given you a deep understanding of concrete polishing in Geelong. 

From increased durability to easy maintenance to aesthetic appeal, there are many reasons to choose polished concrete for your home or business. And you have seen some downsides as well. 

So, while approaching a polished concrete showroom in Geelong, keep in mind what you need and see if this is a good fit for you.