How much does polished concrete flooring cost?

When hiring flooring services for industrial, commercial, and residential buildings, polished concrete is rapidly gaining traction. When it comes to interior or outdoor concrete floors, old or new, with a variety of gloss levels and aggregate exposure to choose from, polishing the concrete floor is a versatile and low-maintenance option.

While polished concrete flooring cost varies depending on many factors, it typically ranges from $6 to $15 per square foot in the United States. The fee may be lower if you already have concrete flooring and need a simple polish. Meanwhile, the costs to polish existing concrete floors can be as low as $3 to $5 per square foot.

Price list of polished concrete flooring

The average price list and breakdown for a polished concrete floor cost per square foot can be found below: 

Different types of polished concrete floors

How much it costs to polish concrete is also influenced by the type and style you’re going for. Here are the different costs to grind and polish concrete floor:

Cream

This type of polished concrete is done by softly exposing the aggregate while polishing the top surface with diamond pads. It requires a sturdy slab with little surface wear or uneven flooring; otherwise, the issue must be fixed by grinding the floor. Having an organic appearance, it is growing popular in residential areas, particularly in newer constructions.

Salt and pepper

For salt and pepper, the grinding process is gentle because it only cuts back the slab to a depth of 1/16 inch to reveal the small aggregates beneath the surface paste. Exposing the more refined aggregate grains gives the surface a speckled or salt-and-pepper appearance. This is usually the top choice for restaurants and shopping malls and home renovation projects.

Full or exposed aggregate 

This needs to be ground deeply, with cuts up to 1/4 inches. This method is for more than brand-new concrete slabs. More aggressive grinding techniques are also used on pre-existing floors to reach large particles.

☞ Related read: How much does vinyl flooring cost?

Factors affecting the cost of polished concrete flooring

Location

How much polished concrete floors will also depend on where you’re located. Average prices will be greater in areas with a higher cost of living, like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Room size and accessibility

Larger rooms have higher material and labor costs. The polished concrete garage floor cost can be bigger than finishing a simple bedroom. But, even small rooms or spaces like bathrooms that don’t require a lot of materials can be challenging due to access issues and complexity. 

Excavation depth

Providing a stable foundation when constructing a new concrete floor is critical to prevent subsidence and cracking. Building a foundation requires removing the existing base and excavating the underlying ground. 

Because the local geology, soil characteristics, and water table can vary, the excavation depth can only be established once the excavator reaches stable subsoil. The deeper you dig, the more soil you need to remove and concrete you must use. As a result, the depth of the excavation significantly impacts the average cost of polishing concrete floors.

Floor condition

How the concrete floor foundation is rebuilt depends on the type and state of the existing floor. If the foundation of some old concrete floors remains solid, you may only replace the concrete. A timber-suspended floor, in contrast, will need to be completely removed, followed by the installation of new floor foundations.

Finish

You can dye your polished concrete flooring to match your interior. Polishes and sealants will lengthen the concrete’s lifespan and make it easier to maintain a clean surface. All of these, however, raise the overall costs of polished concrete floors.

☞ You might also like: How much does terrazzo flooring cost?

Benefits of polished concrete floors

You might be wondering what you will gain by installing concrete floors. Here are a few benefits you might enjoy:

• Requires little maintenance. Concrete floors that have been polished will maintain their quality for a very long period. These floors require routine sweeping or vacuuming, washing, and drying. Periodically, use a high-quality sealer to reseal the surface.

• Your property will look stylish, contemporary, and modern. Polished concrete can be stained or dyed in a wide variety of colors. You can paint a polished concrete floor with a light color to reflect light. This isn’t only visually pleasing but can also cut your energy costs because it lets light travel across the space more efficiently; thus, less indoor lighting will be required.

• Doesn’t retain dirt. By selecting the right sealer, the floors will be waterproof, stain-resistant, and non-slip. 

• More cost-effective. Polished concrete is less expensive than hardwood, marble, tile, and other floor coverings. Moreover, polished concrete doesn’t become damaged by mold or moisture like most other flooring options. This type of flooring is also perfect for underfloor heating.

Post a task for polished concrete flooring

There is no denying that a polished concrete floor of superior quality can enhance a home. So before you upgrade your flooring, get in the work to look for a polished concrete flooring expert. 

Start creating a task to find a skilled contractor for the job. Mention your budget, location, preferred type and finish, and other important details when posting a task to receive a more accurate quote. Check out Tasker profiles, reviews, and ratings. To ensure a smooth polished concrete flooring installation project, make sure to cover everything!

Polished concrete flooring can increase the overall value of your property. Hiring a professional with the right equipment, experience, and skills is important to get the job done safely and efficiently!