One of the best solutions for residential and industrial flooring is polished concrete. Concrete is long-lasting, repels stains and is extremely attractive because of the way light reflects from it. This flooring option is chosen most often in new builds so you might be wondering exactly what polished concrete is.

Polished Concrete? What’s That?

Polished concrete is produced when regular concrete has an added densifier product which gives the finished concrete a smooth appearance. Once the floor has been installed and completed, it can be finished by going over it with a grinder to produce a shininess and light reflective effect.

Concrete Removal (Optional)

If you're looking to remove concrete from your property, there are a few different options to choose from. You can either do it yourself or hire a professional concrete removal company.

If you decide to do it yourself, the first thing you'll need to do is rent a concrete saw. This will allow you to cut through the concrete so that you can break it up into smaller pieces. Once you've done that, you can then use a sledgehammer or another heavy object to break the concrete up into even smaller pieces. After that, you can either haul the concrete away yourself or have it removed by a professional concrete removal company.

What are the Benefits of Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete can be made to look like many different materials. It offers a pleasing look and has many great benefits over other flooring options, including:

• *Great for radiant floor heating systems because it has thermal conducting properties

• *It is affordable depending on the finishing options and how the concrete is poured.

• *It is very low maintenance and does not require waxing or stripping. It just needs to be swept and mopped to remove accumulated dirt.

• *Is environmentally friendly and does not utilize any adhesives, cleaners, or hazardous chemicals

• *Resistant to moisture if it is properly sealed and finished.

• *Durable and stands up to constant foot traffic. It is nearly impossible to damage this flooring unless you drop something extremely heavy from a very high height onto it

• *Lasts for a very long time – polished concrete has been known to last upwards of ten years without any serious maintenance if it is correctly installed.

Is the Installation of Polished Concrete an Affordable Option?

One of the most affordable options for flooring is polished concrete. It can be quite low cost depending on if there is an existing concrete slab in place, the grade of the aggregate that is being utilized and the procedure for polishing the flooring. When you factor in the low maintenance costs and the fact that you will not need to upgrade it or repair it as you would with wood flooring for example, it can be a good option particularly for industrial settings.

Options for Polish

When you choose polished concrete, it can have a variety of finishes including:

• High gloss – requires lots of grinding to ensure that you get the desired effect.

• Medium gloss – less grinding but still very glossy

• No gloss – grinding but no polish option leaving a matte surface.

• Shiny – least amount of grinding and polishing leaving exposed concrete with a shiny appearance

Polished concrete is a good option to consider when it comes to flooring because it is visually appealing and affordable. It can take on the appearance of many expensive finishing options such as granite or marble without the massive price tag.

Polished Concrete Flooring Benefits

• * Cost effective and affordable – other flooring options can be quite expensive and if you have a large area to cover, polished concrete can be very reasonable.

• *Versatile – can be used in a variety of applications from residential to commercial spaces.

• *Eco-friendly – do not utilize hazardous chemicals with installation, do not build up mildew or mold and heat that is absorbed by the sun can lower energy bills. Polished floors can improve the indoor air quality.

• *Sustainable – last much longer than vinyl, linoleum or ceramic tile and resist breakage.

• *High end look – polished concrete is visually appealing and offers a high-gloss appearance. Polished concrete reflects light in an appealing way. The beautiful appearance of polished concrete makes it a top choice for museums, hotels, theaters, and homes.

• *Minimal maintenance – occasional sweeping and mopping is all that is required to preserve the beauty of polished concrete.

• *Are stain and mark resistant including scratches and tire marks?

• *Enhances ambient lighting – when you choose to install polished concrete flooring in your commercial area or residence the polished surface absorbs light and increases illumination in the room.

• *Can be used soon after installation which makes it a good option for high traffic areas

• *waxing required – these floors are already polished to provide a high gloss appearance, and this does not require wax or stripping of the wax from the surface;

If you have been considering different flooring options, polished concrete it one that has increased in popularity over the last decade. This option provides a beautiful finish that many will complement and admire. It is the perfect installation for homes and for industrial settings alike and is durable while looking great. You can have finished concrete take on the look of many expensive materials without the expensive price tag which makes it a good option for the budget conscious.