How much can I expect concrete floor polishing cost be per sqm?

Concrete floor polishing cost is the most asked question. Read on for a better understanding how concrete floor polishing cost estimates are calculated. As with any construction work, cost can & does vary greatly according to the desired process, level of refinement, and/or applied finish. Existing work can cost up to 30% more than new work. Job size, site access and complexity, edge work, stairs or any other restrictions are all factors in determining what the concrete floor polishing cost estimated price may be. We are committed to give our fit for purpose outcomes. Your requirements and your predetermined budget must also be realistically. Something perceived as being complicated and expensive may be straight forward for us and what is considered easy and quick may not be that way at all. Easiest way to find out is to ask! For example - Concrete floor polishing cost for areas less than 35 square metres are based on minimum value. Set up fees can apply from time to time.

I have an old floor. Can older concrete be polished?

Ultimately, you are only limited by the condition of the concrete floor. Repairs and improvements of the concrete may be necessary. For example; Extensively damaged concrete may not be the best candidate. Softer concrete consumes a lot more product and materials. In these instances, we highly recommend our On-site Sample Service in order to determine what will be required. The team at Ultimate Floors works closely with you at every step of the way to ensure the best possible outcome. In addition, guidance to prevent any potential issues and protecting the finished floor from damage is part of our service. We take great care to protect our reputation as a leading provider of high quality honed and polished concrete. So whilst we will never cut corners, even at a client’s request, we ensure you receive the best possible advice and return of investing with Ultimate Floors.

What are the 'pros and cons' vs. tiling or similar?

The wide range of mechanical polished and top coated concrete floor polishing costs offers varied levels of performance, visual appeal and maintenance requirements. Certainly, it is possible to put a process together to be comparable with lower to high quality tiles. The biggest difference is the ecological and environmental aspects that our products like Husqvarna HiPERFLOOR® provides while contributing to cleaner indoor air quality. Grout in tiles can become mouldy, dirty and stained over a short period of time. That white or light brown grout you initially chose can soon become a dark brown, especially where pets and children are present! The porous nature of grout means it can become a breeding ground for mould, mildew and bacteria within your home. Polished concrete is a sealed floor system so these possible issues are simply not present.

I'm about to build, do I need to plan ahead?

Plan your project early. Choose your concrete supplier, colour type and aggregates to be used. If there are to be customised features like glass, shells, brass, logos, feature strips and decorative cuts, consider arranging these features early. Having a process specification drafted for your project is recommended to ensure you are getting the process and outcome you are investing in.

At which point does Ultimate Floors recommend attending?

Existing concrete; before fitout of kitchens or fixtures - Skirtings and door architraves - Final painting. For new concrete, we offer three residential options; (1) Dependent on process selected, after 10 to 14 days days for mechanical polished concrete to 28 days for topical polished concrete ( coated finish ) after concrete placement for initial work then honing and polishing stages completed after building is water tight. (2) After framing – lock up stage: The roof is on and plaster board has been fixed and set. (3) Pre-cut where walls will be 3 to 4 days after concrete placement. After building is water tight and plaster board has been fixed and set is complete - the concrete polishing process is completed. The latter is our most common request and has proven to be a good balance for builder and fit off trades alike. For more detailed information on our recommended approach and why it just works… get in touch. For commercial projects; timing will be adjusted to in accordance to the extent of works involved, the construction program and determined in consultation with associated trades and Project Management.

Who is responsible for placing and finishing the concrete? Is this something you do?

From a concrete floor polishing cost perspective, Ultimate Floors are specialists in what we do. Concrete contractors are specialists in concrete placement and finishing. With that being said, it is really important the concreter is aware the floor will be polished. Ultimate Floors does collaborate with only very experienced concreters from time to time to assist with improved outcomes. Furthermore, following industry guidelines and our recommendations will greatly assist the concrete contractor.

If build work is happening before and after your attendance, is there a chance the concrete can crack?

Concrete slab cracks can come from a combination of things. Slab design, concrete blend, placement, incorrect curing and weather conditions on the day of slab construction. Adhering to fit for purpose concrete slab design and having us place crack control cuts to relieve stress during the initial curing period reduce the random shrinkage cracks appearing. When doing a new slab, let your concreter know that the concrete slab will be honed or polished so they can add the appropriate precautionary measures in preparing and finishing your slab to the required standards. Ultimate Floors are comfortable working directly with your concrete contractor / builder in order to minimise any risks and discuss precautions.

We already have an existing floor finish in place. Can we still have our Concrete Polished?

Absolutely, many fantastic outcomes have resulted from refurbishments. Once again there are many variables, knowing more about your environment and ideal result is the first step. First and foremost, care needs to be taken when attempting removal of hard materials like floor tiles, timber or any other direct to concrete floor covering. Carpet and vinyl flooring are simpler to manage and therefore risk of damage is minor. Talk to us about your individual requirements and to find out about the care required for floor covering removal and general floor preparation.

We’re think of something around our pool or patio area. Is it the same process?

External pavement work differs to internal areas and are in the Honed Concrete category. As you can imagine, the grinding stages in the process are necessary to ensure a safe transit surface when water wet. External areas generally are 2 or 3 grinding stages with a choice of 3 types of surface protectors. It is recommended, surface slip co-efficiency be considered when selecting a finish and suggest impregnating sealer be the final stage. Impregnating sealer protects the surface while not altering the micro texture provided during the honing process.

Colour Enhancing Sealer or Natural Look Sealer For Outdoor Honed Concrete.

Ultimate floors recently enhanced this Keppera family’s outdoor entertainment area. Home owners, Adrian and Wendy originally selected a natural look impregnate sealer finish.

Concrete honing floor tech was asked how the finish will look. Simple answer to that is “Natural”. The concrete patina will have no change when compared to having the colour enhancing sealer applied.

Let’s briefly look at your options.

Firstly, outdoor concrete is not polished. It is taken to a honed only stage. Finer the diamond grinding grit is, less grip may be experienced.

It is important, a safe surface is considered when water wet. More information for Australian Standards and safe floors around the work place for surface slip compliance can be read by following the text link.

As noted above, every external honed concrete process Ultimate Floors has or will do in the future ensures surface safety.

With surface safety taken care off, the result to expect was discussed with the home owners.

What did they choose to do?

Only way to confirm our colour enhancing sealer recommendation is the right fit, apply product to a small area after the surface is honed. On-site sample is specific to your concrete. This offers the ideal way for you to see how the honed surface will look after the colour enhancing sealer is applied.

With this in mind the client agreed a small test sample will definitely help them with their choice. Natural look sealer was then changed to the colour enhancing sealer finish you see to the photo above.

Ultimate Floors recommended our ” COLOUR ENHANCING SEALING FOR HONED CONCRETE” system for three main reasons.

Why invest in a decorative concrete and not have the nice aggregates pop
Sealer does not sit on the surface to peel of in the future
Resealing is simplified

Okay.

This highlights the natural colour of the mix and brings out the light aggregate colour hues and few reasons why you should consider this sealing finish.

What an awesome result, clients were super stoked!

Concrete Contractor

We also need to acknowledge the skill and attention the concrete contractor took. Honed concrete and sealing makes their work look awesome. In saying this, the concreter commonly does washed aggregate finishes and had not done a concrete slab to be honed previously. So kudos to the concrete crew for delivering an outstanding canvas for us to work with.

Honed Concrete and Colour Enhancing Sealer Process

Our concrete honing is typically completed at 60 grit minimum for inclines exceeding five degrees. Wet areas such as around pools may also need this improved traction. Flat surfaces are most commonly completed to 80 or 100 grit surface profile.

On completion of the concrete honing stages, area is cleaned with PH neutral wash. Drying time will vary based on time of year and how much direct sun can access the concrete surface.

Sealing is done in 2 stages – Pre seal saturation for longer water repelling capability. Pre seal is left to cure, this may be over night depending on the area size. Colour enhancing sealer is then applied. To improve penetration and overall look, Ultimate Floors buffs in this sealer. Two applications are commonly done. Concrete density varies, and buffing the colour enhancing sealer works it in to the surface more effectively.

Do keep in mind that honed concrete will require some basic cleaning. A good clean every so often will help surface slip safe, especially when water wet.

When choosing Ultimate Floors for grinding and honing you outdoor concrete, in return we take your objectives and work through suitable options.

Honed Concrete - Learn more

Colour Enhancing Sealer or Natural Look Sealer For Outdoor Honed Concrete.

Let’s briefly look at your options.

What did they choose to do?

Concrete Contractor

Honed Concrete and Colour Enhancing Sealer Process

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