What is the Cost To Polish Concrete Floors ?

Concrete polishing costs can range from $3 to $12 per square foot on the low end, while high-end services may cost $15 to $30 per square foot.

In this article we will elaborate on why the cost can vary so significantly.Concrete has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Available in a virtually limitless variety of colors and cuts and textures like a warm sheen, polished concrete floors are becoming a much-admired feature in many residential settings.

Cost Factors

When estimating the cost of polished concrete floors, there are several variables to consider. Some of the most important factors affecting the cost of polished concrete are:

The Condition Of The Concrete

If the existing concrete is cracked, the crack must be filled with an epoxy or other semi-rigid filler and sealed appropriately. Sealing is also required at joints in the concrete. While the epoxy or filler is not generally too expensive, there are additional labor costs involved which will impact the cost of your project.

Extensive surface repair can add up to $2 per square foot. Once repairs are done, if we deem it necessary to resurface the concrete to cover the repair work, expect to pay an additional $2 to $3 per square foot for resurfacing.

The Level of Grinding Needed

The level of grinding is what determines the sheen your finished concrete floor will have. This is perhaps the most important of the factors to consider for the cost. During the Free estimate know how many times we will have to grind or hone the floor to get it to the level of shine you require.

The Size and Area of the Floor

While you can get a rough estimate of the cost of a polished concrete floor by measuring your square footage, it is important to note that square footage is not the only consideration when it comes to actually have the work done.

The location of the area that you need polished is also an important factor. Because of the process involved in grinding or honing your concrete floor, larger floors are sometimes less costly to prepare than smaller ones due to the level of difficulty in working in small areas where much of the polishing will have to be done by hand.

The Intricacy of Designs, Scoring, and Staining

As with many different flooring options, the more elaborate your desired design is, the more it will cost to achieve. The rates can vary as the designs you choose to use. During the onsite consultation, we discuss options that apply to your project and that will meet your expectations.

In general, here is what you can expect for each price range noted:

For $2 to $6 per square foot, you can expect to get a basic design with one layer of stain polished to a beautiful sheen.

For $5 to $8 per square foot, you can expect some more design elements, scoring, and perhaps more than one type of coloring for your floor.

For $8 to $15 per square foot, you can expect more elaborate designs, advanced coloring, artistic patterns, and possibly even stenciling with polishing.

Floors on Grade or Above Grade

If your concrete floor will be installed over an existing subfloor or on a raised deck, we will have to install a cement underlayment before applying the finished floor. This process can add $2 to $3 per square foot to the total cost of your polished concrete floor.

For a more exact quote, it’s better to call and schedule a free on-site consultation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Polished Concrete

The disadvantages of polished concrete are very few. They involve things like discoloration, stains that are deeply embedded in the concrete, or imprints made when pouring the concrete. For the most part, these issues are avoided we use high-quality materials and carefully follow the correct procedures at each stage of the installation. Also, we warranty all our work for a piece of mind.

On the other hand, the advantages of having a polished concrete floor are many. Here are some compelling reasons for considering polished concrete as your next home fashion statement:

 

Ease of Maintenance: Once your concrete floor is prepared and polished properly, maintenance is a breeze. Dust mopping regularly will keep your floor sparkling. Wet mopping is also a part of regular maintenance designed to clean polished concrete more deeply than dust mopping alone. A pail of clean water will usually suffice, though floor cleaner may be used to handle more serious stains or spills.

Longevity and Eco-Friendliness:  If properly maintained, your polished concrete floor can last a lifetime. With increasingly eco-friendly materials used to color and treat polished concrete, it is also a good choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners. Polished concrete has been called the perfect marriage of indestructibility and beauty.

Economical:  Depending on the intricacy of the colors and styles you choose, polished concrete flooring is also a highly economical choice. Considering the fact that you will likely never have to replace it, it is easy to see how it saves money both in the short term and the long term.

Invulnerable to moisture damage and mold: Unlike flooring options like hardwood, linoleum, and carpeting, polished concrete is not vulnerable to moisture damage or mold, making it a great choice for families with allergy-sufferers or asthmatics.

Versatility: Polished concrete allows a homeowner a virtually unlimited set of options as to color and design. It can be used in indoor applications as well as outdoor applications if desired.

Options and Styles

On the subject of available options and styles, here are some popular choices to consider:

For the cost-conscious consumer, a basic one-pattern design can keep costs down while still providing a beautifully polished look for your floor.

For a step-up design-wise, saw cuts and patterns can provide added visual interest for a minimal additional cost.

The use of multiple dyes along with scoring saw cuts, and airbrushing can create a stunning look that livens up your entire room.

The use of stencils, divider strips, and decorative embeds can give your floors a one-of-a-kind look that is a focal point for your home.

To find out what best matches your home, book an on-site free consultation today.

In Summary

Concrete polishing costs can vary based on factors such as the condition of the concrete, the size of the area to be polished, the level of customization or design desired, and the location. On the low end, basic polishing services typically involve minimal preparation and a simple polishing process, resulting in a more affordable price point. However, for high-end services, additional steps such as extensive surface preparation, decorative designs, intricate patterns, or specialized coatings may be included, driving up the cost per square foot. It’s important to consider these factors when budgeting for concrete polishing projects.

If you are looking for an economical, eco-friendly way to add some added spice to your floors, polished concrete may be just the thing to consider. With an endless variety of options for color and design, polished concrete can provide you with years of beautiful, low-maintenance floors.