The scoop on polished concrete
It’s an eight-step process – and it’s all about the diamond grits! We mount extra-strength diamond discs on an 1100-pound grinder. Our team begins with 30-grit diamonds, and by the end use 3,000 grit diamonds. We start with the rough grits, which give us the ability to remove imperfections and flatten the floor. Next, we apply finer grits to create a marble-like shine.
No. We use state-of-the-art equipment that creates virtually no dust.
This is a permanent process – so you can count on the results to last. We don’t use wax, epoxy, acrylic, or any other shiny coverings that will eventually fail.
Nope. The National Floor Safety Institute has awarded our flooring a “high traction” rating of .60 or better, wet or dry. In summary? You won’t slip.
Where polished concrete works best
It’s ideal for any property that gets a lot of pedestrian traffic. We install polished concrete in warehouses, restaurants, schools, retail stores, manufacturing centers, residential properties, auto showrooms, and more.
We don’t recommend applying it to offices and music room because of acoustics, nor bathrooms because of the potential of urine etching.
It depends. Edgework costs money. Sometimes it pays to do 6 of the 8 steps before the “build out” and then do the final 2 steps just before completion. Edgework controls the timing of our service.
Yes. No problem!
Again - No problem. When we’re finished, your floor will be gorgeous.
How to maintain polished concrete
It’s as stain resistant as a surface can get! Most eyesores won’t permeate the surface. And even if you do ignore an oily stain and it soaks into the concrete pores, it can be removed with a deep pressure washing treatment.
In a word: simple. With routine mopping or a “walk behind” scrubber, your concrete will look just like new.
Nope! All tire tracks wipe off easily.
Yes, but not easily. Strong acids, such as muriatic acid, will destroy the shine.
The cost of polished concrete
Price varies on size and condition of the concrete. Take these typical scenarios:
- Residential “Lofts” (multiple units): $5-10 per square foot
- 3,000 square-foot warehouse, new construction, quality concrete: $2.50 per square foot
- 20,000 square-foot warehouse with 20-year-old concrete replete with cracks, pitting, paint, and epoxy: $3.50 - $4.50 per square foot.
It typically costs about 50¢ per square foot.
How Concrete Polishing is Not Done
As an emerging industry, concrete polishing is experiencing dramatic changes while advancements in equipment and techniques are constantly being introduced. Faster, easier, cheaper methods of polishing are showing up almost monthly bringing with it budget priced diamonds and densifiers that prove to be unsatisfactory in performance. At the same time, contractors offer their services when in fact, they do not have the knowledge or proper experience in methods and materials. Here are two illustrations:
Example #1
The Wrong Way in Winter Haven, FL
BIG BOX RETAILER
Polishing Process: Floor was polished using light weight, high speed equipment.Important preliminary steps were omitted.
Result: The floor was absolutely gorgeous. The shine was excellent, the light reflection was outstanding.
Six Months Later: The shine was completely gone. Ordinary foot traffic wore the shine away.
Example #2
The Right Way in Pottstown, PA (same store chain as example #1)
BIG BOX RETAILER
Polishing Process: Floor was properly ground with high quality diamonds and no steps were omitted.
Premium densifier was used. Heavy weight machinery and state of the art diamonds were used.
Result: Initial outstanding beauty.
Twenty-eight Months Later: Floor looks almost like the day it was polished.
Conclusion
Get it done right. Concrete Reflections Inc. can be trusted to provide a job with longevity in mind. It is easy to polish concrete that looks pretty, but only a very few select polishers will provide a floor that maintains its beauty for years and years. For the lowest cost over the long term, Concrete Reflections Inc. can be trusted. Only Concrete Reflections Inc. offers an optional 20-year absolute guarantee that assures that your floor will retain its high gloss beauty. That’s the epitome of value!
