Are polished concrete floors worth it?
High Durability. Polished concrete flooring is extremely strong and resilient and is able to withstand the pressure from very heavy foot traffic and equipment. It is very difficult to damage and is nearly impossible to chip or scratch.
Can an existing concrete floor be polished?
Almost any structurally sound concrete floor, whether new or old, can be polished.
Is it cheaper to tile or polish concrete?
Because material and labor costs for tile are high, polished concrete is often significantly less expensive than tile in new residential construction and renovation. Depending on slab size and gloss level, a cream polished concrete floor is generally $3.50 to $5 per square foot.
How much does it cost to refinish concrete floors?
The price of concrete resurfacing typically ranges from about $3 per square foot to $25 per square foot. However, the cost of your project will depend on a variety of factors.
Do polished concrete floors crack?
Also, in floors that are mechanically polished like our Husqvarna Hiperfloors or our MPC, the concrete is hardened and densified to up to 10 times its natural strength so it is much less likely to crack.
How long does it take to polish concrete floor?
Depending on the area, the level of polish, and the obstacles, the polishing can take upwards of 2 to 3 days. However, you can use the surface immediately after the polishing is done. For more information on polished concrete, or to get an estimate, you can contact us at The Floor Company.
Does stained concrete floors add value to your home?
Concrete flooring resale value A stained or stamped concrete floor generally adds to your home's value on resale.
Is polished concrete slippery?
Polished concrete IS slippery in dusty conditions The weakness of polished concrete flooring is that it's exceptionally slippery when exposed to dry powder or fine dust. Powder glides over the surface of the concrete, making it very difficult and even dangerous to walk on.
How do you maintain polished concrete floors?
HOW TO CARE FOR POLISHED CONCRETE FLOORSDust mop the floor daily with a microfiber pad to keep dirt particles off the floor. ... If wet mopping the floor, always use clean water and clean mops. ... When wet mopping, use a neutral floor cleaner formulated to suspend the dirt particles so they can be more easily removed.More items...
Is polished concrete cheaper than hardwood?
Because material costs for polished concrete floors are six to eight times lower than that of high-quality hardwood floors, polished concrete is significantly less expensive than wood in new residential construction. In 2022, a typical white oak floor install can range from $12 to over $22 a square foot.
Why is polished concrete so expensive?
No matter which method is used, concrete polishing requires special machinery. Grind and seal is the least expensive, because fewer grits are needed. Mechanically polished concrete must use finer and finer grits of concrete until the required gloss level is achieved, which is why it's more expensive.
Is staining concrete cheaper than flooring?
Is Stained Concrete Expensive? Starting at just $2 per square foot, a stained concrete floor is less expensive than tile, wood, or natural stone flooring. However, as you add customization, the price rises and becomes comparable to more expensive flooring like slate or marble.
Can you do polished concrete over existing concrete?
You'd be happy to know that any concrete surface can be ground back and polished up. This may be a less risky option to pouring a new slab over an existing one. The look of the finished floors will still depend on the condition of the slab, but it's possible to achieve a natural concrete look.
How do you finish an existing concrete floor?
How to refinish concrete floorsPrepare & Repair. Etch, grind, or shot blast the concrete surface to make it porous. ... Clean & Prime. Mop and let the concrete slab thoroughly dry. ... Mix Product. ... Apply Overlay. ... Add Patterns & Texture. ... Cure & Seal.
Is it hard to polish a concrete floor?
Polishing concrete is not an easy DIY project, since it requires heavy equipment and special diamond tooling. We recommend hiring a professional concrete polishing contractor to complete your project. They will have a thorough understanding of what it takes to achieve the best results.
How can I make my concrete floor shine?
How to Make Stained Concrete Have a Shiny FinishClean the concrete well. Sweep the stained concrete floor and remove stubborn residue with a mild soap and scrub brush if necessary. ... Apply first coat of the sealer. ... Apply the second coat. ... Clean the sealed floor. ... Apply acrylic wax.
How much does it cost to polish a concrete floor?
Polished concrete floors cost about $2,000 on average to install for a 200 square foot room. The cost of concrete lies between $3 to $6 per square foot , depending on the room where the floor is to be installed. Polished concrete floors are becoming a popular option for homeowners because they are durable, easy to maintain and economic to install.
How Much Does It Cost to Complete a Polished Concrete Floor Job Yourself?
We don’t recommend attempting a polished concrete floor on your own. Grinding concrete to the correct level is a very complex and time-intensive job. It becomes even more complicated if you’re doing the job on or above the ground level of your home, which can often involve installing new concrete.
How Much Does a Polished Concrete Floor Cost per Square Foot?
Most polished concrete floor jobs cost $3 to $8 per square foot. However, if your existing concrete needs repairs, or if you need to pour a completely new concrete slab, your costs will increase and can run as high as $15 to $30 per square foot.
What is grinding concrete?
Grinding is what determines the level of shine and sparkle of your concrete floor. Depending on your desired results, a contractor may need to grind your concrete floor multiple times to achieve the level of shine that you desire. The more complex the grinding process, the higher the cost.
Why are polished concrete floors so popular?
Polished concrete floors are becoming a popular option for homeowners because they are durable, easy to maintain and economic to install. Concrete floors now come in a wide variety of finishes and styles that can suit many different homes.
How much does a polished layer cost?
To get an idea of pricing considerations, a single polished layer can cost between $2 to $6 per square foot. To add color, a few design elements, and scoring, you can expect to pay $5 to $8 per square foot.
Is a polished concrete floor expensive?
At $3 to 8 per square foot on average, polished concrete is comparable in price to other popular flooring materials, such as wall-to -wall carpeting or laminate. It is significantly less expensive than ceramic or stone tile, which can cost $6 to $20 per square foot, or solid hardwood plank, which can cost $6 to $22 per square foot.
How much do you save on Polished Concrete?
Visit every supply house that sell your particular brand of Polished Concrete and try to negotiate a better price with each supplier – I save on average 20%.
When to get contractor pricing?
Try to get prices in late Fall, early winter – you should expect aggressive pricing discounts by waiting for a contractor’s down season.
How Much Does It Cost to Polish Existing Concrete Floors?
Most subflooring is concrete, and polishing this existing material is much cheaper than having to lay a new slab. On average, the cost per square foot to polish existing concrete floors is anywhere between $2 and $15, based on data from ImproveNet.
How much does it cost to polish concrete?
On average, the cost per square foot to polish existing concrete floors is anywhere between $2 and $15, based on data from ImproveNet.
Why do you pay more per square foot for polished concrete?
However, if you’re putting polished concrete floors in multiple rooms, this can increase the price because the contractor has to use smaller tools to maneuver around edges and doorways.
How much does bamboo cost per square foot?
However, bamboo is still more expensive when compared to polished concrete floors, coming in at $9 to $19 per square foot for materials and labor.
Is laminate flooring cheaper than concrete?
Price-wise, the cost to install laminate flooring is more comparable to polishing concrete. However, to eliminate the chance of an uneven floor in the future, many contractors choose to replace the subflooring before laying the laminate. As you tend to pay per day for someone to remove the subfloor, the costs soon mount up.
Is it cheaper to lay tile or concrete?
If you need newly poured concrete floors, tiles could be the cheaper option, especially if you lay them yourself. But if your subfloor is already concrete, getting it ground and polished will be the quicker and more economical choice.
Is polished concrete flooring good?
Polished concrete flooring is an easy and timeless way to give your home a modern, industrial look. It doesn’t just look great; polished concrete is practically impossible to damage, and it’s also easy to clean. Best of all, polished concrete floors cost less than most other popular flooring options. This May Also Interest You: How ...
How much does polished concrete cost?
Economical: You can expect to pay between $3 and $12 per square foot for polished concrete, depending on your location and the complexity of the project. Polished concrete pricing is dependent upon how many levels of grinding are needed to get the floor to a smooth surface. The cost for polished concrete can go up depending upon decorative effects that are applied such as staining or scoring.
What is the difference between polished concrete and hardwood flooring?
Wood and laminate flooring can be damaged by water and harbor mold or mildew. Basic polished concrete can cost half as much, or less, than installing hardwood floor ing.
How long does concrete last?
Polished concrete requires minimal maintenance (regular dust mopping and occasional damp mopping) and can last a lifetime. Other surfaces, such as carpet, require more frequent deeper cleanings and may need replacement in as little as 8 to 10 years.
What color is laminate flooring?
Generally, your color options are limited to shades of brown, with some newer wood flooring options available in whitewashed or grey tones. The durability is lower than polished concrete, as the surface can be scratched or dented. Wood and laminate flooring can be damaged by water and harbor mold or mildew.
What is the greatest impact on the price per square foot?
Design elements: The extent of design has the greatest impact on the price per square foot. From simply polishing plain gray concrete to elaborate custom designs, nearly anything is possible.
What does gloss mean in polishing?
Gloss or shine level: The level of shine determines the number of steps in the polishing process-the glossier the finish, the more steps-which translates into higher cost.
How to find out what you'll pay for a project?
The best way to find out what you'll pay, is to get quotes for your project. But, here are some general price ranges to help you start figuring out your budget.
How much does it cost to install a concrete floor?
For a concrete floor with a basic finish, you can expect to pay $2 to $12 per square foot. If you have an existing concrete slab that’s ready for staining, polishing, or application of a decorative coating or overlay, most decorative concrete floor installations can be quite cost-effective.
What factors affect the cost of concrete flooring?
Some you can control, such as the complexity of the project, and others you can’t, such as the floor size and existing condition.
WHAT ABOUT GARAGE FLOORING?
Epoxy floor coatings are one of the most affordable ways to upgrade the appearance of your garage. Coatings also increase the stain resistance and hide imperfections. There is a wide array of colors to choose from, as well as decorative enhancements, like quartz or paint chips that add a speckled look to the floor. Learn more about garage floor coatings.
WHAT ARE THE BEST OPTIONS FOR BASEMENT FLOORING?
See 7 reasons why concrete flooring is the best choice for basement flooring.
HOW DOES CONCRETE FLOORING AFFECT THE RESALE VALUE OF MY HOME?
Another consideration is the increase in resale value that concrete flooring provides. If you are planning on selling your home in the future, you have no idea what the future owners will want for flooring. If you’ve installed carpet and they want hardwoods, they’ll have to consider the cost and time to remove and dispose of the carpet and may ask for a decrease in the purchase price to do so. With decorative concrete floors, new owners can install wood, carpet, tile, or any other flooring right on top without losing time and money to remove existing flooring.
How does flooring affect the bottom line?
Flooring details such as the size, colors, finish, and customization can greatly affect the bottom line. In addition, factors like additional surface preparation or working around obstacles like cabinets can also influence the price.
Do you need a cement underlayment for a deck?
On grade vs. above-grade floors: Raised decks or subfloors will need a cement underlayment installed before the finished flooring can be applied. Typically, installers put down a series of products including waterproofing and metal lathe before applying a concrete overlay and the final decorative color, finish, and sealing coats. These applications can add another $2 to $3 per square foot to the cost of the floor.
How much does polished concrete cost?
With an average price of $3 to $8 per square foot , polished concrete is comparable or less expensive than other flooring materials. For reference, hardwood runs from $6 to $22 per square foot, natural stone flooring costs between $6 and $20 per square foot and the price to install tile floors is about the same.
How much does it cost to polish concrete?
A polished concrete floor costs $2,690 on average, with most homeowners paying between $1,540 and $3,840. Polishing 200 square feet of existing concrete could cost anywhere from $600 to $6,000, or up to $6,600 if you need concrete poured.
What are the benefits of polished concrete?
On the other hand, the advantages of having a polished concrete floor are many: 1 Ease of maintenance: Once your concrete floor is prepared and polished properly, maintenance is a breeze. Dust mopping regularly will keep your floor sparkling, but you should wet mop on occasion. 2 Longevity and eco-friendliness: If properly maintained, polished concrete floor lasts a lifetime. With increasingly eco-friendly materials to color and treat polished concrete, it is also a good choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners. 3 Economical: Depending on the intricacy of the colors and styles you choose, polished concrete flooring is also a highly economical choice. You’ll likely never have to replace it. 4 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. 5 Versatility: Polished concrete allows a homeowner a virtually unlimited set of options as to color and design. You can use it in indoor applications as well as outdoor applications, if desired.
How much does it cost to grind a concrete floor?
Grinding a concrete floor averages between $1 to $4 per square foot. Highly polished floors cost more because they require more grinding and polish. A matte finish won’t need as much grinding and costs less.
What determines the sheen of a concrete floor?
Level of concrete grinding: The level of grinding determines the sheen your finished concrete floor will have.
How much does cement underlayment cost?
Floors on or above grade: Installing a cement underlayment can add $2 to $3 per square foot to the total cost.
How much does it cost to stain a house?
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.
