Your interior Polished Concrete is available in 3 main finishes, in terms of the degree of aggregate exposure, followed by the desired gloss level to the finished surface. It is the grinding depth and number of polishing steps that differentiate each finish.
Metro
This is what we consider our high-end product, and also refer to as a ‘Full Grind and Polish’.
This is the most preferred, recognised and requested finish for polished concrete; providing a flat surface, an even, full and heavy level of stone exposure, and high gloss/mirror sheen.
METRO gives the floor the best characteristics and it is the one we recommend in the first instance for its unbeatable durability.
After cleaning & grouting the expansion joints and carrying out any repair work, a number of grinding steps are performed, taking between 3-5mm from the concrete surface. This flattens the floor and exposes the underlying, stronger concrete, and heavy and even distribution of larger aggregate. The exposed air holes/pin holes are then grouted, a hardening product applied, and we carry out numerous polishing stages to achieve the desired gloss level. We would typically take this finish to a Gloss – High Gloss polish.
The final stages are to apply a penetrating stain protecting solution, followed by burnishing (or buffing) the concrete floor.
*We highly recommend you cover your newly placed & cured concrete with Ram Board or Ovaboard Temporary Flooring Protection from the outset until completion of the build, to prevent any potential damage to the concrete during the construction process, such as oil/fuel leaking from equipment, adhesives, paints or chemicals, and even spilled coffee.
Contemporary
Also referred to as a ‘Light-Medium Grind’, or by some as ‘Salt & Pepper’.
After cleaning & grouting the expansion joints and carrying out any repair work, grinding steps are performed, taking up to 2mm from the surface to expose underlying strong concrete, sand and light-medium varied distribution of random sized aggregate.
The exposed air holes/pin holes are then grouted, a hardening product applied, and we carry out numerous polishing stages to achieve the desired gloss level. We would typically take this to a Semi Gloss – High Gloss polish.
The final stages are to apply a penetrating stain protecting solution, followed by burnishing (or buffing) the concrete floor.
Due to the lesser grinding depth to this finish, the placement of your concrete is very important – it needs to be perfectly placed, flat and with care, as any imperfections or unevenness may remain visible. In the event the concrete is not suitable for this type of finish, we would recommend going to our METRO Finish.
*We highly recommend you cover your newly placed & cured concrete with Ram Board or Ovaboard Temporary Flooring Protection from the outset until completion of the build, to prevent any potential damage to the concrete during the construction process, such as oil/fuel leaking from equipment, adhesives, paints or chemicals, and even spilled coffee.
Industrial
Also referred to as “Cream” or “Natural” or “Float Finish”
These are a rustic, natural and unique looking floor. The final polished floor is a real combined result of the initial concrete mix from the batching plant, the placement of the concrete and
how it cures on the day – which means that each floor can be very different, from one to the
next.
With this Finish, no aggregate is revealed and no concrete is removed, as no grinding steps are carried out. This concept consists solely of polishing stages to the natural creamy surface of the concrete slab (the upper cement layer) giving a marbled/mottled effect.
We start the process with coarser polishing grits before applying the hardening product, and further numerous refining polishing stages. We would typically take this to a Gloss-High Gloss polish.
The final stages are to apply a penetrating stain protecting solution, followed by burnishing (or buffing) the concrete floor.
It is imperative your concrete placement is absolutely perfect – the floor must be completely flat and smooth, and well protected after placement. Any irregularities in the concrete surface’s colour and appearance are not removed by polishing, therefore will remain. In the event the concrete is not suitable for this type of finish, we would recommend going to the CONTEMPORARY or METRO Finish.
Also, as there is no grinding (which in other finishes, takes you down to the stronger underlying concrete), this finish is more susceptible to etching/staining from spilled acidic or coloured substances.
*We highly recommend you cover your newly placed & cured concrete with Ram Board or Ovaboard Temporary Flooring Protection from the outset until completion of the build, to prevent any potential damage to the concrete during the construction process, such as oil/fuel leaking from equipment, adhesives, paints or chemicals, and even spilled coffee.
As well as grinding and polishing the interior concrete floors of your home or business, we can transform your exterior concrete, help with personalising your concrete, and can create unique custom made pieces.
Exterior Honed Concrete
To transform your exterior concrete areas, such as driveways, patios, pathways and landscaping areas, our processes are a little different to that of our interior ground and polished finishes.
We perform repairs and grouting, and grind the surface (coarse then medium grind) to expose the aggregate, and leave at a 60grit exterior finish for extra slip resistance. Two coats of exterior concrete sealer are then applied, which provides a protective barrier to the concrete surface, and keeps it look great.
Personalised
Polished Concrete can be personalised, making it uniquely yours!
Prior to having your concrete placed, you have the options to alter/choose aggregate size and colour, as well as using coloured oxide to alter cement colour. This is all arranged with your placer & concrete batching company; however we can give advice and recommendations to assist you.
- installing coloured grout in decorative cuts or inlays
- you choosing the desired level of aggregate exposure by adjusting the grinding depth
- you can also decide the level of polishing to achieve various gloss finishes
You really do have endless options to enhance the look of your concrete.
Custom Made
We are able to work with you to come up with completely unique, custom-made concrete creations!
Individual stair treads and landings for homes and commercial buildings, bench tops and countertops for your home or business, fire hearths and mantle pieces, exterior pillar caps, exterior BBQ surrounds and benches are just a few of the pieces we have done.
We work on precast concrete items, as opposed to insitu.
Once you know what you’re after, liaise with us and we will provide a quote and recommendations.
We will arrange the construction of any moulds required to cast the item, ensure appropriate reinforcing inserted, make, pour and vibrate the item, then leave to cure, before carrying out our specialised grinding and polishing processes.
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