Polished concrete is becoming more and more mainstream for floors in commercial construction projects. It is used in offices, stores, hotels, factories and warehouses for its beauty and efficiency. It is easy to clean, durable and less expensive than tile, linoleum, wood, or carpet. Its high light reflectivity enhances a facility’s image and minimizes the need for floor lighting. It is also an environmentally friendly material because it eliminates the need for floor coverings that require harsh chemicals for cleaning and replacement.

Can you have polished concrete in a commercial kitchen?

The process of grinding, honing and polishing concrete to a high gloss level requires special skill. This process can be done with large planetary head machines that grind the surface of the concrete and polish it at the same time. The concrete is polished with a sequence of increasingly finer grit abrasives until a desired level of polish (clarity of reflection) and durability are achieved. Maximum durability is achieved by strictly following the contractor’s grit sequence and by not skipping steps.

Decorative overlays can be applied to the concrete surface to add color and texture. These overlays can create the look of granite, marble and other more expensive stone products. A wide selection of concrete dyes are also available for use on polished concrete. These products offer a much wider color palette than acid stains and are not chemically reactive to the concrete so they create a more even, consistent appearance.

While polished concrete predominately is used indoors, its durability makes it a good choice for outdoor spaces as well. Unlike tile, it is not prone to chipping and cracking from blunt force and it is strong enough for heavy machinery and equipment.