Polished concrete is a popular flooring material in many homes. It can be used on any surface, including driveways, patios, and sidewalks. Polished concrete surfaces are durable and low-maintenance. They also have an attractive glossy finish that looks great with or without furniture or landscaping in the rooms around them.
This article will explore what polished concrete is made of, how it’s installed, and some of its benefits to Dallas homeowners.
What is polished concrete flooring?
Polished concrete flooring is made by covering a standard concrete surface with resin. This process makes the surface smooth and shiny, like polished marble or granite tiles. However, polished concrete is very durable, unlike natural stone surfaces that can be damaged easily. It has been described as being harder than most types of wood and can resist staining, fading, and scratches.
How are polished concrete floors made?
A polished concrete floor begins with installing a bonding agent on the concrete slab surface. This primer will help create a smooth surface for the resin to adhere to. A coat of resin is then applied to the floor with a squeegee. It is allowed to dry for several hours before it’s polished using a machine that rotates at high speeds, creating the shiny surface finish you see in many homes today.
There are three main types of concrete polishing:
- Standard: This type of polish is the most common and is used for floors that don’t require a lot of extra protection. It has a smooth finish and can be stained or painted any color you like.
- Honed: This polish is subtle and less shiny than regular polished concrete. It’s perfect for floors that will be used in high-traffic areas or homes with young children because it’s less likely to show scratches and scuffs.
- Sealed: This type of polish is the most durable and is perfect for driveways, patios, and other outdoor surfaces. It has a glossy finish and can be treated with a sealant to make it resistant to staining, fading, and scratches.
What are the advantages of polished concrete floors?
Polished concrete floors are durable, low-maintenance flooring material. It doesn’t require wax or other treatments to keep it looking great. This makes it easier for Dallas Texas homeowners to maintain their floors and reduces their risk of injury from slips and falls on surfaces that can become slippery.
Polished concrete floors are also cost-effective for homeowners looking to update their floors or build a new home. The material can be installed on any surface, including driveways and patios. It is even compatible with homes that have radiant heating flooring systems in place already. Plus, it adds high light reflectivity and aesthetic appeal to any Dallas home.
Are there disadvantages of polished concrete?
Yes, there are some disadvantages to polished concrete.
- One is that it can be expensive to maintain and repair.
- The concrete flooring shine can also fade over time if it’s not properly taken care of.
- Additionally, polished concrete can be slippery when wet, so caution should be taken when using it in areas where water could be present.
- Finally, polished concrete can become stained or discolored. This may be caused by the type of material used in the construction work, which could also cause it to fade over time if not properly maintained.
But overall, polished concrete is a beautiful and durable flooring option that many Dallas people choose for their homes and businesses. It’s worth considering if you’re looking for a new flooring material for your residential or commercial properties.
Read Relevant: The Top Concrete Staining Mistakes: What to Avoid and Get Right
How to maintain polished concrete
As mentioned, polished concrete is not hard to maintain. Polished concrete in Dallas can be treated in much the same way as other types of flooring. It should not require a great deal of maintenance, but there are some things that you’ll need to know about what is required to maintain its hotel lobby shine.
There are different methods of cleaning polished concrete floors. Many people choose to use a steam cleaner, which has the advantage that it kills bacteria and can also leave behind an anti-static finish and remove any surface dust. Another method is vinegar and water with added essential oils for their antiseptic properties. You could even use a mixture of water and a few drops of lemon juice.
It would help if you always used particular precautions when cleaning polished concrete floors, as these surfaces are more porous than other types of flooring and can become stained or scratched easily. Never mix different chemicals unless you know that they will not negatively react with one another.
Keep in mind what chemicals you can use and which ones you should not mix because it could cause a reaction that would damage your flooring. For example, we recommend using vinegar and water with essential oils added for their antiseptic properties or even just water and lemon juice. You can also use a steam cleaner to clean your floors, which has the bonus of killing bacteria and leaving behind an anti-static finish while removing any surface dust. Just be careful not to damage the surface with too much water or use unsuitable chemicals.
In general, polished concrete is low maintenance and easy to keep clean, provided you take the necessary precautions.
Should you call polished concrete contractors or go the DIY route?
You can do the DIY route if you have the tools and expertise. If not, call concrete polishing professionals. The following are some of the tools you need to polish concrete floors:
- Concrete floor grinder
- Floor polisher/buffer
- Edger tool for tight spaces and around walls
- High-quality diamond pads (100 grit, 200 grit) or silicon carbide sanding discs
- Floor finish or sealant
There are five steps on how to polish concrete floors:
First, you must remove any grease and oil stains. Use a degreaser product for this step.
Second, grind down your floor until it’s smooth using an electric grinder with diamond pads/discs.
Third, use a high-speed floor polisher to apply the concrete sealer. Now it’s time for you to shine by applying a protective polish with a buffer or edger tool.
Fourth, walk away and let the sealant dry. Depending on the product you choose, drying time can be anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.
Fifth, enjoy your newly polished concrete floors! They will look great and last for years with proper care.
You can do as much as you want on your own, but if something goes wrong with the concrete surface and you end up ruining the look of your polished concrete, then there’s no going back.
Hire polished concrete floor professionals for this project, and you’ll be assured that the job will get done right! Otherwise, follow these steps if you want to do polishing concrete yourself.
Conclusion
Contact a professional concrete polishing contractor for more information if you consider installing polished concrete in your home. They can tell you about the different types of concrete available, as well as the cost and installation time for each option. With a bit of research, you can find the perfect flooring material for your home that is beautiful, durable, stain-resistant, and has a high gloss surface.
A polished concrete floor is an easy-to-clean, low-maintenance surface that’s perfect for Texas homes. It also has the added benefit of being a more durable material than many other types of flooring materials! This means it can withstand your dog’s nails or spills from cooking without showing any marks on the concrete floors.
Our team at DFW Stained Concrete are experts in creating polished concrete surfaces and would love to help you with yours today. We offer free consultations to answer all of your questions about this versatile surface option so contact us if you want to chat further!