Concrete grinding on the Gold Coast is how a grind and seal floor starts. It gives you the polished concrete look without the full mechanical polishing process. We grind the slab to show as much stone as you like, fill the pinholes, then apply a quality sealer in the sheen you choose. It's a popular, cost-effective option for homes, garages and commercial fit-outs, and it can often be finished in just a few days.
Grind and seal is a two-part process. First, we grind the concrete with diamond tooling to open up the surface and expose the aggregate to your chosen level. Then we seal it. Mechanical polishing gets its shine from grinding and polishing through many grits; grind and seal gets its shine from the sealer. With fewer grinding stages, it takes less time and usually costs less.
Grind and seal is a great fit for living areas and renovations where you want the polished concrete look on a tighter budget, garages (including display home garages), and shops, barbers, salons and cafés. With the right UV-stable sealer and a non-slip additive, it also works in alfresco and outdoor areas. It's a good way to bring an old slab and a new extension together into one floor, too.
Exposure: no exposure (cement look), partial exposure ("salt and pepper") or full stone exposure.
Sealer: we commonly use a water-based polyurethane. Solvent-based sealers are also an option, depending on the job.
Sheen: gloss, satin or matt. For wet areas, outdoor areas or high traffic, a non-slip additive can be mixed into the sealer.
Sweep or dust mop regularly so grit doesn't scratch the sealer, and mop with a pH-neutral cleaner – no harsh chemicals. Use felt pads under furniture and mats at entries. Over time, high-traffic areas may need a fresh topcoat. That's one of the advantages – the floor can be recoated without starting again.
Q: Is grind and seal the same as polished concrete?
A: It looks similar, but the shine comes from a sealer rather than from polishing the concrete itself. See our Mechanically Polished Concrete page for a comparison.
Q: Can grind and seal go outside?
A: Yes, with the right sealer. UV-stable sealers and non-slip additives make it suitable for many outdoor areas. For pool surrounds, we'll often suggest a honed finish instead.
Q: Will the old and new concrete match?
A: Every slab is different, and new and old concrete can look different. A grind and seal can bring them together, but some colour difference is normal. We'll talk it through before we start.
Q: How long does it take?
A: A standard double garage typically takes 2–3 days. For larger areas, we'll give you a timeframe with your free quote.
Q: How much does grind and seal cost?
A: As a guide, grind and seal starts from $70/m². The final price depends on the condition and size of your slab and the finish you choose – your free quote will give you the exact price.
Want the polished look for less? Book a free quote for a grind and seal floor, or call Brendan on 0403 093 740.