Mechanically polished concrete is the real deal – the shine comes from the concrete itself, not a coating sitting on top. The result is a hard-wearing, easy-care floor with the look of stone. Grind It is based on the northern Gold Coast and polishes floors for homes and businesses across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern NSW.
Polishing concrete is a lot like sanding timber, just with much heavier machinery. We grind with coarse diamonds to expose as much (or as little) stone as you want, apply a liquid hardener (densifier) that hardens the concrete from the inside, then polish through progressively finer grits to your chosen sheen. With no thick topcoat, there's nothing to peel or flake off – that's the big difference from grind and seal.
Polished concrete suits living areas and kitchens in new builds and renovations, garages and display homes, shops, salons, barbers, cafés, offices and showrooms, and features like BBQ bench tops.
It's best suited indoors. For pool surrounds, patios and paths we'd usually recommend a honed finish – see our Honed & Exposed Aggregate page.
Exposure – how much stone you see:
No exposure – a clean, cement-look "industrial" finish.
Partial exposure – a light scattering of stone through the surface.
Full exposure – the aggregate fully revealed for that classic polished stone look.
Sheen – how shiny it gets:
Matt – low reflection, relaxed look.
Satin / semi-gloss – for example, finished at 800 grit.
High gloss – for example, finished at 1500 grit.
We can do a test patch so you can see the exposure before the whole job starts. Every slab is different, so the final look depends on your concrete.
Every job is different, so we'll give you a timeframe with your free quote.
Dust mop regularly (microfibre is best) and put mats at doorways to catch grit. Damp mop weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner – no bleach, ammonia, vinegar or citrus cleaners. Wipe up spills quickly, especially wine, oil and acidic drinks. Depending on foot traffic, a professional re-polish every few years brings back the shine.
As a guide, mechanically polished concrete on the Gold Coast is $85 to $130 per square metre, depending on the finish. Grind and seal and hone and seal start from $70 per square metre. A typical double garage takes 2 to 3 days. Every slab is different, so the exact price comes from a free quote. Call Brendan on 0403 093 740 or book a quote online.
Q: Is polished concrete slippery?
A: Like most smooth hard floors, it can be slippery when wet. A matt or satin finish offers more grip than high gloss, and we can talk through options for your space.
Q: Can you polish my existing slab?
A: Often, yes. Tiles, timber or carpet need to be lifted and the glue removed first. Old slabs can show patches and cracks – we'll tell you honestly what to expect.
Q: What's the difference between polished and grind and seal?
A: Polished gets its shine from the concrete itself. Grind and seal gets its shine from a sealer. Grind and seal is usually quicker and more budget-friendly; polished doesn't have a coating to wear through.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: As a guide, mechanically polished concrete starts from $85/m², up to around $130/m² depending on the finish you choose. The final price depends on the condition and size of your slab – your free quote will give you the exact price.
Thinking about a polished concrete floor? Book a free quote online or call Brendan on 0403 093 740 – we're always happy to chat.