Polished concrete floors are durable, aesthetically appealing, and functional. They’re also impressively cost-effective. Read on to find out if they are worth your while.

Polished concrete floors are durable, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing. They can transform plain concrete into a glossy, smooth surface that rivals natural stone, and homeowners can pay as little as $2 per square foot if the project doesn’t involve starting from scratch. Read our guide below for information on the benefits, costs, and maintenance associated with polished concrete floors.

*Cost data in this article sourced from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and HomeGuide.

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What Is Polished Concrete?

Installing polished concrete flooring involves refining the surface of a concrete floor with progressively finer diamond concrete grinders. This transforms a rough concrete surface into a smooth, glossy one that can have a matte appearance or a high-shine gloss. The result is a durable, easy-to-maintain floor that you can customize with different colors and patterns.

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The Polishing Process Explained

The concrete polishing process allows you to transform a rough concrete surface into a smooth, reflective floor. The more specific steps are below.

Grinding

The polishing process begins with grinding the concrete surface with coarse diamond abrasives. This removes any existing coatings, adhesives, or imperfections on the concrete’s surface. The grinding also opens up the pores of the concrete, and prepares it for the subsequent stages of refinement.

Honing

Once the grinding process is complete, progressively finer diamond abrasives hone the concrete’s surface. This step smooths out the scratches left by the coarser grits and brings out a subtle sheen in the concrete. The honing process can involve multiple passes with increasingly finer grits, depending on how much polish you seek.

Polishing and Sealing

The final stage involves polishing the concrete until you achieve the level of shine you want. This can range from a satin finish to a high-gloss appearance. Once you’ve achieved the polish you want, you can apply a sealer to protect the surface and enhance its appearance. The sealer helps the concrete to resist stains and makes the floor easier to maintain.

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Cost of Polished Concrete Floors

A polished concrete floor project typically costs between $600 and $8,000. The final price depends on several factors, such as floor size, the complexity of the grinding, finish type, and where in the home you plan to polish your concrete.

Cost by Square Foot

Size is the biggest cost factor of any concrete polishing project. Depending on the polishing technique and job complexity, you can expect to pay $3–$15 per square foot.

If you have a 200-square-foot room, expect to pay between $400 and $3,200 for the polishing process alone.

The total cost of the grinding process depends on how intensively you want to polish the floor. The more grinding that’s involved, the more polished the floor will look. A matte floor finish can cost less than a polished surface because it requires less work. 

Polished concrete is a ultimately less expensive than many other flooring types. Consider the prices of other materials below.

Floor Type	Cost per Square Foot
Vinyl	$2–$14
Bamboo	$2–$20
Linoleum	$3–$12
Laminate	$3–$13
Stone	$6–$20
Hardwood	$6–$25
Tile	$15–$20

Cost by Finish Type

The cost of your concrete polishing project depends on whether you want to stop after polishing the floor, or you’d like to proceed with dyeing and staining.

Simple Polishing

Simple polishing involves using a grinding machine to grind the concrete floor surfaces to a smooth finish without adding design elements. This basic finishing form is the least expensive option because it doesn’t require additional materials or labor. To polish concrete without any add-ons, you’ll likely pay $2–$6 per square foot.

Dyeing

Dyeing involves applying color dyes to the polished concrete surface to achieve a specific color. This process adds depth and vibrancy to the concrete but is more expensive than simple polishing. Dyeing concrete can cost you $1.50–$3 per square foot.

Staining

Staining involves applying acid or water-based stains to the polished concrete’s surface. This adds color and/or mimics the look of natural stone. Staining will cost between $2–$10 per square foot.

Sealing

Sealing involves applying an epoxy sealer to the polished concrete surface to make it more durable and resistant to stain. Sealing can cost you $0.85–$1.60 per square foot.

Cost by Budget Level

You can make the budgeting process easier on yourself by looking at what you can achieve with different budgets.

Lower Budget

If you’re on a tight budget, consider simple polishing without additional treatments such as dyeing or staining. This involves basic one-time grinding of a concrete floor.

Medium Budget

Homeowners with a medium budget can explore decorative options, such as staining and higher-level concrete grinding. These treatments mimic the appearance of natural materials and make your home more aesthetically appealing.

High Budget

If you don’t have budget limitations, you have many choices, from high-gloss finishes to intricate staining patterns. You can even explore custom engraving or embedded aggregates such as glass or metal flakes.

Other Cost Factors

Consider the factors below when you’re planning your polished concrete budget:

• Grinding complexity: The number of times you polish the concrete increases its smoothness and reflectivity. If you’re planning a low-budget flooring project, one grinding can be sufficient. If you need additional grindings, expect to add $3–$5 per square foot to the price tag.
• Labor: Expect two-thirds of your polished concrete budget to go toward labor. The cost may differ depending on your location, the contractor’s experience, and the project type.
• Old floor removal: If you need to remove your existing flooring before adding and polishing concrete, be sure your budget reflects this. Removal can cost $1.50–$3.50 per square foot.

Follow the steps below to save some money on the concrete polishing process:

• Choose a matte or satin finish that requires less polishing than other types.
• Choose one-time simple polishing without additional decorative treatments.
• Choose standard concrete mix instead of specialty mixes
• Perform your own prep work, such as removing existing flooring, pouring concrete, and repairing the flooring.
• Repair concrete to address surface imperfections before you move on to polish.
• Shop around for quotes.

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Pros and Cons of Polished Concrete Flooring

Polished concrete flooring is a popular choice among homeowners because of the advantages below.

• Cost-effectiveness: Polished concrete is less expensive than other flooring types such as hardwood or tile.
• Design flexibility: You can customize polished concrete with various sheen levels, colors, and decorative elements.
• Durability: Polished concrete is resistant to heavy foot traffic, abrasion, and impact. It can withstand wear and tear better than many other flooring options, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and living rooms.
• Ease of maintenance: Concrete floors are easy to maintain after you polish them. They only require regular sweeping and occasional mopping, plus reapplication of a concrete sealer every few years.

Polished concrete has some disadvantages, including those below.

• Coldness: Concrete naturally retains and conducts cold temperatures, and concrete floors feel cold underfoot.
• Hardness: Standing or walking on polished concrete for extended periods can be uncomfortable.
• Safety issues: Polished concrete is slippery, especially when it’s wet. You can minimize slipperiness by applying non-slip sealer or textured finishes.
• Susceptibility to stains: You can accidentally stain polished concrete floors with oil, grease, or acidic liquids.

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Comparing Polished Concrete to Other Flooring Options

See how polished concrete compares to other flooring options below.

Polished Concrete vs. Hardwood

Polished concrete is generally more durable and requires less maintenance than hardwood. Hardwood floors may need refinishing every 7–10 years, while polished concrete can last for decades if you care for it properly. Hardwood provides a warmer feel underfoot than concrete.

Polished Concrete vs. Tile

Polished concrete and tile are durable and easy to clean. There is more of a variety among tile, but tile can also be more expensive to install. Polished concrete provides a seamless look and can be less expensive than tile, especially if you’re working with an existing concrete slab.

Polished Concrete vs. Epoxy

Epoxy flooring and polished concrete are both durable options that are suitable for high-traffic areas. Epoxy is available in more colors and offers a seamless surface, but it may require more frequent reapplication than polished concrete. Polished concrete lasts longer and can be more cost-effective.

Polished Concrete vs. Grind and Seal Concrete

Grinding and sealing is a process that’s similar to polishing, but it’s less labor-intensive. It involves grinding the concrete surface and then applying a sealant. Below are the main differences between the two options:

• Aesthetics: Polished concrete involves the use of polishing pads to create a high-gloss finish, while ground and sealed concrete features a more matte appearance.
• Budget: Grind and seal finishes are usually more cost-effective than polished concrete since they require less time and labor to install.
• Durability: Polished concrete is more resilient and stays in better shape over time than grind and seal finishes.

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DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Flooring Expert

You can try to polish your concrete with do-it-yourself techniques if you have the right guidance, tools, and experience. If you’ve never polished a concrete floor before, or if you have little time to learn, you may need to hire a professional. Professional installers have the experience, equipment, and expertise necessary to achieve high-quality results. They can also handle unexpected issues that may arise during the polishing process.

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Polished Concrete Flooring Maintenance and Care

Commit to a maintenance routine once you’ve finished installing and polishing your concrete floors. This will extend their lifespan.

Daily Cleaning Practices

Sweep or dust mop the floor daily to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a damp mop. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that might damage the polished surface.

Periodic Deep Cleaning

Use an auto scrubber with a soft pad and a pH-neutral cleaner that’s designed for polished concrete for an occasional thorough cleaning. This will remove dirt and grime that regular cleaning might miss.

Resealing Requirements

Polished concrete is generally low-maintenance, but resealing it periodically may help to maintain its protective qualities. How frequently you should reseal depends on factors such as foot traffic and degree of exposure to potential staining agents. Resealing every 3–5 years is usually sufficient.

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FAQ About Polished Concrete Floors

What are the disadvantages of polished concrete floors?

The disadvantages of polished concrete floors include hardness, coldness, and the possibility of cracking.

Is polished concrete cheaper than hardwood?

Yes, polished concrete floors are cheaper than hardwood floors. Hardwood floors can cost up to $25 per square foot.

Is polished concrete cheaper than tiles?

Yes, polished concrete floors are typically cheaper than tiles. Polished concrete costs $2–$8 per square foot, while tiles can cost up to $20 per square foot.

Is polished concrete good flooring?

Polished concrete is a good flooring option for homeowners who seek cost-effective, durable, and low-maintenance flooring.

Do polished concrete floors crack?

Polished concrete floors can crack if you drop heavy objects on them or expose them to repeated temperature fluctuations.

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