polished concrete floors
polished concrete floors
Polished concrete has quickly become a much sought after flooring material. This is mainly due to advancements in concrete polishing technology and mixing techniques.
We can now grind concrete using specialist techniques ideal for floors and residential properties, utilising a high-gloss finish which does not require additional waxing or top up coatings.
It’s no surprise therefore that concrete is being used increasingly in commercial as well as residential buildings. The process of polishing concrete is flexible and gives you the power to choose from a multitude of designs, styles and features.
This makes it the ideal material for making stylish new contemporary floors.
polished concrete overlays
A polished concrete overlay is a very high strength, low maintenance, seamless concrete veneer that is very aesthetically pleasing. They are installed at 12-14mm depth. We use two stunning products as standard, Sibland Extreme Flow and Extreme Trowell (www.sibland.company). We can offer samples of these products so you can get a feel of the product, they can be specified in any RAL colour of your choice.
We are proud to partner with Sibland to bring you the latest overlays by our fully trained technicians.
polished concrete floors
The best way to explain the different styles of polished concrete would be to consider how much sand and stone becomes exposed after the treatment process. Every location possesses its own unique mixture of cement, sand and stone. This is what influences the final appearance and guarantees a unique look that won’t be found in any other home. The process of achieving Salt and Pepper and Full Aggregate finishes is very different and involves a process that is progressive in nature, removing layers of concrete surface, initially revealing the finer sands and stone (for Salt and Pepper) before reaching the larger stone below (for a Full Aggregate finish). Please contact us for further information.
full aggregate finish
A full aggregate finish reveals the larger stones contained in the concrete slab, so it’s the stoniest looking finish of all polished concrete finishes.
How is it achieved?
The full aggregate finish is achieved by grinding through more concrete than other finishes to reveal more of the larger materials contained in the concrete base.
This is achieved first by grinding approximately 3mm from the surface to expose the larger stones within the concrete. After grinding a set of progressively finer abrasives will be applied to the surface to hone the look until the desired level of clarity, shine and smoothness is achieved.
The condition of the concrete is assessed and chemicals applied, as needed, such as powerful densifiers, in order to secure the hardest, most durable floors.
Once the desired look is achieved, the work is sealed using market leading sealers. The softer the floor the more chemicals are required.
Matt, satin or gloss shines are available with all finishes.
Salt and Pepper Finish
The salt and pepper finish draws out the finer sands and aggregates within the concrete to produce a generally speckled look.
how is it achieved?
A salt and pepper finish is achieved by carefully removing approximately 1mm from the surface using a grinding process, to expose the finer sands and aggregates within.
Once this initial grinding process is complete a set of progressively finer abrasives will be applied to the surface to hone the look until the desired level of clarity, shine and smoothness is achieved.
An advanced grout will be applied to fill aeration holes. During this process, the condition of the concrete is assessed and chemicals applied as needed, such as powerful densifiers, in order to secure the hardest, most durable of floors.
Once the desired look is achieved, the floor is sealed using market leading sealers.
Matt, satin or gloss shines are available with all finishes.
cream finish
The cream finish is undeniably beautiful with all its textures and shades. A subtle blend of textures and colours will emerge, influenced by the constituent materials within the slab surface.
how is it achieved?
The first thing to mention when aiming for a cream finish is that in the current marketplace, it is often not possible to deliver this type of finish from domestically laid concrete.
A successful outcome relies on the pre-existing condition and consistency of the concrete floor.
As soon as a grinding process is needed we inevitably begin exposing the finer sands and stones.
This finish is very subtle, it involves polishing the cement based surface without getting to the fine sands and aggregate within the floor. A gentle clouding effect is often present.
The name it is given reflects the style as opposed to the colour, which can indeed be cream in colour, but not always.
The benefits of polished concrete floors:
Seamless beauty
Choice of finishes whilst remaining unique every time
Safe non-slip surfaces
Low maintenance
Environmentally friendly finish
Long lifespan