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If you’re interested in polished concrete and wondering about the best finish, you’ll find many options available. Whether you’re looking into concrete flooring for your home or a commercial property, it’s worthwhile to explore the different finishing choices.
There are three main styles of polished concrete floor finishes, which vary based on how much concrete is removed from the surface.
A cream polished concrete floor is created by polishing the surface of freshly poured concrete without removing any material. This method skips the ‘cutting’ step, so the natural variations from the pour remain visible, resulting in an organic, variegated, or marble-like look. This type of polished concrete is the most popular choice for new residential buildings.
This process focuses on polishing the top layer of the surface paste rather than grinding it away. Common in industrial settings, this finish showcases the natural variations in color and texture without exposing the aggregate, resulting in a sandy and often uneven look. Since imperfections aren’t removed, it’s important that the concrete is placed smoothly and evenly. Though the surface remains smooth to the touch and hardeners are applied, it is more prone to staining. The bronze polished concrete floor can achieve either a matte or high gloss finish.
A salt and pepper finished floor, also known as a class B concrete finish, is created by lightly grinding the concrete surface to reveal the smallest aggregates in the mix. This finish is common in new residential construction and widely used in commercial or industrial settings. In residential renovations, cream polished concrete isn’t an option, so the salt and pepper finish is often chosen. It’s considered a high-end, luxurious installation, making it popular in luxury residential construction.
An aggregate exposed polished concrete floor is created by heavily grinding the concrete surface to consistently reveal the largest aggregates in the mix. This polished finish, which resembles terrazzo, is often chosen for luxury residential projects. While any concrete slab can be ground to expose large aggregates, not all will look good with this technique. Therefore, it’s recommended to use samples for all large aggregate projects.
When you think of concrete flooring, does the typical dull grey come to mind? While polished concrete does come in various shades of grey, it’s much more versatile. Concrete can be found in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the flooring that matches your business brand or home décor. If you want a grey concrete look with colored accents, you can add colored flecks to the concrete mix. Then, you can decide on the finish.
Where did you first see concrete flooring? Were you drawn to the matte or semi-gloss industrial look popular in warehouses & cafes, or the high-end glossy finish seen in luxury homes & design magazines? Matte & semi-gloss finishes are easier to maintain since they are less reflective, while high-gloss floors require regular cleaning but create a brighter space with a more premium appearance.
Consider how much aggregate you want to see in your concrete flooring. Aggregate refers to the stones within the concrete mix.
When choosing a finish for concrete flooring in a commercial office, consider the desired look and feel of the space, as well as the level of foot traffic. For a high-end appearance, mechanically polished concrete with a high-gloss finish is a good option. If an industrial look fits your brand and there’s heavy foot traffic, a matte finish may be more suitable.
Cafes & restaurants, like commercial office spaces, vary based on clientele, brand, and location. While a high-gloss finish may be visually appealing, it can be more difficult to clean up spills. A matte or semi-gloss finish will be easier to maintain and clean.
Warehouses prioritize functionality, often with heavy equipment in use. Concrete is ideal for its durability and ease of maintenance. A minimal exposure finish with a matte look would be more suitable than a high-gloss finish for this type of space.
Primary advantage of concrete flooring is its durability. Polished concrete is designed to last, with a lifespan of at least 20 years and only minimal cleaning is needed to keep it looking shiny.
Want to see how polished concrete can improve your home or commercial property? Contact us for a call to discuss your questions about color, finishes, and gloss levels and get advice on the most cost-effective options for your needs.
GP Concrete Polishing is one of Michigan’s leading concrete flooring renovation companies, specializing in polished concrete, concrete sealing, floor leveling, epoxy flooring, and concrete grinding. Established in 1999, GetPro has received excellent reviews for its services.
When choosing a finish for concrete flooring in a commercial office, consider the desired look and feel of the space, as well as the level of foot traffic. For a high-end appearance, mechanically polished concrete with a high-gloss finish is a good option. If an industrial look fits your brand and there’s heavy foot traffic, a matte finish may be more suitable.