DirectStone Answers the Question:
– ‘Can Any Concrete Be Polished?’
One of the things we’ve noticed at DirectStone is that our clients are becoming increasingly concerned about sustainability. Our polished concrete flooring is exceptionally popular not only because it looks great, but also because of its low carbon footprint. Why is it so sustainable? Because polishing an existing concrete floor requires no supplementary materials, which means the energy used in its production is significantly reduced.
Can Any Concrete Be Polished?
The sustainability argument rests on the use of existing concrete in your home. We’re often asked if any concrete floor can be polished. Our answer is, first and foremost, a resounding ‘Yes’. But we would add that concrete isn’t a uniform material. So DirectStone specialists will normally want to take a close look at an existing concrete floor in order to determine what it would need to create the desired effect.
New Concrete Floors
If you have a newly installed power floated C30+ concrete floor, it should be a fairly straightforward process to achieve beautifully polished flooring. The concrete needs to be in place for 28 days at a minimum before we polish. This ensures that the curing and drying process is adequate. We’ll then ask clients whether they want a matte, lustrous or high gloss finish. It’s also possible to specify how much of the aggregate patterning shows through.
Existing Concrete Flooring
If your concrete flooring has been in place for a while, it will probably need some preparation before polishing can commence. The DirectStone polishing team would normally remove surface dirt and grease. They would also strip away any legacy coatings and stains. Getting the floor to the right condition (rather like restoring the ‘factory settings’) ensures that we have the starting point we need to create a beautiful floor.
The Grinding Process
The unique texturing which is characteristic of polished concrete, is achieved by removing the surface paste to reveal aggregate patterning beneath it. We use HTC Superfloor™ grinding machines and diamond tools to create a perfect finish. Grinding also removes any old floor coatings such as carpet adhesive, paint and epoxy.
Once the old surface is removed and the aggregate is revealed, we use diamond pads to polish the floor to your required finish.
What if Your Concrete Slabs Can’t be Polished?
Occasionally we encounter concrete which can’t be polished because it is too soft. We apply the MOHS hardness test to assess the suitability of your floor. Should your floor be unsuitable for polishing, we can arrange for a high quality new 100mm concrete slab or a 15mm architectural topping to be installed for you. Whilst it may be disappointing to learn that you can’t use the existing slab, it’s critical to have the right material in place to guarantee a beautiful finish that will last for decades.
DirectStone Are Experts When it Comes to Polished Concrete
Our teams of polished concrete floor specialists understand the material, and have the experience to know whether or not your existing floor can be polished effectively.
We’re perfectionists when it comes to concrete flooring, because we know how stunning it can look. So we’re not prepared to settle for anything less. Which means that you can trust our judgement when it comes to using existing slabs for your flooring.
Do you have an existing concrete floor that you would like polished? Call the DirectStone polished concrete floor specialists for an expert assessment on 01525 20863920
