Polished Concrete Overlay From DirectStone
Skilled concrete polishers can create a glorious, mirror-like gloss from most concrete slabs – but not all. Where slabs have major flaws which would limit the polishing options for a client, the DirectStone team offers an alternative; the polished concrete overlay. The way in which an overlay is installed is different from laying polished concrete flooring, but the final outcome is directly comparable in terms of the WOW factor.
Why Would a Polished Concrete Overlay be Recommended?
An existing concrete slab needs to meet a range of criteria for a successful polishing process. A poorly laid slab can restrict polishing options and be costly to remediate; in this case a concrete overlay is the more cost-effective solution.
A contaminated concrete slab is one that has soaked up either grease, chemicals, fats or oils in its previous life, making it unviable as a base for the polishing process. We encountered this challenge recently when providing polished concrete flooring for two centrally-located Russell & Bromley stores.
The Overlay Installation Process
The DirectStone flooring specialists begin by preparing the original concrete floor for the installation of an overlay. It may need to be decontaminated or re-profiled to ensure that it is resilient enough. An overlay requires pouring and drying time, before it can be polished. This normally takes no longer than 24 hours.
Once the CTS TRU architectural topping is dry, we use HTC Superfloor™ grinding and diamond polishing machines to achieve the finish required. We can create the full range of concrete polished flooring finishes with our overlays, from high gloss through to matte, or a satin sheen. Once sealed, our polished concrete overlays look identical to polished concrete flooring.
We use HEPA filtered extraction throughout the grinding process to ensure that the environment remains virtually dust free at all times.
Hands-Off Maintenance for Your Overlay
One of the major selling points for polished concrete – besides its durability, strength and sustainability – is its low maintenance credentials. These are identical if you have a polished concrete overlay installed. The flooring surface will need to be swept regularly to keep it dust-free, and mopped with a normal detergent to maintain the shine.
How Do I Know if I Need Polished Concrete Overlay?
It’s standard practice at DirectStone to survey the flooring a client wants polishing before making any promises. Our goal is always to provide exactly the finish you want, and if we’re unable to do so, due to the condition of the slab, we’ll recommend a range of alternative options. As a team with over a decade’s experience of creating beautiful polished concrete flooring, we are – in the vast majority of cases – able to achieve our clients’ vision for them.
About DirectStone
DirectStone is a family-run business, based in Bedfordshire, with a specialist team working across the country. The majority of our work comprises hand-finished indoor polished concrete floors, but we also repair and restore concrete too.
We provide polished concrete for homes, new builds, commercial spaces and offices, showrooms and galleries. We work throughout the UK, mainly in London, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.
Would you like to talk to us about a polished concrete overlay? Simply call the DirectStone team today on 01525 863920
