Concrete
Polished concrete
Polished concrete is an existing concrete slab ground and refined with progressively finer diamond tooling. People choose it for its low profile, durability, and industrial-leaning aesthetic.
Character and behaviour
The surface ranges from a satin sheen to a high-gloss mirror finish depending on grit level. Colour varies with aggregate, mix design, and any added pigment, so no two floors are identical. It feels hard and cool underfoot and conducts temperature, which suits radiant heating systems well.
Best for
- Open-plan living and kitchen floors
- Radiant underfloor heating setups
- High-traffic areas needing durability
- Minimalist or industrial interiors
Avoid for
- Spaces where warmth or softness underfoot matte…
- Homes with existing cracked or thin slabs
- Areas with heavy moisture ingress risk
Care and maintenance
Sealed polished concrete resists staining but needs periodic resealing every few years. Spills should be wiped promptly, and pH-neutral cleaners used to avoid degrading the sealer.
Guides featuring Polished concrete
- 6 minConcrete, microcement, and terrazzo — what the differences actually are
"Concrete look" covers several different materials with very different installation methods and long-term behaviour. Here is what separates poured concrete from microcement and terrazzo.
- 6 minPolished concrete floors — what to expect day to day
Polished concrete is durable and low-maintenance, but it is not maintenance-free, and cracking behaviour surprises a lot of first-time owners.