How polished concrete works
Instead of adding a coating on top, we grind the concrete itself with a series of diamond tools, from coarse to very fine. Partway through, we apply a chemical densifier that soaks in and hardens the surface. Then we keep polishing until the floor reaches the shine you want, from a soft matte to a mirror-like gloss. A penetrating guard finishes the job and helps resist stains.
Because there is no coating to peel, polished concrete lasts as long as the slab, with only occasional maintenance polishing.
Where it fits around Gilroy
- Retail and showrooms, including stores along First Street and the shopping areas near the freeway.
- Offices and lobbies that want a clean, modern look.
- Restaurants and tasting rooms that want an industrial or rustic feel.
- Homes on slab foundations, especially newer open-plan builds.
- Warehouses where dusting concrete is a problem but a coating is not needed.
Choosing the look
The look depends on how deep we grind. A light grind keeps the cream on top, a smooth, even gray. A medium grind shows the fine sand in the mix. A deep grind exposes the larger stones, which gives a terrazzo-like look. We test a small area first so you can see what your slab will look like, since every pour is a little different. Dyes can add color, from warm browns to soft grays.
Is your slab a good candidate?
Polished concrete works best on sound slabs without heavy patching. Cracks, old patches and deep stains will show, since polishing reveals the concrete rather than covering it. Some people love that character. Others prefer a coating. If your slab has been heavily damaged, an epoxy system may be a better fit. We will tell you honestly after we look.
Older floors with glue from removed carpet or tile can usually be polished once we grind the adhesive off.
Polished concrete in hot, dusty months
A raw slab sheds fine dust, and in the dry season more dust blows in from outside. Densified, polished concrete stops the slab from dusting and is easy to dust mop. It also reflects light, which helps keep large rooms bright without extra fixtures.
Maintenance
Dust mop daily in busy spaces. Wet clean with a neutral cleaner. In retail, an auto scrubber with a soft pad keeps the shine up. Spills like wine, oil or acidic juice should be wiped up quickly, since polished concrete resists stains but is not completely stain-proof. Every few years, a light re-polish brings the gloss back.
Polishing questions
Is it slippery?
A polished floor is often less slippery than waxed tile when dry. Keep wet areas clean and use mats at entries.
How long does it take?
It depends on size and the look you choose. Most rooms take a few days.
Is it dusty?
We use wet or vacuum-assisted methods that control dust.
Polished floors in homes
More homeowners are asking about polished concrete for living spaces. On a slab foundation, it can replace worn carpet or laminate with a floor that stays cool in the summer, which is a real plus when afternoon temperatures climb. It also works well with radiant floor heat. Area rugs warm up the look and soften sound in larger rooms. If you are remodeling and pulling up old flooring anyway, it is a good time to see what the slab looks like underneath. We can do a small test patch so you know what to expect.
For homes with pets, polished concrete is a strong choice. It does not trap hair, it handles claws better than many soft floors and it cleans up quickly after muddy paws in the winter.
In older homes, the slab may have cracks from settling. Those cracks will show in a polished floor. Some homeowners like the character. If you would rather have a uniform look, we can talk about coatings instead.
Talk about polished concrete
Call (669) 334-9920 for a free estimate.