If you have been searching for a way to give your home or business a standout look on a small budget, polished concrete may be exactly what you have been looking for. When concrete is polished, it gives what is normally an uninteresting, dull surface a sophisticated flare that looks much more expensive than it actually is. Now who can’t get on board with that?
Not just for floors, polished concrete in Burnaby can give both residential and commercial spaces a unique design element, adding an interesting touch to countertops and even walls. If you are interested in incorporating this trending material into your nest project, read on to find out how to get a polished concrete finish in nearly any space.
How to Get It
There are two ways to get a polished concrete surface, although only one is a true concrete polished finish. The first method involves grinding the existing concrete surface, using a commercial grade floor grinder and progressively finer grits of diamond abrasives, until the desired shine is achieved. There are 4 levels of polish:
- Matte: This finish will have a hazy appearance with little to no reflection
- Low Sheen: From a distance may appear matte, closer inspection will reveal a slight shine
- Semi-Gloss: Light will reflect from the surface, viable even from a distance
- High-Gloss: Appearance will be similar to that of glass, high reflectivity
This method of mechanically produced concrete polished surfaces is more labour intensive than the “grind and seal” method we will discuss next, and is therefore more expensive. However, this method also produces a result that is low maintenance, highly durable against heavy foot traffic, and has a longer life expectancy.
Similar Post: What You Should Know About Epoxy Installation
“Grind and seal” is virtually indistinguishable from mechanically polished concrete. Concrete polished in Burnaby with this method is also ground down with a diamond abrasive, but rather than using progressively finer grits, a high performance concrete sealer is used to give the desired level of sheen or gloss. This method requires less labour, can be achieve quicker, and is less costly. It is also highly durable and very low maintenance.
How to Use It
Polished concrete isn’t simply a glossy grey surface; colours and stains can be applied in virtually any finish, and while greys and neutral tones are the most popular choices, the possibilities are endless. Decorative stamping and etching details can also be added to give a textured finish, like tile or wood flooring, or used to incorporate design or logo details.
From countertops and focal walls, to floors and stairs, polished concrete can be used in just about any space to add visual appeal and worry free functionality.
How Much It Costs
Polished concrete is a versatile material with endless possibilities that cost significantly less than many comparable options. As with other materials, the cost of a polished concrete floor will depend on the finishes selected, but in general the following comparisons can be made:
- Basic Polished Concrete: comparable to ceramic or carpet, however significantly more durable and customizable with color options
- Mid-Range Polished Concrete: includes more decorative details, such as multiple stain choices and scoring. Comparable in cost to laminate
- High-End Polished Concrete: provides for highly elaborate designs with complex patterns, multiple colour options, and hand applied detailing. Comparable to slate or terrazzo
When it comes to design, functionality, and features, polished concrete offers Burnaby residents a unique choice that is affordable, durable, and visually appealing.
