At what stage should we polish?

About a week to 10 days after the slab is poured.

I have a polished concrete floor about 9 years old but it is starting to look dull and tired. Can the surface be re-polished or buffed to give it more life?

Polished Concrete floors should require very little maintenance if done correctly. Please see our maintenance sheet for Polished Concrete floors. 

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What tips would you give in order to ensure the job is done smoothly and correctly?

Regular contact should be made between the builder or owner/builder and the concrete polisher to ensure polishing can commence and be completed at the right stages of the project.

Can we try and make a colourful patterns or artworks in our floor using glass or coloured stone?

Yes you can but this can be tricky as it is necessary that the beads etc are at the right depth in the concrete to allow correct exposure on grinding. Together with your imagination and our technical advice we can aim to achieve the best finish possible.

What is the difference between grind and seal and machine polished concrete?

The grind and seal process is very similar to how wooden floor boards are finished. i.e. grind/sand to a smooth finish and then paint with a sealer. Where a timber floor is sanded and then sealed, a concrete floor is ground smooth with specialist grinding machinery.

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Are concrete floors cold? Do we need to heat them?

Depending on where you live in the country, particularly in southern states heating would probably be preferred and radiates a lovely warmth. In warmer states and in summer down in the southern states nothing is cooler.

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How does the process differ from having tiled, carpeted, or timber floors?

In a new build polished concrete floors are completed at the plaster stage before any skirts, cabinetry and joinery is installed.

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Can I have the timber and carpet floors level with the concrete?

Yes, most definitely. Levels are another important reason for you to communicate with your Builder and Concreter.

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