How much does polished concrete cost?

The cost of polished concrete varies depending on several factors including project size, slab condition, aggregate exposure, gloss level, coating removal and whether the slab is new or existing. Typical projects range from $100–$150 per square metre depending on these factors.

Is polished concrete slippery?

Despite its smooth appearance, mechanically polished concrete generally provides excellent slip resistance when dry. Alternative finishes are available where additional slip resistance is required.

Is polished concrete easy to maintain?

Yes. Routine maintenance generally consists of sweeping, vacuuming, damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner and promptly cleaning spills. Polished concrete does not require waxing or frequent recoating.

Can existing concrete be polished?

In many cases yes. Existing concrete slabs are inspected for cracks, repairs, coatings, adhesive residue and overall quality before polishing.

What's the difference between polished concrete and grind and seal?

Mechanically polished concrete is refined using progressively finer diamond abrasives, while grind and seal involves grinding followed by a protective sealer. Grind and seal is generally more economical but requires periodic recoating.

Can polished concrete crack?

Concrete naturally expands and contracts. Existing cracks can often be repaired or blended into the finish, however future cracking cannot be guaranteed against.

Can polished concrete be used outdoors?

Traditional mechanically polished concrete is generally intended for internal applications. Honed concrete and other external finishes are recommended outdoors.

What finish can I choose?

Available finishes include cream, salt and pepper, full aggregate exposure, matte, satin and high gloss.

Is polished concrete cheaper than tiles?

Not always. Initial costs can be similar, but polished concrete generally offers better long-term value because of its durability and low maintenance.

Does polished concrete stain?

Properly protected polished concrete is highly stain resistant, however oils, acids and chemicals should be cleaned promptly.

Can polished concrete be used with underfloor heating?

Yes. Concrete has excellent thermal mass and works very well with hydronic and electric underfloor heating.

How long does polished concrete take to install?

Installation time depends on project size, slab condition, finish required and weather. Most residential projects take several days.

Can warehouse concrete be polished?

Yes. Many warehouse and factory slabs are suitable for polishing, improving appearance, durability and maintenance.

What's the difference between epoxy flooring and polished concrete?

Polished concrete offers a natural, durable finish, while epoxy flooring provides decorative colours, chemical resistance and optional non-slip finishes.

How do I clean polished concrete?

Sweep or vacuum regularly, damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid harsh acidic or abrasive cleaning products.

Why choose Akkari Polishing & Grinding?

We specialise in polished concrete, grind and seal, epoxy flooring, decorative concrete finishes, concrete sealing and industrial flooring solutions throughout Melbourne.

Polished Concrete FAQs

Everything You Need to Know About Polished Concrete

If you're considering polished concrete for your home, warehouse, showroom or commercial space, you've probably got a few questions. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about polished concrete, grind and seal floors, industrial concrete flooring and decorative concrete finishes. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, feel free to contact the team at Akkari Polishing & Grinding. We're always happy to help.

Polished concrete is an existing concrete slab that is mechanically refined using industrial diamond tooling. During the process the concrete is ground, densified and polished to produce a durable, low-maintenance and attractive floor finish. Depending on your preference, the concrete can be finished with minimal stone exposure (cream finish), a salt and pepper appearance or full aggregate exposure.

The cost of polished concrete varies depending on several factors including:

• Size of the project
• Condition of the existing concrete
• Amount of aggregate exposure required
• Desired gloss level
• Whether coatings or adhesives need to be removed
• New construction or existing slab

Polished concrete typically ranges between $100–$150/m², depending on the size, condition of the slab, exposure required and gloss level. Because every slab is different, we recommend an onsite inspection so we can provide an accurate quotation.

This is one of the questions we're asked most often. Despite its smooth appearance, mechanically polished concrete generally provides excellent slip resistance when dry. Where additional slip resistance is required we can recommend alternative finishes or treatments that comply with the relevant standards.

Polished concrete is one of the longest-lasting flooring systems available. Unlike vinyl, timber or carpet, it doesn't wear through quickly. When installed correctly and maintained properly, polished concrete can last for decades while retaining its appearance with minimal maintenance.

Yes.

Routine maintenance generally consists of:

• Sweeping or vacuuming
• Damp mopping using a pH-neutral cleaner
• Promptly cleaning spills

Unlike many other flooring systems, polished concrete does not require waxing or frequent recoating.

In many cases, yes.

Existing concrete slabs can often be transformed into beautiful polished concrete floors. Before any work begins we inspect the slab to assess:

• Existing cracks
• Previous repairs
• Surface coatings
• Adhesive residue
• Overall concrete quality

The better the concrete, the better the finished result.

Although they can look similar, they're completely different flooring systems.

Mechanically Polished Concrete

• Ground and polished using progressively finer diamond abrasives
• Shine comes from the concrete itself
• Extremely durable
• Lower long-term maintenance
• Ideal for high-traffic commercial applications

Grind and Seal

• Concrete is ground before applying a protective sealer
• More economical
• Available in matte, satin or gloss finishes
• Suitable for residential and commercial projects
• Sealer may require maintenance or recoating over time

We'll happily recommend the system that's best suited to your project and budget.

Concrete naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and moisture.

Hairline cracks and movement joints are a normal part of concrete construction.

Where possible, existing cracks can be repaired or blended into the finished floor, although no contractor can guarantee that future cracking won't occur.

Traditional mechanically polished concrete is generally designed for internal applications.

For external areas we recommend finishes better suited to outdoor environments, including:

• Honed concrete
• Pavilion floor finishes
• Acid-etched concrete
• Penetrating sealers

These finishes provide excellent durability while maintaining appropriate slip resistance.

We offer a range of polished concrete finishes, including:

• Cream Finish
• Salt & Pepper Finish
• Full Aggregate Exposure
• Matte Finish
• Satin Finish
• High Gloss Finish

During your consultation we'll help you choose the finish that best suits your home or commercial project.

Not always. While the initial cost can be similar to premium tiles, polished concrete generally provides better long-term value because of its durability, long lifespan and lower maintenance requirements.

Yes. Minor chips, cracks and isolated damage can often be repaired depending on the condition of the concrete and the extent of the damage.

While polished concrete is highly resistant to staining when properly protected, no flooring surface is completely stain-proof. Oils, acids and chemicals should always be cleaned promptly.

Yes. Concrete has excellent thermal mass, making polished concrete an ideal flooring option for both hydronic and electric underfloor heating systems.

Installation time depends on:

• Project size
• Concrete condition
• Desired finish
• Weather conditions (where applicable)

Most residential projects take several days, while larger commercial projects may take longer.

Many buyers appreciate polished concrete because of its:

• Modern appearance
• Durability
• Low maintenance
• Long lifespan

While every property is different, polished concrete is widely regarded as a premium flooring finish.

Yes. Many warehouses, factories and commercial buildings already have concrete slabs suitable for polishing. Depending on the condition of the slab, polishing can significantly improve appearance, cleanliness, durability and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Polished Concrete

• Natural concrete finish
• Extremely durable
• Low maintenance
• Long lifespan

Epoxy Flooring

• Wide range of colours
• Decorative finishes available
• Excellent chemical resistance
• Easy to clean
• Non-slip finishes available

We'll recommend the most suitable flooring system based on how the area will be used.

Regular maintenance is simple.

We recommend:

• Sweeping or vacuuming regularly
• Damp mopping using a pH-neutral cleaner
• Avoiding harsh acidic or abrasive cleaners

With proper maintenance your polished concrete will retain its appearance for many years.

At Akkari Polishing & Grinding we specialise in high-quality concrete flooring solutions across residential, commercial and industrial projects throughout Melbourne.

Our services include:

• Mechanically Polished Concrete
• Grind & Seal Systems
• Decorative Concrete Finishes
• Pavilion Floor Finishes
• Industrial Floor Coatings
• Epoxy & Polyaspartic Flooring
• Concrete Cleaning & Restoration
• Concrete Sealing

Whether you're renovating a home, upgrading a warehouse or specifying flooring for a commercial development, our experienced team can help you achieve a durable, long-lasting finish tailored to your project.