How much do polished concrete floors cost?

The trend for polished concrete floors shows no signs of slowing down. They are durable and slip-resistant, and each has a distinctive industrial look. That’s why it is widely chosen when people hire flooring services for newly constructed homes and floor restorations on older homes.

While polished concrete flooring costs depend on many factors, it ranges from £26 to £60 per square metre (sq m) in the UK. However, the fee may be higher if you need to do some excavation work. This simple price guide can help you budget for your new concrete floor polishing project.

Price list of polished concrete flooring

The average price list and breakdown of the services or costs you’ll need for polished concrete floor installation can be found below. 

Different types of polished concrete floors

Here are the three most common varieties, as well as their corresponding polished concrete floor cost per m2:

Grind and seal

This method involves grinding the top layer and sealing it with a matte or gloss sealant. It can be used indoors and outdoors and is a popular flooring choice for garages, driveways, shops, restaurants, bars, homes and offices.

Honed concrete

This type of polish leaves a smooth and matte finish after grinding, commonly used in the home around pools, pathways, driveways and outdoor entertainment areas.

Mechanical polish

This process involves grinding, hardening, and then polishing. This typically has a high-end finish and is recommended indoors only.

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Factors affecting the cost of polished concrete flooring

Location

If you live in central London or the southeast, you can expect higher prices than in the Midlands, Northern England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. The distance can also be a factor. If you are looking for a contractor more than two hours away from your property, you should be aware that this may increase the project's overall cost.

Room size and accessibility

Larger rooms have higher material and labour costs. The cost to finish the concrete basement floor can be higher than finishing a simple bedroom. But, even small rooms or spaces like bathrooms that don’t require a lot of materials can be challenging due to access issues and complexity. 

Excavation depth

Providing a stable foundation when constructing a new concrete floor is critical to prevent subsidence and cracking. Building a foundation requires removing the existing base and excavating the underlying ground. 

Because local geology, soil characteristics, and water table can vary, the excavation depth can only be established once the excavator reaches stable subsoil. The deeper you dig, the more soil you need to remove and concrete you must use. As a result, the depth of the excavation significantly impacts the average cost of polishing concrete floors.

Floor condition

How the concrete floor foundation is rebuilt depends on the type and state of the existing floor. If the foundation of some old concrete floors remains solid, you may only replace the concrete. A timber-suspended floor, in contrast, will need to be completely removed, followed by the installation of new floor foundations.  

Keep in mind that radon sumps must be included in the construction of new concrete floors in some regions of the UK per Building Regulations Part C. 

Underfloor heating

To comply with Building Regulations Part L, Conservation of Fuel and Power, this calls for adding underfloor heating and installing insulation beneath the concrete. By connecting to the current central heating system or utilizing an electrical heating element, you can employ either “wet” or “dry” ways.

Finish

You can dye your polished concrete flooring to match your interior. Polishes and sealants will lengthen the concrete’s lifespan and make it easier to maintain a clean surface. All of these, however, raise the overall costs of polished concrete floors.

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Benefits of polished concrete floors

You might be wondering what you will gain by installing concrete floors. Here are a few benefits you might enjoy:

• Requires little maintenance. Concrete floors that have been polished will maintain their quality for a very long period. These floors require routine sweeping or vacuuming, washing, and drying. Periodically, use a high-quality sealer to reseal the surface.

• Your property will look stylish, contemporary, and modern. Polished concrete can be stained or dyed in different colours. You can paint a polished concrete floor with a light colour that will reflect light. This isn’t only visually pleasing but can also cut your energy costs because it lets light travel across the space more efficiently; thus, less indoor lighting will be required.

• Doesn’t retain dirt. By selecting the right sealer, the floors will be waterproof, stain-resistant, and non-slip. 

• More cost-effective. Polished concrete is less expensive than hardwood, marble, tile, and other floor coverings. Moreover, unlike most other flooring options, polished concrete doesn’t become damaged by mould or moisture. This type of flooring is also perfect for underfloor heating.

Post a task for polished concrete flooring

There is no denying that a polished concrete floor of superior quality can enhance a home. So before you upgrade your flooring, get in the work to look for a polished concrete flooring expert. 

Start creating a task to find a skilled contractor for the job. Mention your budget, location, preferred type and finish, and other important details when posting a task to receive a more accurate quote. Check out Tasker profiles, reviews, and ratings. To ensure a smooth polished concrete flooring installation project, make sure to cover everything!

Polished concrete flooring can increase the overall value of your property. Working with a professional with the right equipment, experience, and skills is important to get the job done safely and efficiently!