Concrete floors will not chip or dent like softer surfaces such as wood and are easily maintained by simply mopping with warm soapy water. Polished concrete doesn’t require annual sealing like other overlay and color treatments. With the new state EPA requirements of strict VOC laws the sealers in the industry require reapplication, some as often as bi-annually.

Traditionally, concrete floors have been covered over by a variety of floor coverings, surface coatings and topical sealers otherwise known as “overlayments”. Often, when considering the life-span of the overlayment, this process represents expensive installation, ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement costs, however, in all circumstances the underlying structural concrete remains. Polished concrete eliminates the need for overlayments by converting the actual existing concrete into an economical, durable and low maintenance finished surface; able to withstand the toughest of traffic whilst producing spectacular visual appeal.

The Positive Aspects of Polished Concrete

Improves indoor air quality; polished concrete is dust free and emits no toxic chemicals.

Polished concrete is OSHA compliant for slip resistance.

• LEED Friendly – All required chemical products are LEED friendly
• Cost Effective – Polished concrete will reduce energy and maintenance costs significantly due to its extended life cycle, improved reflectivity and ambient lighting, reduction in maintenance and reduced tire wear.
• Light Reflectivity and Daylighting – polished concrete increases a room’s light reflectivity, thereby reducing the amount of artificial light required to illuminate and the energy required to heat the space.
• Sustainable Design – Concrete is recognized as a sustainable design material by the AIA and US Green Building Council.
• Air Quality – Better air quality as concrete does not contain any VOCs.

Plus get popular design options for polished concrete, including coloring with stains and dyes, decorative engraving, and stenciled graphics. Find ideas for achieving interesting decorative effects by applying multiple colors of dye and using faux-finishing techniques.

Factor in the superior durability and performance of concrete, and it’s no wonder why more retail, warehouse, and office facilities are opting for polished concrete flooring as an alternative to marble, granite, tile, linoleum, or coated concrete. Even homeowners are catching on to the appeal of these smooth, high-luster floors, which can be stained to replicate the look of polished stone.