before - grinding existing patches levelbefore - after removing VCT tileBefore starting projectAfter - Dyed & PolishedAfter - Dyed & PolishedBefore polishingBefore polishingAfterReflection in the floor
Concrete slabs have an inherent natural beauty, but until recently, residential and retail facilities preferred floor coverings, such as vinyl composite tile, decorative tile or terrazzo, to make up for the perceived lack luster of concrete’s natural state. However, the benefits of natural concrete, such as cost savings and high-traffic durability, have long been a familiar solution for industrial sites.
Benefits of Polished Concrete

  • Elimination of Dusting from Efflorescence
  • In ordinary unpolished concrete, tiny particles of dust are pushed to the surface through an upward force called hydrostatic pressure, resulting in efflorescence. Efflorescence leads to dusting, which forces epoxies off of the surface of concrete floors, and can make maintenance a costly priority.
  • Stain-Resistant
  • By densifying and sealing the surface, polished concrete transforms a porous concrete floor into a tightened floor that is dense enough to repel water, oil, and other contaminants, preventing them from penetrating the surface.
  • Improved Reflectivity and Ambient Lighting
  • The reflective properties of a polished concrete floor increases the lighting in facilities. Increased ambient lighting will reduce the energy bill as well as look beautiful.
  • Increased Slip Resistance
  • Polished concrete, though quite shiny, does not create a slippery floor. In fact, the benefits of mechanically grinding and flattening the floor will increase the coefficient of friction when compared to ordinary concrete. Polished concrete often exceeds OSHA standards for floors. (ASTM C 1028)
  • Less Maintenance
  • Most floor systems, including tile and linoleum, require aggressive scrubbing to maintain a clean environment and nice appearance. Polished concrete surfaces are tightly compacted, reducing stains, and do not require any waxing or stripping to maintain the sheen.
  • Cost-Effective
  • Polished concrete will reduce energy and maintenance costs significantly through reflectivity and ambient lighting, reduction in upkeep (such as waxing), and reduced tire wear.
  • LEED Friendly
  • Polished concrete not only utilizes existing concrete surfaces, eliminating additional materials such as coverings/coatings and moving towards sustainable building, it typically contains no noticeable VOC’s, making it friendly for any USBG LEED project.
  • Improved condition for old floors (Mechanical Polish Only)
  • As concrete ages, surface stress, delamination, curled cold joints, and other problems can arise. Mechanically grinding the floor will remove the top surface of the old concrete and polishing will then strengthen it, increasing it's impact and abrasion resistance.
  • Reduced Tire Wear (Mechanical Polish)
  • The rough, uneven texture of natural concrete causes tires to abrade, adding to their wear. A polished concrete floor system will level the joints and make the entire surface smooth, preventing this abrasion.
  • No Production/Plant Shutdowns (Dry-Polish Mechanical)
  • Dry-Mechanically polished concrete can be put into service immediately after the process is complete. Due to the cleanliness of the process and the lack of toxic or hazardous chemicals, floors can often be serviced while the plant is in full production.

Ernie Biggs in Branson, MOParkview HighschoolBefore - Floor covered in flaking paintBefore - Floor covered in flaking paintBefore - Floor covered in flaking paintDuring - Removing flaking paintDuring - Removing flaking paintAfter - Finished ProjectAfter - Finished ProjectAfter - Finished ProjectAfter - Finished ProjectAfter - Finished Project