Recently more and more of our clients are asking us for concrete polishing services, mostly floors but also some countertops. While we have historically done more marble polishing, concrete polishing is gaining in popularity and becoming more acceptable in even high end residential settings. That’s because we use the same diamond honing process we use for marble to create a smooth, light reflective surface on the concrete. In fact, we even use the same machines and the same diamonds! The sealers for concrete are a bit different, though.
You can have the finish anywhere from very glossy to a low luster shine. In contrast with marble refinishing, we can actually tint or dye concrete to achieve varying color effects. In addition, concrete densifiers are able to strengthen the surface and make it more durable than raw concrete.
Benefits of Concrete Polishing
It’s more cost effective than other floor treatments, and much easier to keep clean than raw concrete. Additionally, it allows you to have a brighter room with more design options than ever before. That’s partly because of its light reflectivity in contrast with either tile or carpet. Now that more and more people have seen the possibilities in restaurants and retail spaces, count on this option to become more common in offices and homes as well.
From a sustainability perspective, polished concrete flooring reduces your carbon footprint. and construction delays by not having to buy a floorcovering material and wait for its delivery and installation. After all, if you already have a concrete slab, polishing it and repurposing it is the ultimate in ‘Reduce [unnecessary floorcoverings], Reuse [what you already have underfoot] and Recycle [create something ‘new’ out of what already exists]! We couldn’t say it better than the folks at Eneref Institute:
“Comparatively, polished concrete is a more environmentally friendly flooring system, as it is “manufactured” directly in the facility. Odorless, non-flammable and non-toxic, installing and refining concrete flooring in situ requires little energy, no solvents and no volatile organic compounds”.
ENEREF.ORG
The photo below is an art gallery we recently honed and sealed for a major university in Cambridge. They wanted to say goodbye to their old institutional carpeting. So we removed the carpet and ground the adhesive off the concrete. The next step was to hone it with diamond abrasives. The final touch was to apply a sealer. Many sealers add gloss, but they emphatically did not want a shiny floor. Following their vision, we used a low luster sealer to lock in color and a low sheen.
Call or text 617-221-4002 or fill out the form below to get your quote.
Our Contact Information:
Act One – Marble and Tile
15 Main Street # 138
Watertown MA 02472-4403
617-221-4002 Text or Call
