What is the best concrete finish?

Choosing the right finish for polished concrete floors can be a daunting task. With the growing popularity of concrete floor polishing, a variety of finishes are now available to suit different design preferences and needs. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a guide to the different finishes available from concrete workers and how they can enhance your space.

Glossiness of concrete floors

Gloss is an important factor to consider for concrete floor polishing. Many people think there is only one type of gloss finish, but in fact, there are many options. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the most common gloss finishes available for polished concrete surfaces. It’s worth noting that high-gloss finishes may not be suitable for certain areas, such as bathrooms or living rooms. It is always recommended to consult a professional before deciding to refinish your floors.

Matte or flat finish: Contrary to popular belief, polished concrete surfaces can have a matte finish. This type of finish is preferred for spaces such as living rooms or dining rooms where glossy finishes may not be ideal or may cause accidents. In addition to being practical, the matte finish creates a rustic texture that is very similar to gray concrete. It is often chosen for flooring in warehouses or industrial areas where the presence of machinery may hide any underlying shine. This option is ideal for those who prefer a non-reflective surface. To achieve a matte finish, the concrete grinding process should stop at a coarse grit of around 100 grit. This avoids sheen and provides an attractive, rustic look suitable for indoor areas or outdoor spaces such as patios. Staining a matte surface can further enhance the look of a polished floor.

Semi-polished or semi-gloss finish: If you want a surface that’s not too smooth but still has a natural shine, a semi-polished or semi-gloss finish may be your best choice. Despite the name, this finish is not as confusing as it sounds. Some concrete workers call it satin because of its low reflectivity. Furthermore, the treated horizontal surface may be curved toward a flat side or a smooth side. In order to achieve this, it is important to discuss your requirements with the contractor. Typically, diamond grinding pads are used to achieve semi-polishing effects up to 800 grit. The low-gloss look is ideal for home interiors and commercial spaces such as car showrooms, where the flooring should not obscure other elements in the room.

High gloss finish: When it comes to concrete floor polishing, the signature high-gloss finish is unmatched. This finish enhances the overall design, bringing brightness and appeal to any room. Smooth, high-gloss flooring is easy to clean and maintains its shine without the need for waxing or refinishing. This makes it ideal for spaces that require a sophisticated look. High-gloss finishes are popular in commercial areas such as shopping malls or retail stores, where the reflections from the floor create a stunning visual environment. Polished concrete floors in high-gloss white or cream can also be a great addition to an office space. Some skilled polished concrete workers can achieve a glass-like effect by using quality diamond drilling and grinding techniques. Typically, fine diamond polishing pads with grit strength up to 3,000 are used to achieve the ultimate shine on concrete surfaces.

All in all, the choice of gloss finish for concrete floor polishing can greatly impact the overall look and ambiance of a space. Whether you prefer a matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish, it’s important to consult with a professional to ensure your choice meets your design vision and functional requirements.

Achieving the desired look of a polished concrete floor requires careful consideration of the level of aggregate exposure. From zero exposure to full exposure, each finish has a unique aesthetic.

Zero exposure: Zero Exposure is ideal for those looking for a plain, flat look. Achieving this finish can be challenging because it requires lightly sanding only the top layer of concrete with diamond grinding discs, leaving virtually no aggregate exposed. The key to achieving this look is to start with a perfectly flat concrete surface. Due to the complexity and time-consuming nature of this process, it is highly recommended to consult a professional contractor experienced in polishing concrete. Zero-exposure polished concrete surfaces may have a cloudy finish when not exposed to light. However, experts can enhance their appearance by using stains to create extraordinary and eye-catching effects. These stains can add depth and character to your floor, transforming it into a unique and visually appealing feature.

Minimum exposure: A salt and pepper or medium exposure effect is achieved when polished concrete floors have a slightly speckled appearance. This finish adds time and history to the flooring and is achieved through light hand sanding. Professionals remove the top layer of flooring until fragments of sand or gravel are visible, creating a subtle but noticeable speckled pattern. One of the fascinating aspects of minimally exposed finishes is the surprising patterns that emerge as a result of concrete being poured randomly into a large slab. This unpredictability adds a touch of charm and uniqueness to polished concrete floors. The high-gloss finish of these minimally exposed floors further enhances their appeal. The combination of speckled pattern and gloss creates a visually pleasing and sophisticated look.

Full exposure: A fully exposed finish takes polished concrete floors to another level by heavily cutting or sanding the surface to expose the larger stones present in the concrete mix. This process reveals the interior of the floor, almost as if it has been dissected. Inspired by this idea, the designers pushed the boundaries by incorporating unusual elements such as screws and bolts into the concrete mix, resulting in exceptional and unconventional finishes. Additionally, even with the usual concrete mix, the end result will vary depending on the color and composition of the sand and stone. The completely exposed finish is perfect for indoor and outdoor spaces, especially in rooms where the flooring needs to make a bold statement. However, it is important to note that older concrete floors may not be able to withstand the stress of extensive cutting or sanding.