29 Aug A Homeowner’s Guide to Polished Concrete Floors: Cost, Design & Installation

Polished concrete floors are a versatile and stylish flooring option, perfect for adding a sleek, contemporary feel to any renovation or self-build project. Originally used in industrial settings for their durability and low maintenance, their smooth, seamless appearance is now highly sought after in homes. By eliminating grout lines, polished concrete enhances the sense of space, lending an industrial-chic aesthetic that complements both modern and traditional interiors.

This striking finish is achieved by combining concrete—a mix of cement, sand, gravel, and water—with a chemical densifier. Once poured and set, the surface is mechanically ground and polished to reveal the signature high-sheen look.

But what does it take to get a polished concrete floor in your home? From installation practicalities to costs and alternative options, this is your complete guide.

What Are the Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors?

Polished concrete flooring is a durable, cost-effective, and safe choice for any home.

• Durable & Safe: Despite its smooth look, most polished concrete is finished with a non-slip texture, making it safe and comfortable underfoot. Its robustness makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Excellent Thermal Mass: The material is a fantastic partner for underfloor heating (UFH). As a good thermal conductor, it absorbs and retains heat, distributing it evenly without any cold spots. It also captures warmth from solar gain (sunlight through windows) and releases it slowly as the room cools, helping to maintain a stable temperature.
• Aesthetic Versatility: While the understated neutral grey is a popular choice for its contemporary feel, you can select from a wide range of colours and textures to perfectly match your interior design scheme.

How Much Do Polished Concrete Floors Cost?

Polished concrete can create a look similar to luxury materials like marble or granite, often at a more accessible price point.

The cost for a new polished concrete floor installation typically ranges from £130 to £160 per m2. This places it in a similar price bracket to high-end stone tiles, but with the advantage that you do not need to pay for a separate screed layer underneath.

If you have an existing concrete slab in good condition, it can be ground and polished for a significantly lower cost, averaging around £50 per m2.

Where Does Polished Concrete Flooring Work Best?

The seamless and light-reflective qualities of polished concrete make it an excellent choice for creating a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, particularly when connecting a kitchen-diner to a garden via bifold or sliding doors.

Installing polished concrete is generally most straightforward in a new build or a brand-new extension, where the structure can be planned from the outset to support the weight and ensure a perfectly level pour.

However, retrofitting is also a viable option. Key considerations for an existing property include:

• Structural Weight: The existing floor structure must be able to support the additional weight of the concrete, which is approximately 200kg per m2.
• Floor Height: A new concrete layer will raise the floor level by at least 100mm, which will reduce the overall ceiling height.

In some projects, such as basement conversions or the renovation of old industrial buildings, it may be possible to polish the existing concrete subfloor if it is in suitable condition.

How to Install a Polished Concrete Floor

The installation process begins with pouring the concrete mix (cement, gravel, sand, and water) onto a reinforced base, typically featuring steel and fibre mesh to minimise the risk of cracking.

1. The Pour: If you are including underfloor heating, the concrete is poured directly on top of the heating pipes.
2. Compacting & Levelling: The wet concrete is then levelled and compacted using vibration to remove air pockets and surface voids, which ensures the final floor is strong and durable.
3. Hardening & Floating: A dry shaker, which can be plain or coloured, is applied to the surface. This is worked into the concrete using a power float machine, a process that may be repeated four to eight times to achieve the desired smoothness. This step should begin once the concrete is firm enough to support the machine but still workable.
4. Curing: The floor is cast, temporarily covered, and left to cure. This can take up to a month, with the process being faster in warmer weather.
5. Finishing & Polishing: After curing, the floor is cleaned and burnished to remove imperfections. At this stage, some finishes are achieved by simply applying a matt, satin, or gloss sealant. However, a “true” polished concrete floor is created using a diamond grinding machine to perfectly even the surface. The floor is then treated with a chemical densifier, and the polishing continues until a gloss level of at least 400 grit is reached.

Key Considerations During Installation

• Curing Time: A minimum of 28 days must pass before freshly poured concrete can be polished. However, other work, such as kitchen installation, can often proceed during this time. The concrete will reach its full structural strength in approximately 6-12 months, but the floor is usable much sooner.
• Preventing Cracks: Sudden temperature changes are the primary cause of cracks. Laying a reinforcing mesh before the pour is the first line of defence. Additionally, control joints—thin grooves cut into the surface within 24 hours of the pour—create predetermined weak spots. This encourages the concrete to shrink and crack in neat, straight lines, preventing random fractures elsewhere.

What If My Polished Concrete Floor Cracks?

While cracks can be repaired, they are not common and are rarely a sign of a serious structural problem. Most often, they occur due to surface tension caused by rapid temperature changes, such as turning on underfloor heating too high, too quickly.

If you notice a crack, it is wise to contact a professional installer. They can assess its severity and advise on the best course of action. Review your installer’s guarantees to understand how a solution can be reached.

Can I Achieve the Look with Other Materials?

If a poured concrete floor isn’t feasible due to budget or structural limitations, you can achieve a similar aesthetic with other materials.

• Large-Format Tiles: Hardwearing and ideal for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms, porcelain or non-slip ceramic tiles offer a robust, non-porous surface. Prices can range from £18 per m2 to over £100 per m2 for high-end options.
• Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT): LVT, lino, and cushioned vinyl are easy to clean, warm underfoot, and less slippery than ceramics. They are available in countless designs that mimic stone or concrete. Costs for LVT typically range from £20 to £70 per m2.
• Microcement: This material provides a very similar seamless finish but is applied as a thin layer over an existing subfloor, making it a lighter alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How slippery is polished concrete flooring? When dry, polished concrete offers good slip resistance. However, like many smooth surfaces, it can become slippery when wet. To minimise risk, you can opt for a honed (less glossy) finish or have a non-slip additive included in the final sealant.

Does polished concrete flooring feel cold underfoot? Concrete has a high thermal mass, meaning it absorbs the ambient temperature. In winter, it can feel cool without a heat source. This is why it pairs so well with underfloor heating, which transforms it into a warm and comfortable surface. In areas without UFH, rugs can add warmth and comfort.

Can I tint my polished concrete? Yes, concrete is highly versatile and can be coloured to match any interior scheme. Pigments can be mixed into the concrete before pouring, or stains and dyes can be applied during the polishing process. It is best to work with an experienced contractor and test samples to ensure you achieve the desired colour.

Are polished concrete floors pet-friendly? Polished concrete is an excellent choice for pet owners. It is easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and does not trap pet dander or odours. Its dense, sealed surface is highly resistant to scratches from pet claws, although minor surface marks may appear over time, adding to its industrial character.

Is polished concrete suitable for a second storey? Traditional poured concrete is very heavy. Using it on an upper floor requires careful structural engineering to support the load, often involving reinforced joists or a steel frame. You must consult a structural engineer for advice. For a similar look without the weight, consider lighter alternatives like micro-cement or concrete-effect tiles and vinyl.