Questions
The ones we get asked most, answered the way we answer them on site.
Choosing a finish
What is the difference between honed and polished concrete?
Gloss. Honed stops at a matte surface with no reflection. Polished keeps going through finer resin grits - to 800 for a satin lustre, to 1500 for a reflective surface.
Which finish do you recommend for outdoors?
Honed and sealed. It is matte, keeps the texture of concrete underfoot, and hides scratches and wear better than anything else.
Can I choose how much stone shows?
Yes - nil, minimal or full exposure. But exposure depends on where the stone sits in your slab. On an existing slab we show you the floor after the first pass, before going further.
Can I see what my floor will look like before you start?
Yes. The first step of every job is a sample area on your own slab, somewhere forgiving. It is photographed, numbered and signed off by you, and it becomes the agreed standard for the whole floor.
Is the sample free?
A sample means setting up the machines and most of a day on site, so it is part of the job rather than part of the quote. If you want one before you commit, we quote it as a separate visit.
Your slab
Will there be small holes in my floor?
Almost certainly. Concrete contains air, and grinding opens pockets that were always there. We fill what can be filled using dust from your own floor. Some holes cannot be filled. It is a characteristic of ground concrete, not a defect.
Can you polish an old slab?
Often, yes. Old slabs can hide glue, paint, patches and cracks, so we inspect first. Some are better suited to honed or grind and seal than high gloss, and we will tell you which.
What does my builder need to know before the pour?
That the slab is for polishing. Strength (32 MPa minimum, 40 for nil exposure), flatness, finishing method and protection during the build all decide the result. We are happy to talk to your concreter directly.
How much height does grinding take off?
From about 0.5 mm for grind and seal up to 5-6 mm for full stone exposure. Set-downs, door clearances and adjoining floor heights need to allow for it.
The job
Can you quote from plans?
Yes, and we prefer to. Most polished floors are decided at design stage, before the slab exists. Send the plans and we will tell you what the slab needs and what the floor will cost.
How long does it take?
Grind and seal on a double garage is usually two to three days. A polished house floor is usually six to eight days on site, depending on the finish. We give you a day count with the quote.
Do you need power on site?
Our grinder runs on three-phase power. If the site does not have it, we bring a generator.
Is it dusty?
Far less than you would expect. Our grinders run with dust extraction connected. Concrete dust contains silica, so we control it at the source rather than cleaning it up afterwards.
Do you polish concrete benches, seats and planters?
Yes. Benches, outdoor seats, planter boxes, fire pit surrounds and hearths are honed or polished by hand. They are priced per piece from plans or photos and sizes.
Where do you work?
The Sunshine Coast, from Caloundra to Noosa and the hinterland between.
Looking after it
How do I clean polished concrete?
Sweep or vacuum, then a wrung-out microfibre mop with pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid anything acidic - vinegar, citrus, bathroom products - and steam mops.
How do I know when my floor needs resealing?
Put a few drops of water in a busy spot and wait two minutes. Beads: fine. Spreads: reseal within six to twelve months. Soaks in and darkens: reseal now.
Do you reseal floors you did not polish?
Yes. Send photos and anything you know about the original finish and sealer.
Question not here?
Ask us. Photos of the slab or the plans help us give you a straight answer.