Suppose you are a business owner, property manager, or homeowner looking to refinish your concrete flooring.
Atlanta concrete resurfacing experts offer a variety of options to refinish concrete flooring. Two popular options are polished concrete and grind and sealed concrete.
Despite their similar names, the two concrete resurfacing methods have distinct differences. To let you decide which is best for your project, here's a closer look at what makes each option unique.
What Are Polished Concrete Floors?
Polished concrete floors are a type of concrete flooring that has been mechanically ground down and polished to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. The process involves grinding the concrete with diamond-impregnated abrasives in progressively finer grits until it is sealed and buffed to the desired shine. This flooring can provide several benefits, notably its durability and low maintenance needs.
Here are some levels of polished concrete:
1) Soft Matte – This level of concrete polishing is the most cost-effective and produces a matte finish.
2) Satin Sheen – The next step up from Soft Matte, this polished concrete flooring gives a subtle sheen and more visible clarity to the overall look.
3) Semi-Gloss Finish – Polished concrete becomes more reflective at this level and provides a richer color.
4) High Gloss Finish – The highest polished concrete results in a highly reflective finish with vibrant colors and maximum clarity.
What Is Grind and Seal Concrete?
Grind and seal concrete is the process of grinding down the surface of the concrete using diamond-impregnated grinding tools. The concrete is then sealed with a protective sealer to protect the surface from damage and staining.
This process can be used for interior and exterior surfaces but should not apply to porous substrates such as limestone or travertine. Grind and seal concrete usually requires minimal maintenance and is ideal for areas that require less foot traffic.
Some benefits of grind and seal concrete are:
a) Improved durability and stain resistance;
b) Easier to clean than polished concrete;
c) Lower cost compared to polished concrete.
Factors That Differ Between Polished Concrete and Grind and Sealed Concrete
Polished concrete and grind and sealed concrete are two standard methods to revitalize a concrete floor. While both are effective, there are some critical differences between the two you should be aware of before making your decision.
1) Appearance
Polished concrete is difficult to polish and requires specialized equipment. It results in a high-gloss finish that resembles polished stone and can also contain decorative elements like colors and patterns. On the other hand, grind and sealed concrete are significantly easier to apply, resulting in a semi-gloss look with less of a reflective finish than polished concrete.
2) Durability
Due to the additional polishing process, Polished concrete is significantly stronger and more durable than grind and sealed concrete. It also requires less maintenance over time, keeping its glossy finish longer. Grind and sealed concrete usually need to be re-sealed every few years to maintain its appearance.
3) Cost
Polished concrete can be more expensive than grind and sealed concrete because it requires additional equipment and labor. However, the cost is usually offset by its improved durability, which makes it a better long-term investment.
Call Envirodek for the best concrete polishing in Atlanta. Our team is experienced and knowledgeable about the differences between polished concrete and grind and sealed concrete.
