Polished Concrete vs Tiles: Which Is Right for Your Gold Coast Home?

If you're building or renovating on the Gold Coast, flooring is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Two of the most popular options — polished concrete and tiles — both have real advantages. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

Cost comparison

Tiles vary widely in price. Budget ceramic tiles start around $30–$50/m² installed, while quality porcelain or stone-look tiles run $80–$150+/m² including labour.

Polished concrete typically costs $50–$120/m² depending on the level of polish and aggregate exposure. The key difference: if you're building new, the slab is already there. You're finishing what exists rather than adding a new layer on top.

For renovations where tiles are already down, factor in tile removal costs ($20–$40/m²) before any new flooring goes in.

Durability

Polished concrete is extremely hard-wearing. In commercial settings it handles forklift traffic. In homes, it's practically indestructible. No grout lines to crack, no tiles to chip. A properly sealed polished concrete floor can last decades with minimal maintenance.

Tiles are durable too, but grout lines are the weak point. They stain, crack, and harbour mould — especially in wet areas. Individual tiles can chip or crack from impact.

Maintenance

Polished concrete: sweep and damp mop. That's it. Re-seal every few years depending on traffic. No grout to clean, no tiles to replace.

Tiles: regular grout cleaning, periodic re-grouting, and replacement of cracked tiles. The ongoing maintenance cost is higher than most people expect.

The Gold Coast factor

Gold Coast homes trend toward open-plan living with indoor-outdoor flow. Polished concrete works beautifully here — it creates a seamless look from inside to outside, handles the humidity well, and stays cool underfoot in summer.

If you're considering the switch, get in touch for a free quote. We can assess your slab and advise on the best finish for your home.