# Polished Concrete Floors > Mechanically polished concrete is a cured slab ground through progressively finer diamond grits with a chemical densifier applied between passes, producing a hard, glossy, reflective floor. - **Provider:** Industrial Concrete Grinding and Cutting PTY LTD (ICGC) - **Page:** https://icgc.com.au/polished-concrete/ - **Service area:** Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern Rivers, Australia - **Phone:** 0408 709 770 ## Key facts - Polished concrete is ground through fine grits, typically 800 to 3000. - A chemical densifier is applied between passes to harden the surface. This is what separates polishing from honing. - The gloss comes from mechanical refinement of the concrete itself, not from a topical coating. - Polished concrete is primarily an indoor finish. Gloss finishes are not recommended outdoors. - Exposure levels range from cream polish, showing almost no stone, through salt-and-pepper to full aggregate reveal. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is your concrete grinding process dust-free? Standard grinding produces significant silica dust. We use portable industrial vacuum extraction connected directly to our grinding machinery, capturing dust at the source. This keeps the site cleaner, protects everyone's health, and makes us suitable for occupied or partially occupied buildings including apartments, retail tenancies, and healthcare facilities. ### Can I stay in my home or keep my business operating while you work? In most cases, yes. Our dust-free grinding process uses industrial HEPA extraction connected directly to the machinery, so there is minimal dust and disruption. We protect surrounding rooms and furniture before we start. Most homeowners carry on as normal in other parts of the house while we work, and commercial clients can often keep adjacent areas operating. ### What is polished concrete? Polished concrete is a mechanically refined floor finish produced by grinding the concrete slab with progressively finer diamond tooling, from as coarse as 25 grit up to 3000 grit. A lithium-based densifier is applied during the process, reacting chemically with the concrete to create a harder, denser surface. The sheen comes from the concrete itself, not a topical coating, which is why polished concrete cannot peel or delaminate. ### What polished concrete finishes are available? Polished concrete finishes range from cream polish (minimal aggregate exposure, smooth and subtle) through salt and pepper (fine aggregate visible, the most popular residential finish) to medium exposure (larger stones visible) and full aggregate reveal (maximum stone exposure for a bold statement floor). Grind and seal is a more affordable alternative using a topical sealer instead of full mechanical polishing. ### How long does polished concrete last? A mechanically polished concrete floor will last the lifetime of the building with minimal maintenance. The finish is part of the concrete itself, so it cannot peel, delaminate, or wear through like a coating. Periodic re-sealing every 3 to 5 years maintains the sheen and stain resistance. ### Is polished concrete slippery? Mechanically polished concrete has a higher coefficient of friction than tiles or sealed timber, so it is not slippery underfoot in dry conditions. For wet areas, we can apply a non-slip treatment without affecting the appearance. For outdoor areas that stay wet, honed concrete or grind and seal with a non-slip additive is usually a better choice. ### Can you polish existing concrete slabs? Yes. Most existing slabs can be mechanically polished. We assess the slab condition first, identifying any cracks or repairs needed, and determine the best finish based on the aggregate content. Older slabs often reveal the most interesting stone patterns because the aggregate has fully settled and cured. ### How does polished concrete compare to tiles? Polished concrete is more durable, requires less maintenance, has no grout lines, and improves with age. It is also more cost-effective over the life of the floor because there are no replacement cycles, no re-grouting, and no cracked tiles. Polished concrete is also hypoallergenic and does not harbour dust mites or mould. ### How do you maintain polished concrete floors? Sweep or dust mop regularly to remove grit that could scratch the surface. Damp mop with clean water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners, harsh chemicals, and abrasive pads. Re-seal every 3 to 5 years depending on traffic. That is the full maintenance routine for a polished concrete floor. ### How much does polished concrete cost? The cost of polished concrete depends on the finish level (cream polish is the most affordable, full aggregate reveal is the premium option), the slab condition, the area size, access, and whether any tile removal or surface preparation is needed first. Larger areas are more cost-effective per square metre. Every slab is different, so we inspect yours and provide a written quote with no hidden costs. ### What is the difference between mechanically polished concrete and grind and seal? Mechanically polished concrete is ground through progressively finer grits to create a finish that is part of the concrete itself, strengthened by a chemical densifier. Grind and seal is ground to a lower grit and then coated with a topical sealer that creates the sheen. Mechanically polished lasts the life of the building. Grind and seal needs re-coating every 3 to 5 years but costs less upfront. ### What is the difference between honed and polished concrete? Honed concrete is ground to a smooth, low-sheen finish using diamond tooling up to around 200 to 400 grit. Polished concrete goes further, typically to 800 to 3000 grit, producing a high-gloss reflective surface. Honed finishes look more natural and understated, while polished concrete has a mirror-like sheen. Both are durable and low-maintenance. Honed concrete is often chosen for outdoor areas and modern interiors, while polished suits commercial spaces and high-end open-plan living. ### Do you remove tiles as well as grind concrete? Yes. We remove tiles and mechanically grind off all adhesive residue until the slab is genuinely clean and ready for the next finish. That is the difference between a surface that is stripped and one that is actually ready for tiling, polishing, honing, epoxy, vinyl, or timber. Most concrete grinders do not offer tile removal. We do. ### Is my house too small for polished concrete? Some smaller jobs do not make financial sense for a full polished concrete finish because the mobilisation costs for commercial-grade equipment are the same regardless of area. That said, every house is different. Get in touch and we will give you an honest assessment of whether it is the right fit for your space and budget. ## Related pages - [Honed Concrete Floors](https://icgc.com.au/honed-concrete/): Matte to satin ground finish. Grit levels, indoor and outdoor use, honed versus polished. - [Burnished Concrete Floors](https://icgc.com.au/burnished-concrete/): Cream-level ground and sealed finish. Comparison against honed and polished, cost drivers, limitations. - [Polished Concrete, Gold Coast](https://icgc.com.au/polished-concrete-gold-coast/): Gold Coast coverage for polished concrete. - [Polished Concrete, Brisbane](https://icgc.com.au/polished-concrete-brisbane/): Brisbane coverage for polished concrete. ## Contact - Phone: 0408 709 770 - Email: admin@icgc.com.au - Request a quote: https://icgc.com.au/get-a-quote/ - Based in Burleigh Heads, Queensland, serving Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern Rivers, Australia