Choosing polished concrete flooring for your residential or commercial space is a no-brainer these days. Anyone wanting matchless and effortless beauty with sturdy durability knows this is one of the best flooring decisions. However, the BIG QUESTION is, “how much would it cost you?”
It is difficult to put a price tag on polished concrete installation, and that’s because several factors may add to or reduce the cost for you. These factors include the size of your floor, your concrete’s condition, your desired level of polishing, and more.
This article will look at all these and provide a cost breakdown to help you determine what the cost would be for your project.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE COST OF CONCRETE FLOOR POLISHING
If you plan to use polished concrete for your residential or commercial floors, you must consider these factors as they show you a clear picture of your project’s cost. Some of the primary factors that impact the cost of concrete floor polishing are:
1. SIZE AND LAYOUT OF THE AREA
It is a no-brainer that the bigger the size, the more materials and time it would take to get it done. Therefore, the larger the area of your floor that needs polishing, the higher the cost. The cost of labor, materials, and equipment should increase with the size of the floor.
However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, smaller areas require a higher level of skill, attention to detail, and materials. This can result from the floor layout, narrow areas that need to be touched, corners that may require demolition and rebuilding, and other factors.
Look at your floor and determine if it would take any extra effort to get work done, and you can create a rough estimate of the cost by looking at the cost breakdown we have provided further down this article.
2. FLOOR CONDITION
The condition of the concrete floor is just like that when preparing for polishing. It is a significant factor in determining the overall cost of the project. If the floor has deep cracks or other damage, the cost of repairing and preparing the surface for polishing will increase the overall cost.
3. DESIRED LEVEL OF SHINE
Different flooring levels are required for different environments, and the flooring company will ensure your floor gets the right level of shine. Typically, for residential spaces, industrial warehouses, and other low-traffic areas, a 200- to 400-grit finish would be just perfect. However, spaces like retail stores, restaurants, malls, showrooms, and other high-traffic spaces may require up to 800- or 1500-grit finish.
The level of shine desired will affect the cost of concrete floor polishing. A higher level of shine requires more extensive polishing, which increases labor and equipment costs. Furthermore, it is expected that you may want added designs and a more shiny, glossy finish. This can be discussed with the flooring company but at a higher cost.
3. ACCESS TO THE SITE
The flooring professional may add the cost of reaching the location to the overall cost. If the site is difficult to access, such as in a remote area or on an upper floor of a building, it may require additional time and effort to complete the work, increasing the overall cost.
This is because the flooring company has to get equipment and materials to the site for work to be done. Furthermore, laborers may have to shuttle up and down to get materials as they work in hard-to-reach areas like the top floor of a building. These can lead to an increase in the overall cost.
4. COMPLEXITY OF DESIGN
One of the benefits of concrete polishing is that you have many design options to choose from, making it super-flexible and fun to play around with. As a homeowner or commercial space owner, you want your space to stand out and look gorgeous. This is a valid want and should be met with adequate resources.
Therefore, if the floor design you choose requires intricate patterns or unique designs, this can also increase the cost of polishing. This is because achieving the desired design will require more time, effort, and precision.
5. CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE
The experience and reputation of the contractor can also impact the cost of concrete floor polishing. A highly skilled and reputable contractor may charge more than a less experienced contractor to deliver your desired excellence.
This may sound like an unwarranted added expense, but when you consider how much you may have to spend on repairs now and again after the initial installation, you will understand why it is crucial to pay well to get it done right the first time.
Overall, it is essential to consider these factors when estimating the cost of concrete floor polishing. By carefully evaluating each factor, you can get a more accurate estimate of the project’s total cost.
COST BREAKDOWN
Now that you are sure of the factors that may increase or reduce the cost of your concrete polishing project, it is time to actually start adding monetary value to these factors. Below is an estimated breakdown to look out for.
The cost of concrete floor polishing can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the space, the condition of the existing concrete, the desired level of polish, and the geographic location. However, here is a breakdown of the typical costs involved in a concrete floor polishing project:
- Preparation of the Surface: Before polishing can begin, the surface of the concrete must be thoroughly cleaned and prepped. This may involve grinding, patching, or filling in any cracks or holes in the concrete. The cost of this step can range from $0.50 to $3 per square foot, depending on the extent of the prep work required.
- Polishing Process: The actual polishing process involves using progressively finer diamond abrasives to grind and polish the surface of the concrete. The cost of this step will depend on the level of shine desired, with a basic matte finish costing around $2 to $4 per square foot and a high-gloss finish costing $4 to $8 per square foot.
- Sealing: After the polishing process is complete, the concrete must be sealed to protect the surface and provide a long-lasting finish. The cost of sealing can range from $0.50 to $2 per square foot, depending on the type of sealer used.
- Labor Costs: The labor cost will vary depending on the project’s size, the work’s complexity, and the geographic location. On average, labor costs for concrete floor polishing can range from $3 to $8 per square foot.
- Equipment and Materials: The equipment and materials used in polishing will also contribute to the overall cost. Diamond abrasives, sealers, and other materials can add up quickly, with costs ranging from $1 to $3 per square foot.
The total cost of concrete floor polishing can range from $7 to $20 per square foot, depending on the above factors. It’s essential to get a detailed estimate from a professional contractor to accurately estimate the cost of your specific project.
DIY VS. PROFESSIONAL POLISHING
DIY is fun and exciting before you start the concrete polishing process. When you start, you may not have the right equipment, materials, and expertise to get the desired results. However, DIY concrete floor polishing and hiring a professional each have benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of each option:
DIY CONCRETE FLOOR POLISHING
Pros:
- Cost-effective: DIY polishing can save you money compared to hiring a professional. However, all that saved money may not be worth it if your floor looks like it could use some help.
- Customization: You have more control over the final look of the floor and can customize it to your liking, even though you can discuss this with an expert and get the same result.
- Learning experience: DIY polishing can be a great learning experience and give you a sense of satisfaction from doing the work yourself.
Cons:
- Time-consuming: Polishing a concrete floor is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. It can take several days to complete. Unless you have enough time on your hands, you should let an expert do it.
- Requires equipment: You must rent or purchase specialized equipment, such as a concrete grinder and a polisher. Your best bet is to rent equipment because it would be useless to you after the project is completed. However, knowing the right equipment to use can be challenging.
- Risk of mistakes: If you don’t have experience with concrete polishing, you risk making mistakes that can affect the final look and quality of the floor. At the end of the day, you would have wasted time, effort, materials, and the cost of renting equipment.
HIRING A PROFESSIONAL
Pros:
- Expertise and experience: Professional concrete floor polishers have the expertise and experience to produce high-quality results. Most professionals have been designing floors for decades and understand the intricacies of producing matchless beauty.
- Time-saving: Professionals can complete the job faster than a DIY project and can work around your schedule. While it might take you a week or more, an expert can complete the job in a day or two, depending on the size and design requirements.
- Professional equipment: Professionals can access high-quality equipment and materials that produce a superior finish. Not every piece of equipment produces the same result. While they essentially do the same work, the results from a professional’s expensive, cutting-edge machine will surpass what you may find at the rental.
- Cost saving: It needs to be mentioned that the cost of working with a professional may appear big initially. However, if you compare that to the cost of fixing mistakes, repairing your inadequately honed and polished floor, and probably starting all over, you would realize you’re saving more money.
Cons:
- Cost: Hiring a professional can be expensive, especially if you have a large area to polish. However, going by the discussion above, you may have to reconsider.
- Limited customization: You may have limited options for customization since professionals typically follow standard practices and procedures. This will not be so much of a problem if you work with a professional who is determined to help you achieve results that meet your taste.
Ultimately, deciding to DIY or hire a professional depends on your budget, time constraints, and the desired outcome. Before you decide on the option to choose, consider speaking with a few professionals to get an estimate.
COST-SAVING TIPS
If you’re opting to work with an expert to get the job done, there are some smart ways to reduce costs:
1. CHOOSE A LOWER LEVEL OF POLISH
This may not sound very appealing, considering that you may already have a desired look you want to achieve. However, you must understand that some spaces do not require too much polish to look great. Speak with your contractor about what you want to achieve and your budget, and let them recommend what’s best.
2. SCHEDULE THE WORK DURING A SLOW SEASON
Choose a less busy period to do your concrete polishing. The basic rules of economics apply here; the higher the demand, the higher the product or service cost. Choose a slow season, and you may even get the contractor to work with your schedule.
3. COMBINE SERVICES
If you plan to renovate or upgrade your space, consider combining services to save on costs. For example, you may be able to negotiate a lower rate if you hire the same contractor for both concrete polishing and painting.
4. GET ESTIMATES FROM MULTIPLE CONTRACTORS AND COMPARE
It’s essential to do your research before hiring a contractor. Get multiple quotes and compare the cost and quality of the services offered. Look for contractors with experience in concrete floor polishing who can provide references and examples of their work while charging reasonable fees.
5. PROPER MAINTENANCE
As mentioned earlier, the worse the condition of your floor, the higher the overall cost of polishing. Regular cleaning and minor polishing can help prevent the need for costly repairs down the road. Be sure to follow the recommended maintenance schedule provided by your contractor.
By implementing these tips, you can save money on your concrete floor polishing project while still giving your space the desired look and functionality.
NATIONAL CONCRETE POLISHING
In conclusion, polishing concrete floors is an investment that can greatly benefit your facility in terms of aesthetics, durability, and maintenance costs. At National Concrete Polishing, we have the expertise, equipment, and dedication to provide you with the best polished concrete floors that can last for decades. Contact us today to get a free quote and learn more about how we can help you achieve the best results for your concrete floors.
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