YOUR LOCAL CONCRETING PARTNERPolished Concrete Perth
Polished concrete is a trendy, modern finish that has transformed from industrial to a design statement, and Perth is right at the front of that trend. Whether it is the floor of a new alfresco area, a high-end garage, or a feature internal space inside the home or commercial office, polished concrete delivers a smooth finish that pairs beautifully with contemporary and modern architecture.
What is polished concrete? Polished concrete is a concrete that has been mechanically ground and processed to produce a smooth, glossy and reflective surface. The process exposes the cement and aggregate within the slab, then refines it to a finish anywhere from satin to high gloss, all based on preference.
Structurally, it is the same as a normal grey concrete slab that you typically find under tiles or carpet, just finished differently. This is why it is a cost effective long-term costing solution, because the slab is the finished floor. There’s no separate flooring material to be laid on top.
Why choose polished concrete for your project in Perth?
Polished concrete is a modern design option for your floors in Perth. Some of the key features:
PREMIUM AESTHETIC: Polished concrete is a premium choice for floor finishes in architectural homes and high-end and modern office or commercial fit-outs. It goes especially well with minimalistic interior designs, industrial designs and seamless indoor-to-outdoor living areas.
BUILT FOR PERTH’S CLIMATE: Polished concrete stays cool underfoot in Perth’s hot summers, and pairs naturally with hydronic underfloor heating systems if you are building those in within your slab.
LOW MAINTENANCE: Polished concrete floors needs no sealing or cleaning of grout lines like tiles do, no waxing and no replacement panels. Sweet, mop and reseal every few years if typically all the maintenance you will need.
CUSTOMISABLE FINISH: Sheen levels range from low-sheen satin, with a subtle reflection, through to mid or high-gloss finish. The exposure level of the aggregates can also be selected, with minimal, medium or full aggregate exposure.
COST EFFECTIVE: Polished concrete is a cost effective option for floor finishes, as the same structural slab is the finished slab, and does not require over-slab floor finishing such as tiles or carpets like most builds do.
Where polished concrete works best
Garages: Durable, easy to clean and a noticeable upgrade from a standard grey slab.
Alfresco areas and patios: Works beautifully indoors and out, with a great feature of an indoor-to-outdoor seamless flow.
Indoor living areas: For new builds and renovations where the slab is being laid as the finished floor.
Feature rooms and entryways: Kitchens, hallways, mudrooms and feature spaces.
Commercial fitouts and offices: Cafes, retail spaces, office spaces, showrooms.
FAQ
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Polished concrete is typically installed indoors or undercover outdoor areas. For uncovered outdoor spaces such as pool surrounds, exposed patios and driveways, we recommend exposed aggregate or honed concrete as a better choice because it provides slip resistance that polished surfaces don’t.
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In Perth, polished concrete typically ranges from $150 to $300+ per square metre, depending on sheen level, aggregate exposure, slab condition and area size. Higher gloss and more refined aggregate exposure sit at higher end of the range. Smaller areas, and existing slabs that need significant prep work add to the cost.
On a long-term basis, polished concrete usually compares favourably against alternative flooring as it offers key differences, such as a one-time installation, no replacement and minimal maintenance.
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Concrete moves slightly over time, and hairline cracks (sometimes called control cracks) are normal. These are generally not structural. Major cracking is rare with a well-laid slab with proper joint placement.
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For a typical residential floor, polishing can take two to four days depending on the area and level of finish. New build homes are generally quicker due to not having an existing floor requiring removal.
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For a typical residential driveway, the actual construction time for the concrete is usually between one to three days. Site prep on day one, pour on day two, and finish on day three.
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Concrete typically reflects ambient temperatures, which is why it can feel cool. In Perth’s climate, this is a benefit due to our hot summers. In winter, pairing polished concrete with underfloor heating, or with implementing decorative carpets, is usually the way to go.
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In some cases, yes, provided that the slab is structurally sound and reasonably level. We can come and assess whether it is possible before providing our quote. Slabs that have been damaged, painted with thick coatings, or have major level issues would likely require additional preparation, or in some cases, an overlay.
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Both honed and polished concrete in Perth involve grinding the concrete surface. With polished concrete, there is one further step, through finer abrasives which produce a glossy finish. Honed concrete is more of a smooth matte, which is versatile and works outdoor. Polished concrete is premium and indoor and undercover focused.
Why choose COLACRETE?
We are a Perth-based concreting business with a team of concreting professionals. Owner-operated by Eddie, a hands-on concreter with an engineering background, Eddie has worked as an engineer on major projects in Perth and has the professionalism that you want from a concrete contractor. Colacrete is a member of:
Housing Industry Association (HIA)
Masters Builders Association (MBA)
Concrete Institute of Australia (CIA).
Eddie is known to be friendly and with a keen interest to provide value to our vast range of clients. We work across residential, commercial and industrial projects throughout Perth and surrounding areas, such as Mt Pleasant, Cottesloe, Claremont, Swanbourne and Nedlands.
Contact us today to discuss your polished concrete project.
You might also be interested in our honed concrete (a smoother decorative alternative), exposed aggregate, or normal grey concrete.
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