Once a polished concrete floor is complete, it's a finished surface — not something that can be covered in dust, dragged over, or spilled on without consequence. Construction work that follows (fit-outs, painting, plumbing, joinery) can quickly turn a flawless polish into a scratched, dulled, or stained liability. This guide shows you exactly how to protect polished concrete during construction — using the right materials, timing, and trade coordination.
Wherever possible, delay final polishing until the majority of heavy trades have completed. If you must polish early, stop at a hone (e.g. 200 grit), then return post-construction to finish with your 800+ grits. This minimises the risk of damaging a completed gloss finish before handover.
Always cover finished areas with breathable protection — like Ram Board, Builder Board, or heavy felt-backed paper. Never use plastic or tarps directly on polished floors. They trap moisture, fog the finish, and can react with guards or sealer. Tape edges to hold position, but don’t tape directly to the polished surface.
In areas where lifts, heavy trolleys, or scaffold will be used, lay down sheets of hardboard or 6–12mm plywood over the breathable protection. This adds structural protection and prevents surface gouges or pressure damage. Leave a slight gap at expansion joints and secure boards to prevent shifting under foot traffic.
Paint, glue, plaster, or construction dust can all stain or scratch a polished slab. Educate site crews that this floor is final-finish — not a subfloor. Use drop sheets when painting, lay protection under joinery installs, and vacuum daily. If a spill occurs, clean immediately with pH-neutral solution and never scrub with abrasive pads.
Polished concrete is sensitive to chemical exposure — even “mild” degreasers can cloud the surface or break down sealer. Never use floor cleaners, thinners, adhesives, or compounds near exposed areas unless they’re approved for use on sealed concrete. If in doubt, isolate with board and edge protection.
Entry points and slab edges are the most vulnerable — especially where trades roll gear in and out. Use plastic or rubber edge strips, taped to adjacent walls or frames (not the slab). For high-end jobs, build temporary ramps or edge lips to stop wheels from catching or chipping exposed corners.
The best protection is communication. Make it clear to the builder or project manager that this floor is finished and must be treated accordingly. If electricians or plumbers must access it, ensure proper cover is down. Provide written handover notes and cleaning guidelines during the site induction.
Even with perfect protection, you may want to do a light burnish or final clean before handover. Use a high-speed burnisher and white pad to refresh gloss. Spot-clean scuffs with neutral cleaner. This final touch restores clarity and ensures the client sees the finish exactly as intended.
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