How long does it take to install a polished concrete floor?

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Preperation and pouring

Here's what you can do to get things ready. First, clear out the area where the floor will go. Move any furniture, appliances, or debris out of the way. If there’s old flooring, like carpet or tiles, it’s best to remove it beforehand. Check the ground for any major bumps or holes and fill them if you can. If you’d rather not handle the prep work yourself, no worries. We can take care of it for a bit extra. This way, you can sit back and relax while we get everything ready for your new floor.

Make sure there’s easy access for the crew and their equipment. If you’ve got pets or kids, it’s a good idea to keep them out of the work area for safety. You should also have a plan for ventilation since concrete work can get a bit dusty. When it’s time to pour, the concrete will be mixed and delivered, usually by a big truck. The crew will pour the concrete into the prepared area, spreading it evenly with shovels and rakes. Proper curing is key, so the concrete will need to stay moist for at least 7 days.

Concrete mix being poured onto sub base.
Concrete mix being poured onto sub base.
Wet concrete being smoothed with a trowel
Wet concrete being smoothed with a trowel

Fixing imperfections

After pouring the concrete, the crew will inspect the surface for any visible flaws. They’ll fill in low spots with fresh concrete and smooth it out to match the rest of the floor. Rough patches or ridges will be ground down using specialized tools to create an even surface. For finer details, a hand float will be used to smooth out small bumps or air bubbles. Cracks or minor blemishes will be addressed with a concrete patching compound, which is carefully worked into the cracks and smoothed out. After addressing all imperfections, they’ll re-trowel the surface for a polished finish, ensuring every inch is smooth and flawless. They might also mist the surface with water to prevent it from drying too quickly and to avoid new cracks.

Polishing and finishing touches

After pouring the concrete, it needs about 28 days to fully cure and reach its maximum strength before polishing begins. This curing time is crucial to ensure the floor's durability and prevent any potential issues down the line. After the concrete has fully cured, the crew starts polishing with coarse-grit diamond grinding pads (30-40 grit) to level and smooth the surface, followed by medium-grit pads (80-120 grit) to refine it further. They then use fine-grit pads (200-400 grit) to achieve a smoother finish, addressing any remaining imperfections. For a high-gloss finish, very fine-grit pads (up to 1500-3000 grit) are used, giving the concrete a mirror-like shine. Each pass with the grinder is meticulous, ensuring an even and consistent finish across the entire floor.

During the polishing process, a densifier might be applied to the surface. This chemical hardens the concrete, making it more durable and enhancing the shine. It’s usually applied after the initial grinding stages and allowed to penetrate before continuing with the finer grits. Once the desired level of polish is achieved, a sealant is applied. This sealant protects the surface from stains and wear, and can also enhance the color and shine of the polished concrete. The sealant is applied evenly across the floor and allowed to dry thoroughly. By the end of this detailed process, you’ll have a stunning, polished concrete floor that’s both durable and beautiful.

Polishing a concrete floor.
Polishing a concrete floor.

Free Quote for Polished Concrete Flooring in the UK

Our team of experts is ready to transform your floors with precision and craftsmanship. Don't settle for ordinary when you can have exceptional. Contact us now for polished concrete floors in England and Wales by emailing us at info@britishconcretepolishing.co.uk or by filling in the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.