Can I Polish My Old Concrete Floor or Does It Need Replacing?

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Signs Your Floor Can Be Polished

  • ✔ The slab is structurally sound

    If your floor isn’t cracking, crumbling, or flexing, there’s a good chance it can be ground and polished instead of ripped out.
  • ✔ There's enough surface to grind

    You’ll need at least 5–8mm of concrete depth above any mesh, pipes, or insulation to polish properly. Thin toppings may not qualify.
  • ✔ Surface damage is only cosmetic

    Minor pits, paint, adhesive or staining are all fine — polishing will clean those up. But deep spalls, oil saturation, or delamination may require repair or replacement.
  • ✔ You don’t mind exposing aggregate

    Older floors often reveal patchy stone when polished — some love the raw look, others prefer a fresh pour for a uniform finish.

Polish or Replace? Quick Assessment Guide

Condition Polishable? Notes
Light surface damage ✅ Yes Grinding will clean it up
Multiple deep cracks ⚠️ Maybe Depends on movement/stability
Less than 50mm slab thickness ❌ No Too thin to grind safely
Oil-stained and delaminated ❌ No Likely needs full removal
Old paint or glue residue ✅ Yes Polishing will strip it away

Polishing Your Existing Floor

  • Cheaper than replacing the slab entirely.
  • No mess or skip hire for breaking out concrete.
  • Retains that industrial/raw look many people love.

Polishing Your Existing Floor

  • May reveal inconsistencies in colour or aggregate.
  • Won’t fix structural issues or slab movement.
  • Not suitable for very thin or damaged concrete.

Pouring a New Concrete Floor

  • Gives you a flawless blank canvas to polish.
  • Allows for underfloor heating, insulation, or colour additives.
  • Stronger long-term if the existing slab is compromised.

Pouring a New Concrete Floor

  • Higher cost and longer turnaround time.
  • More labour, noise, and waste on site.
  • Needs time to cure before polishing (28+ days).
🔹 Can any concrete floor be polished?
Not always. The floor must be thick enough to grind, stable, and free of serious contamination. If it’s too thin, badly cracked, or crumbling, replacement is usually a better option.
🔹 How much does concrete polishing cost vs replacement?
Polishing an existing slab usually costs £45–£80 per m², while replacing and polishing a new slab can cost £100–£150+ per m² including materials, labour, and curing time. Polishing is typically the cheaper route.
🔹 What if my slab has been painted or sealed?
That’s fine — polishing will grind off surface coatings, including paint, adhesives, and sealers. In fact, it’s often used as a solution to get rid of these and expose fresh concrete underneath.
🔹 Can I get a polished finish after repairs?
You can, but be aware that repaired patches may polish differently and show in the final finish. If looks matter, pouring a new slab might give a more consistent result.

Free Quote for 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 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.