What is the difference between grind and seal and machine polished concrete?

The grind and seal process is very similar to how wooden floor boards are finished. i.e. grind/sand to a smooth finish and then paint with a sealer. Where a timber floor is sanded and then sealed, a concrete floor is ground smooth with specialist grinding machinery.

We are opening a cafe. The building we have purchased has lino glued to the floor. We are thinking of removing the lino and going for a polished concrete sort of industrial look. What would you suggest and how long after you have finished can we start?

Depending on the condition of the slab underneath, the size of the restaurant and the desired finish, this can all happen pretty quickly.

What type of things can we throw on the top of our slab to make it more interesting?

Coloured pebbles, different sizes and types of aggregate, glass beads, steel, brass again this is largely limited by your imagination.

Can wet areas be polished?

Wet areas can be polished however we highly recommend that showers be either tiled or use traditional shower bases.

How does the process differ from having tiled, carpeted, or timber floors?

In a new build polished concrete floors are completed at the plaster stage before any skirts, cabinetry and joinery is installed.

What stage do you carry out the Polishing Procedure?

We usually would carry out a preliminary grind (Stage 1) approximately 5 – 10 days after the slab has been poured and grind to the required exposure.

Can grout lines be removed from concrete floors when polishing an old slab

It depends on how deep the grout lines are. We usually grind 3 – 5mm off the surface but can grind up to 10mm off so if they are deeper than that then they may still be visible in the finish.

Where do I find hydronic heating?