Reasons for Polishing Concrete
Here are the latest polished concrete trends as polished concrete floors increase in number among modern homeowners. Concrete polishing is perfect for an affordable, fashionable, eco-friendly, easy-to-maintain, and long-lasting floor solution. In addition, customized grinding, coloring, sealing, and polishing can complement your interior design.
Polished Concrete’s Natural Elegance
Natural yet sophisticated and with low environmental impact, polished concrete continues as a trend for residential and commercial interiors. While concrete has always been an attractive material to work with due to its durability and style versatility, people have started to incorporate polished concrete floors into their rooms as a long-lasting design solution. In addition, polished concrete floors are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) friendly and facilitate sustainable building construction without the emission of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
Dyed Polished Concrete
ArmourFlo custom concrete polishing can include dying your concrete. Dyes are a relatively popular option because of their safe and easy application while maintaining the beautiful surface appearance of concrete. You can easily choose the color dye option, or ArmourFlo professional installers can mix dyes to create a marbled or mottled look.
Two common types of dyes include water-based and solvent-based. Water-based dyes create a marbling technique similar to a chemical stain. Solvent-based colorants use a solvent like alcohol or acetone to create a more monotone or opaque aesthetic. ArmourFlo flooring experts can help you create different aesthetic effects, from opaque to translucent.
It’s important to note that these dyes are not UV-resistant, and exposure to sunlight will affect the color.
Stained Polished Concrete
Stained polished concrete differs from dyeing because dyed polished concrete uses a solvent mixed with alcohol or acetone. Instead, stained polished concrete typically contains hydrochloric acid, metallic salts, and water and reacts chemically with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete to change its color.
Concrete stains etch the surface of the concrete instead of penetrating it, resulting in a mottled, assorted finish. The color is typically very different once it is actually in the concrete. For example, a stain may look dark blue in the container but takes on a bit of a different color when it reacts with the concrete. The final color may not be apparent until the stain has interacted with the concrete for several hours.
Stenciled Polished Concrete
Polished concrete has a smooth surface texture, allowing for intricate stenciling. ArmourFlo specialists can apply custom logos or marketing messages, which produce eye-catching effects. In the end, the concrete’s natural character combines with the stencil to make a truly unique result.
Polished Concrete Supporting Environmental Sustainability
Polished concrete flooring eliminates extra waste produced by carpeting, laminate, linoleum, or tile materials and doesn’t require any potentially hazardous chemicals, cleaners, or adhesives for installation or daily maintenance. Polished concrete trends will remain strong because this type of flooring will last for decades with minimal care, which places its life cycle over other traditional options like carpeting or wood laminate. If you’re worried about only using environmentally friendly solutions for your home, polished concrete floors are the way to go.
Polished Concrete Offering Easy Maintenance
Once you install a polished concrete floor in any area, you’ll only need to worry about sweeping daily to remove any accumulated dust or mopping when someone accidentally spills liquid. Otherwise, damaging this type of flooring is virtually impossible due to its material properties, so don’t be afraid to use it for heavy foot traffic areas. Manufacturers working with polished concrete floors add that concrete is tough to damage by accident. Scratches, dents, or chips will not negatively affect the look of the concrete floor either since they’re barely noticeable with the polished finish.
How Much Does It Cost To Polish Your Concrete Floor?
The cost of polishing a concrete floor depends mostly on the location and size of your floor, along with your current floor condition to determine the grinding amount. Know the cost of grinding and polishing your floor by completing the form below.