What does the phrase “polished concrete” mean to you? If you pictured a space that was gray and dreary, you are like most people, and it’s not surprising. Concrete floors are considered utilitarian rather than beautiful.
SLG Concrete Coatings is on a mission to change that perception. Not only are coatings a great way to improve the longevity of the flooring material, but they can also make a style statement. And, believe it or not, concrete polishing suits many decor styles outside of minimalist or industrial aesthetics.
In this post, the team explains more about polished concrete in Santa Maria so that you can make an informed decision about its suitability for you.
Why Opt for Polished Concrete Floors Over Other Flooring?
Concrete flooring is on trend because there is so much you can do with it. You can keep it as is and hone it to a glossy finish for a high-end finish, or you can incorporate the following to completely change up the look:
- Dyes
- Tints
- Etching
- Aggregates
What is really exciting about polished concrete today is that it is relatively easy to achieve a high-end look.
Another feature that makes things interesting is that you cannot always predict the outcome. Different materials within the mix absorb the dyes in differing quantities, leading to fascinating effects. Rather than being a defect, it adds additional interest. You can also opt for stamped concrete to provide even more depth.
Another flooring tends to be pretty uniform and predictable. Polished concrete and additives are less controllable, leading to a more custom look.
High-End Polished Floors
Polished concrete offers you a cost-effective way to achieve a high-end look. You can choose a high gloss effect or a more subtle shimmer; either way, these floors are a cut above the rest. Also, thanks to the generic color palette, it is easier for buyers to envision themselves in the space, increasing your property value.
The Benefits of Polishing Concrete Floors
There are several reasons to opt for polished concrete, including the following:
Clean and Sanitary
Concrete surfaces are very porous, often featuring hairline cracks and seams. The pores, seams, and cracks are spots where germs and other bacteria can gain a foothold. Polishing the floor alleviates this issue in a few ways:
- First, some formulations have anti-microbial compounds in their topcoat.
- Secondly, the seamless nature of this impermeable medium leaves germs nowhere to congregate.
- Thirdly, polishing refines the pores, making them less susceptible to spills. The hardeners and final coating we add effectively seal off the surface completely.
Safety
These coatings over polished concrete tick many boxes when it comes to improving safety:
- The anti-microbial layer kills germs on contact.
- Non-slip with the choice to add further traction by texturizing the surface.
- Low VOCs if you choose a commercial product from an expert installer.
- The high-gloss effect reflects light improving the overall lighting in the space.
- You can mark out hazardous areas by dying the concrete.
- Concrete has a low carbon footprint because it is durable and has no VOCs.
Custom Made Floors
There are several choices we will ask you to consider before we proceed with the installation, such as:
- Do you want a classic luxe look for less?
- Can your concrete use shore up with some chemical hardeners?
- Do you want the floor to be stain-and scuff-resistant?
- Are you looking for a highly durable option?
Durability
The hardeners we add enhance the concrete’s tensile strength and hold it together. Your concrete is, therefore, less likely to chip or crumble under heavy pressure and will remain to look outstanding for many years.
Thanks to the polyaspartic topcoat, you do not have to worry about repolishing the concrete every few years.
Easy to Clean
Your new surface will be much easier to clean as it repels liquids. The polyaspartic sealant will create an impenetrable barrier, protecting the concrete underneath it. Water and spills will simply sit on the surface until you clean them.
We recommend cleaning up as soon as possible, or the spill might dry on and become more challenging to remove.
Low Maintenance
If you want a low-maintenance option, simply clean the surface regularly. As the hardeners bond to the concrete chemically, they will wear away rather than flake or peel off. Compare this to floor paint that flakes and chips easily, and it’s a better financial decision.
Cost Effective
Polishing concrete might prove more expensive than painting the floor at the outset. However, when you factor in your savings on maintenance and cleaning supplies and work out your cost-per-use, it is an excellent value for the money.
Easy to Customize
Plain polished concrete can be the star of the space, or it can fade away into the background—both are reasonable goals when it comes to decorative capabilities. What’s more, high-gloss concrete looks chic in most settings.
Potential Applications for Polished Concrete
We tend to think of concrete as flooring in warehouses or schools. However, there are many other applications to consider:
- Creative floor designs with stamped concrete.
- Creating faux tiles.
- Changing up the look with a brushed or smooth finish.
- Revamping your kitchen counters by installing concrete ones and polishing them.
Contact Us for Polished Concrete in Santa Maria!
Call SLG Concrete Coatings at (805) 934-3881 to get your free quote for polished concrete in Santa Maria and create a style statement today!
