Polished vs Sealed Concrete? Which is the best choice for you?

CONCRETE FLOORS ARE A POPULAR CHOICE FOR RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SPACES BECAUSE THEY ARE DURABLE, LOW MAINTENANCE AND TYPICALLY YOUR LEAST EXPENSIVE FLOORING OPTION.

There are two main types of concrete floors to consider: polished and sealed. Each type of concrete floor has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to understand the key differences between them before making a decision.

Polished concrete floors are achieved by mechanically grinding and polishing the surface of a concrete slab to a desired grit finish. The higher the grit finish the more sheen the floor has, 400 up to 2000. This process creates a smooth, glossy finish that is highly reflective and visually appealing. Polished concrete floors offer a range of benefits, including improved durability, increased resistance to scratches, and enhanced reflectivity that can reduce the need for artificial lighting. Additionally, polished concrete floors can be customized with a variety of color options.

However, there are also some downsides to polished concrete floors. They can be more expensive to install due to the steps required to achieve a polished floor. Spills left unattended or acidic spills can penetrate the concrete surface and leave a stain in the floor that cannot be wiped clean. Walk down the pickle isle at any Walmart and you will see what we are talking about. They also require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best, including routine cleaning and periodic re-sealing and buffing.

SEALED CONCRETE FLOORS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ARE ACHIEVED BY APPLYING A SEALANT TO THE SURFACE OF A CONCRETE SLAB.

This process creates a protective layer that helps to prevent stains and damage from spills like we just mentioned above. Sealed concrete floors can be less expensive to install than polished concrete floors, and they require less maintenance.

However, sealed concrete floors are not as durable as polished concrete floors and can be prone to scuffing and scratching. Over time, the sealer can wear down/off, especially in high-traffic areas and need to be resealed or waxed to look new again.

In terms of maintenance, polished concrete floors require regular cleaning to remove dirt and debris. If spills are left uncleaned and stain the floor, those areas will need to be repaired and re-polished to remove the stain. Sealed concrete floors require less maintenance and don’t stain as easily, but they should still be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. As mentioned above, the sealant may need to be reapplied periodically to maintain its protective properties.

In conclusion, both polished and sealed concrete floors have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The decision between the two will depend on factors such as the environment, budget, and desired aesthetics. Regardless of which type of concrete floor is chosen, regular maintenance will be necessary to keep it looking its best and extending its lifespan.