If you look carefully, you will notice that many industrial and commercial businesses are opting for polished concrete, foregoing traditional flooring options such as tile, carpet or concrete coatings. The process involves the application of hardeners to the surface and then mechanical polishing to achieve the shine. It can be done to new or existing concrete, as long as the surface has not degraded. Here are several reasons why this flooring choice is becoming more popular.
Ease of maintenance
The maintenance of polished concrete is fairly simple and easy. On a regular basis, you simply clean the old fashioned way – mopping with a mild cleaner. Over time, you might need to buff the floors with a neutral pH cleaner. Polished concrete floors are extremely hardy and stand up to heavy foot traffic and even forklift traffic.
High light reflectivity
Polished concrete floors are extremely reflective. This adds light to your industrial warehouse or office hallways. It also adds “punch” to the visual impressions of your facility. Polished floors create a clean, crisp, professional look which enhances the visual impact of your facility.
Endless design options
Because you can add color or pattern, and you can vary the sheen, these floors make excellent choices for enhancing building design and décor. You can cut virtually any pattern you desire (or no pattern) into the finish. You can create a variety of finishes – from a matte finish to a highly polished glossy finish. You can add color or stain to your floors through the use of dyes. You can create the look of terrazzo or stone. You can change the look of your business almost overnight by polishing the concrete floors you already have.
Very few limitations
The look of almost any concrete floor can be upgraded through the use of polishing. Newly poured concrete must cure fully before it can be polished – generally 14 to 28 days after pouring. Existing floors must be relatively sound. Floors that are too soft or porous don’t make good candidates for polishing. Neither do floors which need extensive patching. That being said, most concrete floors will be acceptable candidates for polishing. Your industrial painting company will be able to determine the suitability of your concrete floor.
The flexibility, aesthetics, reduced maintenance and enhanced appearance make polished concrete floors an attractive option for retailers and warehouses who want floors that are serviceable and yet also make a positive first impression.
