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POLISHED CONCRETE vs GRIND AND SEALED CONCRETE FLOORS
1. Appearance
Sometimes it may be hard to spot the difference between polished concrete and sealed concrete because they can look almost identical. Both polished and grind/seal concrete floors can have a matte, satin, or gloss appearance. However, the finish (either matte, satin, or gloss) is achieved in unique processes. For polished concrete, the concrete is polished using finer grits of diamond abrasives until the floor reaches the desired level of shine (level 1-4). However with sealed concrete, the finish is achieved from a topical sealer.
Another appearance difference is grind/sealed concrete has a more consistent appearance from one concrete floor to the next. The reason is the high-performance sealer is consistent on each application because it is not reliant on the concrete’s profile, unlike polished concrete. This may be beneficial for those looking to match sealed concrete floors throughout their space. With polished concrete, the finished look can vary from concrete to concrete because a different canvas is presented and extraneous factors can affect the final finish, such as the level of hardness or imperfections.
Color stains can be applied to both polished concrete and grind and seal concrete floors. Therefore, both polished concrete and sealed concrete can be referred to as “stained concrete”. Be sure to clarify with your concrete flooring company which system will be used if you are requesting a stained concrete floor.
2. Durability
When choosing between polished concrete and grind/seal concrete, it’s important for your flooring contractor to understand your project’s space and desired level of durability. Is it an area with traffic (i.e. foot traffic, forklift traffic, etc.)? Is the area prone to spills?
Polished concrete offers long-term durability and includes benefits of densifying, hardening, and dust-proofing. This system is recommended in high volume spaces because it has a scratch-resistant finish and requires minimal maintenance. It also lasts for decades when properly maintained. However with sealed concrete and depending on the traffic level, your surface may need to be resealed annually. For larger spaces, this can ultimately be more expensive than polished concrete.
In ares with stains, oils, grease, animal urine etc.:
Grind and seal floors help protect against grease, oil spills, stains, and animal urine. If needed for your space, these sealed concrete floors can utilize chemical-resistant polyurethane sealers, allowing the floor to easily be cleaned away of stains that could typically cause permanent damage to other flooring systems. This is useful in commercial restrooms. For example, if a restaurant is opting for polished concrete throughout the restaurant, it would be recommended to install sealed concrete in the bathrooms. The combination of polished and sealed floors in the restaurant will maintain a cohesive appearance and also deliver the benefits of each system.
3. Cost
Concrete polishing is more labor intensive and costs more than grind/seal or burnished concrete. If interested in polished concrete floor but would like a more affordable option, we recommend to choose from either grind and seal concrete or burnished polished concrete.
SEALED CONCRETE vs. POLISHED CONCRETE
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Sealed concrete floors and polished concrete floors are two different types of concrete finishes, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits.
Sealed concrete floors involve the application of a protective sealer to the surface of the concrete. The sealer penetrates the surface of the concrete and creates a barrier that helps to prevent moisture and stains from penetrating the surface. Sealed concrete floors can have a matte or gloss finish, depending on the type of sealer used, and can be tinted to achieve a variety of colors. Sealed concrete floors are typically less expensive than polished concrete floors and are a popular choice for industrial and commercial settings.
Polished concrete floors involve the use of specialized machinery, such as diamond grinders and polishers, to grind and polish the surface of the concrete to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish. The polishing process involves multiple steps and typically involves the use of progressively finer grits of diamond abrasives to achieve the desired finish. Polished concrete floors are durable, long-lasting, and have a high-end, elegant look that is popular in residential, commercial, and retail settings. Polished concrete floors are typically more expensive than sealed concrete floors due to the specialized equipment and labor required for the polishing process.
In summary, sealed concrete floors provide a protective barrier to the surface of the concrete, while polished concrete floors involve a multi-step process to grind and polish the surface to achieve a smooth, high-gloss finish. The choice of finish depends on the specific needs and aesthetic preferences of the project, as well as the budget available.