Polished Concrete Designs

Ways to enhance polished floors with color and patterns

The smooth, reflective surface of polished concrete invites a stunning array of options for coloring, scoring, and creating radial lines, grids, bands, borders and other designs. Stains and dyes are the most popular application for enhancing already existing polished concrete.

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Stained Polished ConcreteConcrete stains are one of the ways to add color to existing concrete floors. In the image above, the floors in a supermarket in Sitka, Alaska were rehabilitated by polishing and staining. The reflective polish and color provide a remarkable new look to the state’s largest and oldest existing retailer. Learn more about staining concrete.

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Dyed Polished ConcreteConcrete dyes offer more vibrancy of color (which can be more intense than chemical stains). Dyes are often used in conjunction with polished concrete because they are easy to use and the application process is quick. Learn more about dyed concrete.

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Plain Gray Polished ConcreteIn some instances, a plain uncolored polished concrete floor is preferred. In the image above, a vintage car collector preferred simply polished concrete that would shine and show the beauty of his cars. When polished, the natural gray color of concrete is often chosen for its simplistic and somewhat industrial feel.

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Scored and Patterned Polished ConcreteEngraving, scoring, cutting, stenciling are just a few of the ways that polished concrete can be customized in addition to coloring. For the project above, multiple colors and various application techniques create a stunning and intricate pattern on a polished floor. Learn more about engraving concrete. Learn more about creating special effects by scoring concrete.

Customizing Polished Concrete Before It’s PouredIf the decision is made to polish concrete in advance of the concrete being poured, here are some unique ways to customize it:

Colored aggregate can be applied to the concrete mix or seeded into the top layer of the mix. The polishing process will reveal these aggregate.
Integrally colored concrete can be used.
Glass can be seeded into the mix. The polishing process will reveal the glass pieces.
Nails, bolts, computer chips, or any other objects can be seeded into the mix and then polished smooth.
Of course, any of these options can be combined together or into a pattern

Polished concrete can also be enhanced through engraving or scoring lines and patterns.

Not Polished, but Still AwesomePolishing concrete requires a series of polishing steps culminating with the use of 1800-3500 grit diamonds. Each step in the process increases the shine and reflectivity of the concrete. There are other options, which though they stop short of 1800-3500 grit diamonds, are still beautiful.

Two steps of grinding to expose the aggregate, then applying a topical sealer, might be called the exposed aggregate, sealed look. While still taking on a polished look, the polish is a result of a topical coating (still beautiful, but requiring more maintenance).

Demmert and Associates in Los Angeles produces a finish they call a honed finish where they stop at 220 grit diamonds. This honed finish has some surface shine, but is still smooth and easy to clean.

Demmert and Associates also lets customers review the floor at the 400-800-and 1800-grit diamond level of shine if the customer is unsure if they want a fully polished look (though most clients do want the floor fully polished). Learn more about the levels of polished concrete.

Clearly, there are many levels of floors that stop short of truly being polished concrete, but are beautiful in their own right.

Related Information: What is polished concrete

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