Concrete Polishing Videos

Why are more homeowners, retailers, architects and engineers choosing polished concrete as their finished floor of choice? Here, Bob Harris tells us the reasons why polished concrete is becoming one of the most sought-after hard surfaces, including aesthetics, uniqueness, ease of maintenance and light reflectivity. Polished concrete is a good alternative for homeowners or businesses that can't afford marble or granite floors but want the same brilliant, mirror-like finish.

Images in this video provided by Colorado Hardscapes, HTC America, & Westcoat.

Perhaps the most desirable feature of polished concrete is the endless array of decorative options available. Harris discusses how this complete design flexibility can produce stunning floors that are totally unique. Depending on the polishing abrasives and procedures used, it's possible to achieve different ranges of polish and different levels of sheen, from matte to a glassy mirror-like finish. The choices of color, pattern and texture are also unlimited. Harris demonstrates how to embed objects into the freshly placed concrete and, through the sequence of grinding and polishing, expose them to create additional visual drama.

Images used in this video provided by L&M Construction Chemicals, Concrete Treatments Inc., & Polished Concrete Systems Inc.

Although nearly any structurally sound concrete floor can be polished, Harris identifies a few of the exceptions:

• Freshly placed concrete. You must wait until the concrete has cured to sufficient hardness before polishing.
• Existing floors that need extensive patching or are extremely soft and porous.
• Badly spalled surfaces. You'll need to remove the surface layer of concrete using a scarifier before going over the floor with polishing and grinding equipment.