How to Choose the Best Concrete Polishing Provider in Perth

Posted by kwikcut on

Trust your next concrete polishing project to Perth’s best contracting team with our simple, proven and money-saving tips.

 

Polished concrete has exploded in popularity in recent years.

 

Once found in commercial settings and restaurants only, it’s now common to find striking polished concrete floors in Perth homes with homeowners taking advantage of these cost-effective, low-maintenance and highly durable floors.

 

However, choosing the right concrete polishing team is a huge decision.

 

The right call can leave you with a surface you love for years (and decades) to come. But the wrong choice can light your money on fire and leave you with serious buyer’s remorse (not to mention a floor that took countless hours to install and still makes you cringe).

 

So, to get the perfect look and finish you’re after, you’ll need to do more than choose the first name on Google or pick the concreter with the lowest prices. Thankfully, you don’t need to go it alone. At Kwikcut, we’ve got over a decade of experience using the latest technologies to meet all concrete cutting, grinding, drilling and polishing needs.

 

If you’re ready to enjoy the (many) benefits of polished concrete, here are the most important criteria you need to take into account.

What should I look for when hiring a concrete polishing team in Perth?

 

You’ve decided on polished concrete for the low-maintenance, aesthetically-pleasing and cost-effective advantages it brings – great choice! But how do you whittle down the list of available Perth concreters to find the best team for you?

The truth is, every concrete polishing sales pitch or website can start to look the same after a while. So whether you’ve spent the last hour on Google or been receiving quotes from local concreters, there are a few criteria you can use to separate the best from the rest

Experience and expertise

 

Experience is how long a concreting team has been in business. Expertise is whether they specialise in polished concrete jobs. You want both. It’s easy to find bargain basement prices that seem too good to be true – but buyer beware. These may come from young businesses looking to attract clients without a track record of excellence to back them up. 

 

Polishing concrete is more than a quick hit with a grinder. Heavy-duty machines equipped with progressively finer grits of diamond are used to deliver the exact smoothness and shine you want, and this job requires experience and expertise.

 

Wondering how long polished concrete will last? Uncover the TRUE timeline here…

Testimonials and reviews

 

Don’t let a flashy website fool you. The quality of a concrete polishing team can be found in their reviews online and word of mouth. Ask friends and family for recommendations to get a feel for the trusted teams in your Perth suburb. A concrete polishing job is a major investment whether it’s your home,  business or other space – so take the time to find a company with a reputation for quality work and a high level of after-sales support.

 

Before you go… check out more of our testimonials here

Quotes and warranties

 

Your polished concrete surface should stand up to practically anything you can throw at it, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for anything less than a peace of mind warranty you deserve. When it comes to concrete jobs, you’ll need to ask about TWO types of warranties: workmanship and material. 

 

While most concreters guarantee their workmanship for one year, manufacturers often provide warranties for five to ten years. Be sure to ask about any product or installation warranties to protect your investment now and in the future.

 

Any Perth concreting team worth their salt will also be happy to provide obligation-free quotes to help you compare your options. Why not put Kwikcut to the test and claim a 100% obligation-free quote now?

 

“Yes, I want a FREE quote”

Questions to ask a concrete polishing team before you start

 

Once you’ve got a shortlist of possible concretors, it’s time to start interviewing people and getting a feel for their approach and professionalism. Keep in mind, whoever you choose will be working in your Perth home or business, so go with your gut. If something feels off, it probably is!

 

We’re already covered the top criteria for choosing a contracting team,, so these questions should come as no surprise:

 

  • “How many years of experience do you have doing this kind of work?”
  • “Do you manage the project or delegate it to sub-contractors?”
  • “How stain-resistant will polished concrete be”
  • “What customer references can I chat with?”
  • “How long will my project take to complete?”
  • “Will the polishing process be disruptive?”
  • “Do you offer workmanship warranties?”

Is it worth hiring professionals to polish my concrete?

 

Yes.

 

Concrete polishing is not an easy DIY job to tackle on your spare weekends. Polishing concrete requires heavy-duty machinery and special diamond tools to grind concrete in preparation for polishing. Although you can borrow or rent the machinery needed, you’ll be looking at a concrete grinder, a range of grinding disks in a variety of grits (from 30 to 3,000) plus polishing pads.

 

On top of all this, failing to create a perfectly even surface can leave noticeable ridges or structural weaknesses that invite cracks and damage over time.

 

So while it’s possible to DIY polish your own concrete floors, the money spent hiring a professional team with years of experience is an investment that pays dividends in a strong, long-lasting and durable floor.

 

Wondering if polished concrete is right for you? Check out our ‘Polished Concrete vs. Epoxy Guide’

Choose Kwikcut for the best concrete polishing in Perth

 

The key to picking the right concreting team comes down to communication.

 

It’s impossible to get a true sense of a company’s approach, experience and customer service without reaching out for a quote, or even a quick chat over the phone. At Kwikcut, we’re happy to answer all of the questions above (and any others that you might have) to show you what makes us stand out as Perth’s leading concrete team.

 

With highly trained, licensed and fully insured tradespeople making up our diverse and experienced team, we work with concrete in all forms so whether you need it removed, installed or improved, we can help.

 

We can also help you plan your next concrete project whether you’re stuck on design, colours, finish or any other choice. With 100% customer satisfaction as our goal, we’re ready to partner with you on a project that suits your needs – and your budget – and with fast and 100% obligation-free quotes you’ll have honest and transparent prices upfront.

Get started now by contacting a member of the team on (08) 9408 6096 or request a quote online!

Top Pros and Cons of Polished Concrete You Need to Know [Official Consumer Guide]

Posted by kwikcut on

Attractive to the eye. Easy to maintain. Highly durable in all settings. Natural antimicrobial properties.

These are just some of the reasons that polished concrete is growing as a popular option for homes, businesses and industrial settings across Perth. Throw in a durable surface that provides an economic advantage over the years and we’re not surprised if you’ve added ‘polished concrete’ to your shortlist of potential flooring finishes.

But are there any downsides to this popular finish? 

At Kwikcut, we have more than a decade of experience supporting our Perth customers with their construction and demolition-related needs. Whether you trust us on your next project or choose another company, we always recommend educating yourself on the products you’ll be using.

So read on for the complete list of polished concrete pros and cons.

What is polished concrete?

Polished concrete is concrete that has been hardened with a chemical densifier and ground with concrete grinding tools (typically diamond-based). Adding a striking aesthetic advantage over plain concrete, polished concrete is popular in both residential and commercial settings for its appearance, low-maintenance finish and affordability.

In most cases, concrete is not considered polished before 400 grit and is typically finished to an 800, 1,500 or 3,000 grit level. As a popular alternative to carpet, vinyl and natural timber, polished concrete is extremely long lasting without sacrificing the visual benefits that Perth homeowners and business owners are looking for.

Existing concrete in practically any condition can be polished (and concrete grinding can be used to prepare more difficult surfaces for polishing) which offers flexibility whether you want to elevate your garage, make your business stand out, or transform your commercial setting.

But enough theory. 

Let’s dive deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of this popular concrete finish.

Pros of polished concrete floors

Modern technology has made it easy to transform a dull and drab concrete slab into a gorgeous polished surface that’s durable, stain-resistant and aesthetically appealing.

But don’t take our word for it, here are a few of the top factors that make polished concrete a highly appealing choice.

#1 – Highly durable and long lasting so you spend less on repairs

The durability of concrete is virtually unmatched. What you spend on installation costs is practically the extent of your spending. Lasting for decades without the need to be replaced, you save BIG. For plenty of Perth home and business owners, the chance to keep more money in their pocket is hard to resist.

Wondering how long your floors will last? Get the TRUE lifespan of polished concrete here

#2 – Low maintenance so you can spend your free time anyway you want

There are plenty of home improvement projects that look great on Google or in your local Bunnings catalogue, but require a mountain of hard yakka and sweat equity to maintain. Polished concrete is not one of these projects. A quick weekly sweep or mop is all you’ll need which eliminates the need for waxes or additional coatings. That means less time working and more time enjoying your free time.

#3 – Strong against traffic so you can rest easy at home or work

The floors you walk on take a beating from hundreds (or thousands) of steps every single day. But polished concrete doesn’t care about that. A highly durable flooring option, polished concrete provides protection against feet and vehicles, alike. As long as they are sealed correctly, a polished finish will be protected against cracks and damage from pretty much anything you throw at it (though we don’t recommend throwing things at it).

Cons of polished concrete floors

#1 – Cold surface that may not suit all residential settings

If you’ve ever stepped foot on bare concrete first thing in the morning, you already know that concrete isn’t the warmest material underfoot. If you’re adding concrete as part of a new home build, you may be able to install underfloor heating. However, for most Perth homeowners, you’ll need to consider the use of your space.

To maximise thermal mass benefits, polished concrete is best placed to maximise sun exposure as the natural properties of concrete do not retain heat well. However, if you’re planning for an outdoor space, garage or other setting, this drawback shouldn’t worry you.

#2 – Audible surface that won’t easily absorb sound

Much like ceramic floor tiles or natural stone flooring, polished concrete is not sound absorbent, meaning it will make noise when you’re moving around. You can counter this at home with rugs, carpets and so on, but if you’re not worried about the sound you, your family, or your employees are making, then this is another drawback that shouldn’t bother you.

#3 – Risk of cracks when improperly installed

Polished concrete offers a lasting barrier against, well… everything. However, mistakes during installation can cause significant structural problems down the line. When not installed correctly, cracks may appear. More than an eyesore, these allow for the entry of moisture that can create mildew, encourage bacteria, and worsen cracks.

Although this nightmare scenario is something you’ll want to avoid at all costs, you can remove the risk by finding a local Perth concrete cutting, grinding and polishing team you can trust.

At Kwikcut, we understand the trust that goes into choosing a concreting contractor, so check out our 5-star testimonials and completed project gallery to learn a little more about our approach to concrete.

Let’s recap what we’ve learned in 30 seconds…

Ok, *deep breath*.

That was a lot of information. 

But, now you have all the facts and figures to make an informed decision for your next home or business upgrade. Without question, polished concrete takes longer to install than a laminate or timber flooring space of the same size. However, once installed the advantages quickly multiply.

Polished concrete can be expected to last for decades, so you won’t need to plan for ongoing upgrades and replacements. Although the initial cost of polishing concrete may seem like a disadvantage, the long lifespan of a polished concrete surface delivers exceptional value for money over time.

As an added benefit, you won’t spend your weekends trying to keep your polished concrete clean as a quick sweep or mop can have your surface looking spectacular without the upkeep that goes into timber floors or other flooring alternatives.

ProsCons
✓ Cost effective in the long term

✓ Longer lasting with normal wear 

✓ Low maintenance and easy to clean

✓ Great for increasing resale value 

✓ Provide a sleek and modern look 

✓ “Green” and sustainable (requires no coatings that could be negative to the environment) 

✓ Attractive as it wears 

✗ Not suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic 

✗ Not suitable for areas with chemical spills 

✗ May be slippery 

 

Got your mind on epoxy too? Get the full Polished Concrete vs. Epoxy comparison here

 

Need a little help from Perth’s polished concrete experts?

Concrete might be one of the most commonly used materials throughout Perth homes and businesses, but long gone are the days when it was grey and dull.

Polishing your concrete transforms coarse and raw-looking concrete into a smooth, elegant and shiny surface that’s brimming with performance advantages and potential. From a durable floor that can handle the worst a family or business can throw at it with decades of performance, it’s no wonder polished concrete is growing in popularity.

At Kwikcut, our entire team adheres to the high-quality implementation of all concrete products. With fully qualified and licensed concreting experts, we’re excited to help you get the most value from your concrete – whatever solution you’re looking for. 

For help with your next concrete project, get in touch on (08) 9408 6096 or request a fast and free quote online today!

Concrete Polishing vs Epoxy: A Quick Comparison

Posted by kwikcut on

If you have a concrete floor in your garage, showroom, kitchen… pretty much anywhere, odds are it’s seen better days.

Thousands of footsteps, wheels and impact damage can remove the lustre of a concrete floor and leave your residential or commercial space looking a little worse for wear. But there’s a difference between knowing your concrete floor looks dingy and knowing what to do to bring it back to life. This is especially true if your floor is looking cracked or uneven – or if you simply want to upgrade your space. 

If this is the case – and you don’t want to tear out the floors and start from scratch – you have two obvious options to upgrade your floors, add durability, and enjoy an aesthetic upgrade too: 

  • Concrete polishing
  • Epoxy coating 

But which one is the best for your situation? 

Here’s everything you need to know about the pros, cons, and differences between concrete polishing and epoxy. 

Comparing concrete polishing and epoxy floors

 

The best way to figure out the right floor for you is to compare them, so that’s exactly what we’ll do!

Here’s what you need to know about these popular flooring finishes. 

Concrete Polishing 

Polished concrete is an affordable, attractive, and environmentally friendly option for many with concrete floors. As the name suggests, polished concrete is created by first grinding the concrete floor to remove imperfections, and then polishing with diamond polishing pads to create a smooth and durable surface. 

 

Polished concrete can be fairly customisable, as you can achieve a low lustre matte look, a high-gloss shiny final product, or anything in between. If you need even more reasons to choose a polished concrete finish, this flooring is: 

  • Durable (it is concrete, after all) 
  • Easy to install 
  • Dust and allergen resistant 
  • Easy to maintain 
  • Long lasting 
  • Light reflective 

 

Polished concrete is also ideal for commercial settings because it is fairly customisable. Long gone are the days when concrete was drab and dull. Today, you can add branding, scoring, stains, and other eye-catching finishes to improve the aesthetic effect. 

 

ProsCons
✓ More cost effective, costing about half of what epoxy costs 

✓ Longer lasting with normal wear 

✓ Easier to clean than epoxy flooring 

✓ Suitable to lighter traffic areas 

✓ Great for increasing resale value 

✓ Able to provide a modern look at a relatively low cost 

✓ “Green” and sustainable, as it does not require any coatings that could be negative to the environment 

✓ Attractive as it wears 

✗ Less durable than epoxy 

✗ Not suitable for areas with heavy foot traffic 

✗ Not suitable for areas with chemical spills 

✗ Slippery 

 

Speaking of longevity, find out how long a new polished concrete floor lasts (you’ll be surprised!!!)

 

ServiceAverage Cost
General polished concrete $60 per square metre 
Grind and seal polished concrete $100 per square metre 
Mechanically polished concrete $120 per square metre 

 

Epoxy Coating 

Epoxy coating, on the other hand, is created by combining epoxy resin and chemical hardener to create a durable, extremely resistant floor coating that is thick, shock resistant and chemical resistant.

 

With highly durable characteristics, an epoxy coating is ideal for areas with high volume foot traffic and machinery, like automotive workshops or factory floors. As an added bonus, the coated and hardened resin is mould, mite, and allergy resistant so you’ll be supporting the air quality of your home or business.

 

If you’re a business owner, odds are you also take maintenance into account. No one wants to be dealing with dents, scratches or frustrating cleaning requirements and with an epoxy coating, you won’t have to!

 

Epoxy flooring is easy to clean, waterproof and can last up to two decades or more with minimal upkeep. Oh, and as an energy efficient finish, epoxy can increase light reflectivity too. Finally, epoxy flooring can also be aesthetically appealing, as many additives can be added to change its colour, add a metallic effect, add a speckled flake effect, and more. 

 

ProsCons
✓ More durable and stain-resistant 

✓ Ideal for floors that have been scratched, cracked, or marked 

✓ Long-lasting 

✓ Aesthetically pleasing 

✓ Great for allergies 

✗ More expensive than polished concrete 

✗ More difficult to install 

✗ Difficult to maintain 

✗ Not heat resistant or UV resistant 

✗ Costly to replace or remove 

 

Leaning towards demolition instead? Get a full price run down in our Official Price Guide

 

ServiceAverage Cost
Self-leveling epoxy flooring $40-$65 per square metre 
Residential epoxy flooring $30-$35 per square metre 
3D epoxy flooring $50-$100 per square metre 
Metallic epoxy flooring $100-$150 per square metre 

 

How to choose the right finish: Location guide

With all of that in mind, we can say overall that concrete polishing is more appropriate for floors that will face light to medium usage, including: 


  • Homes
  • Retail spaces
  • Offices 
  • Locker rooms 
  • Grocery stores 
  • Showrooms 

 

Epoxy coating, on the other hand, is for spaces that will need to withstand exposure to heavy machinery, harsh chemicals, or dangerous substances, including: 


  • Warehouses 
  • Auto shops 
  • Factories 
  • Hospitals 
  • Car dealerships 
  • Food processing plants or manufacturing plants 
  • Garages 

 

Epoxy is also more suitable if you need to protect your floor against water, moisture, or stains. Additionally, epoxy coating makes sense if your existing concrete floor is already damaged, as it can cover up even significant cracks and create a smoother, more perfect space. 

 

Which flooring is right for you?

 

That depends on your needs.

 

Both epoxy coating and polished concrete are great concrete finishing options that ultimately help to improve the aesthetic appeal, durability, and cleanliness of your concrete floors. 

 

The choice really comes down to the type of space and the ways you will be using that space. In many instances, like if you have a home with low foot traffic or a retail space like a department store, polished concrete is the simpler and more suitable choice. 

 

If you work in a more industrial or trafficked setting, however, epoxy coating may make more sense. 

Need a little help from Perth’s trusted concreting experts?

Here are a few key takeaways: while both epoxy flooring and polished concrete are great flooring options, it’s important to keep in mind a few deciding factors, like your budget, the activities that you will carry out in the space, and your aesthetic goals. 

 

If you have any questions about concrete polishing vs epoxy coating – or you’d like to get an estimate on concrete floor finishing for your space, feel free to reach out to us directly on (08) 9408 6096 or by filling out the form here. 

 

We’re always happy to help!