How Long Does It Take to Polish Concrete Floors?

When it comes to giving your floors a facelift, nothing shines quite like polished concrete. 

This durable, sleek flooring option has become a popular choice for commercial and residential property owners across the city. It offers an aesthetic appeal that’s as practical as it is stunning.

However, as with any significant home or business improvement, you should factor in any long-term maintenance responsibilities.

So, how long does it take to polish concrete? What factors influence your polishing schedule? And what signs of wear and tear should you watch out for?

In this guide, we’ll answer these questions (and plenty more) by covering:

• Concrete polishing considerations
• Factors influencing the polishing process
• How to estimate your timeline
• Smart time-saving tips
• Challenges and considerations
• And plenty more…

Whether you’re considering polished concrete for its durability, aesthetic appeal, or low maintenance, understanding the time investment required will help you plan your project effectively.

Let’s dive right in.

Polished Concrete: Short Overview

How is polished concrete created?

Concrete is ground down with coarse diamond segments bonded in a metallic matrix to remove imperfections and ensure a level surface. This stage is critical for preparing the concrete for the finer work to come.

Following the grinding, the honing phase begins. During this stage, finer grits of diamond abrasives are used to smooth the concrete further, beginning to introduce the polished effect. Each pass with finer grits increases the level of shine and smoothness.

Finally, the polishing stage uses even finer grits of diamonds, often transitioning to a resin-bond matrix, to achieve that glass-like finish.

How long does it take to polish concrete?

The time it takes to polish concrete can vary widely depending on several factors:

1. Size of the Area: Larger areas naturally require more time to polish. A small room might be completed in a day, while larger commercial spaces can take several days to a week.
2. Condition of the Concrete: Older concrete or floors that require extensive repair work can add significant time to the project. Filling cracks, dealing with unevenness, or removing existing coatings all require extra steps before the actual polishing begins.
3. Desired Finish: The level of gloss desired can also impact the timeline. A highly polished, mirror-like finish requires more passes with finer grits, extending the overall project duration.
4. Complexity of the Space: The presence of tight corners, stairs, or numerous small rooms can slow down the process, as these areas are more time-consuming to polish effectively.

How to Polish Concrete: Simple Guide

The benefit of calling in professionals

Professional polishing teams can often work more quickly and efficiently due to their experience and the use of advanced machinery.

On average, you can expect a medium-sized room to take anywhere from 2 to 5 days to polish, depending on the factors mentioned above. 

It’s crucial to work with your polishing team to understand the specific timelines for your project, as they can provide a more tailored estimate based on your unique floor and requirements.

Factors Influencing Your Concrete Polishing Timeline

Floor Size and Layout

• Area Size: The square metre size of the concrete floor is the most straightforward factor. Larger spaces require more time, given the sheer amount of surface area to be polished.
• Layout Complexity: The presence of hard-to-reach areas, such as tight corners, around pillars, or under staircases, can slow down the polishing process. These areas often require hand-held polishers rather than large machines, reducing speed and efficiency.

Concrete Polishing vs. Concrete Grinding: What’s Right For You?

Initial Condition of the Concrete

• Surface Preparation: Floors that need extensive prep work, such as repairing cracks, removing stains, or levelling uneven sections, will extend the project timeline.
• Previous Coatings: Removing old coatings, paint, or epoxy adds an extra step before polishing can even begin, requiring additional grinding and cleanup.

Desired Finish Quality

• Gloss Level: The shinier the finish, the more time it will take. High-gloss finishes require multiple passes with fine-grit diamonds, adding hours or even days to the project.
• Aggregate Exposure: If the design calls for exposing the aggregate within the concrete, additional grinding stages are necessary to remove the top layer of concrete, further lengthening the process.

Environmental Factors

• Weather Conditions: In areas where humidity and temperature can affect the curing and settling of concrete, polishing schedules may need to be adjusted. Ideal conditions lead to optimal polishing outcomes.
• Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation: Proper ventilation and air quality during polishing are crucial for safety and efficiency, especially when working with sealants and densifiers.

Project Scheduling and Workforce

• Availability of Skilled Labor: The timeline can be significantly impacted by the availability and expertise of the polishing team. A skilled, efficient team can work faster, but their availability needs to be considered.
• Concurrent Projects: If the polishing process needs to be coordinated with other renovation or construction activities, this may limit work hours and extend the project duration.

Average Project Timelines

Small-Scale Projects (Residential Rooms, Small Offices)

• Area Size: Up to 50 square metres
• Estimated Duration: 1-3 days
• Factors affecting the lower end of the timeline include minimal surface preparation and a preference for a lower-gloss finish. The upper range accounts for extensive preparation and higher gloss levels.

Medium-Scale Projects (Medium-Sized Commercial Spaces, Larger Homes)

• Area Size: 50-250 square metres
• Estimated Duration: 2-5 days
• This range considers moderate to extensive preparation work, the complexity of the space, and the desired finish. Projects requiring detailed aggregate exposure or very high gloss finishes may lean towards the upper end.

Large-Scale Projects (Industrial Spaces, Large Commercial Venues)

• Area Size: 250+ square metres
• Estimated Duration: 5 days to several weeks
• Large areas with high complexity, significant preparation needs, and premium finish requirements will take longer. The presence of multiple rooms or areas with intricate layouts can extend the duration significantly.

Challenges and Considerations

Environmental Impact

• Dust Control: The grinding and polishing process can generate a considerable amount of dust. Employing proper dust suppression techniques, such as wet grinding or advanced dust extractors, is crucial to maintaining air quality and cleanliness.
• Noise Pollution: High-powered grinding machines and equipment can be loud, potentially disrupting your household or business operations. Planning for noise management, such as scheduling work during less sensitive hours, can mitigate this issue.

Structural Integrity

• Assessing Floor Condition: Not all concrete floors are ideal candidates for polishing due to structural concerns, such as deep cracks, uneven surfaces, or extensive patching. A thorough assessment by professionals can determine if additional repair work is necessary before polishing.
• Load-Bearing Considerations: The weight of heavy polishing machinery can be a concern, especially in buildings with structural limitations. It’s essential to consult with an engineer to ensure the structure can safely accommodate the process.

Aesthetic Outcomes

• Colour Consistency: Achieving a uniform colour or finish across the entire floor can be challenging, especially with older concrete that has undergone repairs or has variations in texture and porosity.
• Expectation Management: It’s vital to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome. Factors such as the concrete’s age, previous treatments, and inherent characteristics can influence the final appearance.

Timeline Delays

• Scheduling Conflicts: Delays can occur due to scheduling conflicts with other construction or renovation activities. Effective communication and coordination with all parties involved can help minimise these delays.
• Weather Conditions: For projects that involve exterior concrete surfaces, Perth’s weather can play a significant role in scheduling and timelines, with rain or extreme temperatures causing delays.

Final Thoughts and Steps to Take Next

Here’s a summary of the key points to remember:

• Timeline: The duration of a concrete polishing project can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the size of the area, the condition of the concrete, the desired finish, and environmental considerations.
• Cost-Saving Tips: Planning efficiently, choosing a realistic finish, doing some prep work yourself, and leveraging economies of scale can help manage costs without compromising on quality.
• Challenges and Considerations: Be prepared for potential challenges like dust control, noise pollution, structural integrity concerns, aesthetic outcomes, timeline delays, and budget overruns.
• Professional Guidance: Consulting with professionals early on can provide a tailored estimate and help navigate the project’s complexities.

How to Choose Perth’s Best Concrete Polishing Team

Contact Kwikcut Today for All Your Concrete Needs

At Kwikcut, we pride ourselves on being industry leaders in concrete polishing. Our legacy of excellence and commitment to avoiding costly errors ensure that your project is in the safest hands.

Our expertise not only saves you time and money but also guarantees a finish that exceeds expectations.

Why choose us for your concrete polishing needs in Perth?

• Expertise and Experience: With years of experience, our team brings unparalleled skill to every project.
• Quality Assurance: We’re committed to delivering the highest quality finish, tailored to your preferences and requirements.
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Our focus on efficiency and innovation means you get the best value for your investment.

Ready to learn more? Claim a fast and FREE quote online now