FAQs
Frequently Asked Question
General Questions
What types of polished concrete do you offer?
Evo Concrete Polishing offers both mechanically polished concrete and Grind & Seal finishes. We also provide honed concrete for outdoor areas and epoxy flooring.
Will polished concrete fade or discolor over time?
Mechanically polished and honed concrete won’t fade or discolor, provided proper care. Grind & Seal floors or non-UV-stable coatings, however, can discolor or peel over time.
What is the difference between mechanically polished concrete (MPC) and Grind & Seal (G&S)?
Mechanically polished concrete is ideal for indoors. It’s the true form of polished concrete, as the surface itself is polished to a shine without a coating, making it incredibly durable. Grind & Seal, on the other hand, uses a clear protective coating like polyurethane or epoxy, which can wear over time. Grind & Seal is a more cost-effective option and can be used indoors or outdoors.
What is the difference between mechanically polished concrete and honed concrete?
Honed concrete is the outdoor equivalent of mechanically polished concrete. It is ground to a lower grit for slip resistance and sealed with a penetrating sealer. Mechanically polished concrete, by contrast, goes through a more refined process involving densifying and polishing for an ultra-smooth, glossy finish.
Can you color match an existing slab if a new one is poured next to it?
While we can dye both slabs the same color, the uptake may differ slightly. This is the best option to achieve a similar appearance.
How long before I can walk on polished concrete?
One of the advantages of Evo Concrete Polishing is that once the process is complete, you can walk on the floor straight away – there is no time wasted waiting for a coating to dry. However, you should avoid leaving water on the floor or cleaning it with water for 24-72 hours. For an epoxy coating or a grind and seal, we recommend no foot traffic for a period of 24 hours and no heavy traffic (vehicles, etc.) for a period of 7 days.
Is polished concrete slippery?
Generally speaking, it is no more slippery than other hard flooring surfaces. However, when wet, like any other hard surface, it can be slippery. Therefore, we recommend either the Honed finish (matte only) or the Grind and Seal finish (matte or gloss) for outdoor use. The Honed finish has inherent non-slip properties, and the Grind and Seal finish can have an anti-slip agent added to the sealer. We can tailor the anti-slip to your needs, meaning we can add a lot or a little depending on the result you require.
Is polished concrete cold during winter?
Polished Concrete is recognized as a sustainable and environmentally sensible building product, largely due to its thermal mass properties (the ability of the floor to absorb heat and release it slowly). Therefore, in winter, if a concrete slab gets warm during the day, it will release this heat slowly at night. Conversely, in hot weather, if kept shaded after the coolness of the night, it will retain that coolness throughout the day. It’s entirely your choice.
Will it feel cold to walk on with bare feet?
Surprisingly, no. Unlike tiles that have a small thermal mass, polished concrete can feel much warmer to the touch in cold weather. Due to the size of the slab, it acts as a good insulator, absorbing heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night.
What can you do about oil stains on a garage floor?
If you want polished concrete on your garage floor, we will grind off the top coating first, which will remove some staining. If the oil is still present, we can perform a procedure called a purge, which can be done multiple times to extract the oil from the floor. In most cases, the combination of grinding and purging will remove stains from your garage floor; however, we cannot guarantee results. If staining cannot be removed, we recommend using a solid color epoxy coating.
Can you make our polished concrete floor non-slip?
As a general rule, polished concrete is slip-resistant; however, like many other flooring options, it will be slippery when wet. If you need flooring that is non-slip, we recommend using a Grind and Seal method of polished concrete or another type of coating like epoxy. With these flooring options, we can add grit to the top layer for a non-slip finish. These options are ideal for wet areas, around pools, outdoor areas, and other commercial environments.
What type of flooring would you recommend for an industrial setting?
Industrial flooring needs to be hard-wearing, slip-resistant, and durable. With this in mind, we typically recommend an epoxy coating or polished concrete flooring. Evo Concrete Polishing specializes in both, so it’s best to call our friendly staff to learn more.
How long does concrete polishing take?
The time it takes to polish concrete depends on several factors, including the size of the area, whether the space is open or has many small rooms requiring handwork, the concrete polishing procedure you choose, and the level of stone exposure and shine desired. For example, a typical double garage for a grind and seal usually takes 2-3 days, while a house with approximately 100m² of polished concrete may take 5-6 days.
Can I have polished concrete in wet areas, like shower bases?
Yes, it is possible. We recommend using either a grind and seal with a non-slip compound added or, if you choose our polished concrete method, having a non-slip mat in the wet area. With the grind and seal, the topical sealant will be watertight, preventing water from penetrating the concrete.
Do you pour the slab?
No, we generally only handle the polishing or grinding. However, we work closely with some concreters and can recommend them to you.
Will my polished concrete stain if I spill something on it?
Generally, it should not stain. We apply a sealer on all our finishes to prevent staining. However, we recommend cleaning up spills quickly.
Can you have polished concrete floors on the second level of a house?
Yes, you can. The main consideration is that suspended slabs are usually poured at a higher strength (mPA) than ground floor slabs. If you choose a higher level of stone exposure, you may not get the same result from the upper slabs as from the ground floor. Another factor to consider is that normal grinding machines weigh approximately 400 kg and cannot be lifted up flights of stairs, so crane lifting may be necessary for upper levels.
Are polished concrete floors loud in an apartment?
There is a common misconception that polished concrete floors create high acoustic levels. In reality, while having polished concrete, tiles, wooden flooring, or any other hard surface in a home can create noise, it is the level of insulation, wall properties, and ceiling properties that determine how much noise the floor will create. Polished concrete flooring has been a popular choice in new home builds for many years, and its advantages far outweigh the “disadvantage” of simply being able to hear your feet below as you walk.
Are there risks involved in polished concrete flooring?
Like any type of flooring, polished concrete comes with some risks. However, as concrete is a natural product, there are a few additional risks involved. Please ask one of our friendly staff for a copy of our general polished concrete floor disclaimer, which outlines potential outcomes.
Can the concrete polishing be done room-by-room so that I can have other trades working in other areas of the floor?
Unfortunately, this is not an option. The polished concrete process is done step-by-step, meaning each step must be completed over the entire floor area before the next step can begin. Evo Concrete Polishing requires complete access to all areas being polished when onsite.
Is there somewhere I can see the finishes available to me to decide on what type of polished concrete I want?
Evo Concrete Polishing has a state-of-the-art showroom located at [insert address here]. Here, you’ll find a wide range of polished concrete samples to see and touch, as well as a virtual reality software system that showcases all available concrete mixes and finishes in a real-life setting. The showroom is open Mon-Thurs 9 am-5 pm and Friday 9 am-4 pm, with possible after-hours options depending on staff availability.
Benefits of Polished Concrete
Is polished concrete cold during winter?
Polished concrete is known for its thermal mass properties, which means it absorbs heat during the day and slowly releases it at night. During winter, if the slab absorbs heat, it will provide warmth throughout the night. Conversely, it stays cool during the day if shaded in hot weather. It's a natural choice for both hot and cold climates.
Will it feel cold to walk on with bare feet?
Surprisingly, no. Polished concrete, with its large thermal mass, can feel warmer underfoot than tiles in cold weather. If exposed to sunlight during the day, it absorbs heat and slowly releases it, making it comfortable to walk on.
Can you make our polished concrete floor non-slip?
Mechanically Polished Concrete is generally slip-resistant, but like any flooring, it can be slippery when wet. For non-slip options, we recommend Grind & Seal or epoxy coatings, where we can add grit to the top layer for extra traction. These finishes are ideal for wet areas, pool surrounds, outdoor spaces, and commercial environments.
Does polished concrete really save on lighting costs?
Yes, many customers have reported savings of over 50% on electricity bills due to the high reflectivity of polished concrete, which increases natural light throughout the space.
Is polished concrete durable?
Yes, polished concrete is incredibly durable. Mechanically polished concrete is the most resilient option, as it doesn’t have a surface coating that can wear or scratch over time. Grind & Seal floors are less durable but still offer great protection, especially when combined with a high-quality sealer. Let our team know how you intend to use the floor, and we can recommend the best sealer for your needs.
Does polished concrete last a long time?
Mechanically polished concrete can last 10-12 years with proper maintenance. Grind & Seal finishes can also last a long time but may need to be re-sealed every 2-10 years depending on foot traffic and the type of sealer used.
What do you recommend for cleaning a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete is low-maintenance! A weekly clean with hot water or a pH-neutral cleaner is all it needs. For daily dusting, a dry microfiber mop is ideal. It’s important to clean up any spills immediately to avoid staining.
Is polished concrete environmentally friendly?
Yes! Polished concrete uses existing concrete, which is primarily made from limestone, one of the most abundant minerals on Earth. Newer concrete may also contain recycled materials like glass or metal, reducing environmental impact. Concrete contributes minimally to greenhouse gases and outlasts materials like timber, steel, carpet, or tiles.
I suffer from allergies and asthma; is polished concrete a good solution for me?
Absolutely! Polished concrete doesn’t support the growth of mold, dust mites, or allergens, making it an excellent choice for people with asthma or allergies.
New Builds and The Process
Do I have a choice of coloured concrete and aggregate?
Yes, if you're pouring a new slab, you can choose the cement and stone colours from a variety of suppliers in Western Australia. This will affect the final appearance and cost of the floor.
At what stage is it best to get the concrete polished?
Consult us early in the build process. Polishing should typically be done after the slab has cured for 28 days. We can also grind and grout before frames are erected for protection.
Can the concrete polishing be done room-by-room?
No, the process must be completed over the entire floor area in a step-by-step manner.
What happens if the floor gets damaged during the build?
If you have chosen a Grind & Seal floor, unfortunately, damage will typically require the entire floorspace to be re-sealed. If you have selected a Mechanically Polished Concrete floor, these floors can often be patch-repaired, depending on the extent and location of the damage. If you’ve opted for Evo Concrete Polishing's quick-cure process with the removable protective floor coating, damage should be minimal unless it's severe. Please note, repairs to damaged floors are chargeable.
Health and Environment
Is polished concrete cold during winter?
Polished Concrete is recognized as a sustainable and environmentally sensible building product, largely due to its thermal mass properties (the ability of the floor to absorb heat and release it slowly). Therefore, in winter, if a concrete slab gets warm during the day, it will release this heat slowly at night. Conversely, in hot weather, if kept shaded after the coolness of the night, it will retain that coolness throughout the day. It's entirely your choice.
Does polished concrete really save on lighting costs?
Yes, some customers have reported savings of over 50% on their electricity bills due to the reflectiveness of the surface.
Is polished concrete environmentally friendly?
Yes, polished concrete is often done on existing concrete, which is made from the most common mineral on earth—limestone. Concrete can also be made from waste byproducts, and newer concrete may contain metal, marble chips, or recycled glass, reducing waste in our environment. Concrete is a minimal contributor to greenhouse gases and outperforms timber, steel, carpet, and tiles.
I suffer from allergies and asthma; is polished concrete a good solution for me?
Yes, polished concrete is one of the best solutions for you. It does not support the growth of toxic mold, dirt, pollen, or dust mites, making it ideal for those with asthma or other allergies.
Can polished concrete be low VOC?
Definitely! We offer alternative products for all our processes that provide low VOC options.
Indoor Polished Concrete
What types of polished concrete do you offer?
Evo Concrete Polishing offers both mechanically polished concrete (MPC) and a coating method commonly known as grind and seal. We also provide honed concrete for exterior applications, as well as epoxy flooring.
What is the difference between mechanically polished concrete (MPC) and a grind and seal (G&S)?
MPC is for indoor use only. It’s a true polished concrete finish where the concrete itself is hardened, densified, and polished until it shines, resulting in a durable and long-lasting surface. This method doesn't use topical coatings, so there’s no worry of it wearing off over time. A grind and seal, on the other hand, involves grinding the concrete and applying a sealer, which can be used both indoors and outdoors. While it provides a polished look, the coating may need reapplication after 2-7 years, depending on foot traffic.
What is the difference between mechanically polished concrete and honed concrete?
Honed concrete is ideal for outdoor areas and is slip-resistant due to its matte finish, typically grinded to 60 or 120 grit and protected by a penetrating sealer. MPC, however, is a more refined and complex indoor process that can be polished to matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss.
Is polished concrete slippery?
It’s generally not more slippery than other hard surfaces. However, like any flooring, it can be slippery when wet. For outdoor use, we recommend honed or grind and seal finishes, both of which can be made slip-resistant.
Can you make polished concrete non-slip?
Yes, with grind and seal or epoxy flooring, we can add a grit to create a non-slip surface, perfect for wet areas like pools or commercial environments.
What flooring is the best for industrial settings?
For industrial environments, we recommend hard-wearing options like epoxy or polished concrete. These are slip-resistant, durable, and can be tailored to your specific needs.
Can polished concrete be used is wet areas like shower bases?
Yes, but we recommend a grind and seal with a non-slip agent, or adding a non-slip mat for areas like shower bases.
Outdoor Polished Concrete
Can you have polished concrete outdoors?
Yes, but for outdoor areas, we recommend honed concrete rather than MPC. Honed concrete is slip-resistant and durable, making it perfect for driveways, around pools, and other outdoor spaces.
What types of polished concrete do you offer?
Evo Concrete Polishing offers both mechanically polished concrete for indoors and grind and seal for both indoor and outdoor applications. We also offer honed concrete and epoxy flooring.
What is the difference between mechanically polished concrete and honed concrete?
Honed concrete is designed for outdoor use and is less refined than MPC but offers a slip-resistant finish. It’s typically finished with a penetrating sealer, while MPC involves a more complex process that enhances the concrete’s strength and can be polished to various finishes.
Is polished concrete slippery?
Outdoors, honed and grind and seal finishes are preferred for slip-resistance. Indoors, polished concrete is generally not more slippery than other hard surfaces, though caution should be taken when wet.
Can you make polished concrete non-slip?
Yes, we can add an anti-slip agent to grind and seal or epoxy finishes, tailored to your specific needs.
What flooring is the best for industrial settings?
Yes, but for outdoor areas, we recommend honed concrete rather than MPC. Honed concrete is slip- resistant and durable, making it perfect for driveways, around pools, and other outdoor spaces.
Concrete Slabs
Can you colour match an existing slab if a new one is poured next to it?
We can apply a colour dye to both slabs to achieve a closer match, but the colour uptake may vary slightly.
Do I have a choice of coloured concrete and aggregate?
If you’re pouring a new slab, you have a wide range of concrete mixes to choose from in Western Australia. For existing slabs, your options may be limited to the concrete's natural colour.
Can you pour the slab?
Evo Concrete Polishing specializes in polishing, but we can recommend trusted concreters for slab pouring.
What about cracks in the concrete?
Our grouting procedure can fill small cracks, and with mechanically polished concrete, the process hardens the surface, making it less likely to crack. However, all concrete has the potential to crack over time.
Can I put heating in my slab and still have it polished?
We don’t recommend in-slab heating for polished concrete, as it can cause surface deterioration and cracking over time.
Colours and Options
Can you colour match an existing slab if a new one is poured next to it?
It is possible to dye the concrete in both slabs with the same color. Unfortunately, the color uptake by these slabs will not be exactly the same, but this is the best way to achieve a similar appearance.
Do I have a choice of colored concrete and aggregate?
If you’re building a new house or extending, you’ll likely be pouring a new slab from scratch. In this case, you can choose from a vast range of concrete mixes available in Western Australia. Evo Concrete Polishing can polish various concrete mixes, providing you with multiple options. If you are renovating and using the existing slab, you are more limited by the color of the cement and aggregate in your floor.
About the Polishing Process
How much dust can I expect?
At Evo Concrete Polishing, we use top-of-the-line equipment with HEPA filter vacuum systems, which collect around 98% of the dust during the grinding process. A small amount of dust may be created with hand grinders, but we clean after each step. You might see dust similar to what you'd find in a house that hasn't been dusted in 4-6 weeks.
How long before I can walk on polished concrete?
Once Mechanically Polished Concrete is complete, you can walk on it immediately. However, avoid exposing it to water for 24-72 hours. For epoxy coatings or Grind & Seal floors, we recommend avoiding foot traffic for 24 hours and heavy traffic (such as vehicles) for 7 days.
How long does concrete polishing take?
It depends on the size of the area and the complexity of the space. For example, a typical double garage with a Grind & Seal can be completed in 2-3 days. For a house with about 100 square meters of Mechanically Polished Concrete, allow 5-6 days.
Does polished concrete really save on lighting costs?
Yes, many customers have reported savings of over 50% on electricity bills due to the high reflectivity of polished concrete, which increases natural light throughout the space.
Can you choose the color of the polished concrete?
If you’re polishing an existing slab, you’re generally limited to the existing concrete’s color. However, if you’re pouring a new slab, you can choose the color of both the cement and the aggregate.
Is polished concrete durable?
Yes, polished concrete is incredibly durable. Mechanically polished concrete is the most resilient option, as it doesn’t have a surface coating that can wear or scratch over time. Grind & Seal floors are less durable but still offer great protection, especially when combined with a high-quality sealer. Let our team know how you intend to use the floor, and we can recommend the best sealer for your needs.
Does polished concrete last a long time?
Mechanically polished concrete can last 10-12 years with proper maintenance. Grind & Seal finishes can also last a long time but may need to be re-sealed every 2-10 years depending on foot traffic and the type of sealer used.
Can you do this after hours?
Yes, we can work on weekends and after hours, though additional surcharges may apply.
What can you do about oil stains on a garage floor?
We start by grinding the top layer, which removes most surface stains. For deeper oil stains, we can perform a purging process multiple times. While we can often remove most stains, results are not guaranteed. For heavily stained areas, we recommend a solid color epoxy coating.
Care and Maintenance
What do you recommend for cleaning a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete is low maintenance. A weekly clean with hot water or a pH-neutral cleaner is sufficient. For daily dust removal, use a dry microfibre mop.
Will polished concrete fade or discolour over time?
Honed and mechanically polished concrete won't fade, and with proper care, it won’t discolour. However, grind and seal finishes may require reapplication over time.
How do I maintain my polished concrete?
Grind and seal floors need resealing every 2-10 years, depending on traffic and sealer quality. Mechanically polished concrete requires minimal maintenance, with sealer touch-ups recommended every 10 years.
Pricing
Is polished concrete expensive?
Polished concrete has a minimal lifetime cost (see the comparison to other flooring options below). There are many variables affecting pricing. Polished concrete is not a mass-manufactured product; it is a process of grinding and polishing an individual concrete floor. Factors influencing the final price include the openness of the floor plan (allowing easier access for equipment), the condition of the floor, whether it is new or existing.
What does polished concrete cost?
The cost of polished concrete is usually calculated on a square meter basis, with pricing depending on the procedure used by Evo Concrete Polishing, the level of exposure, and the condition of the concrete. For jobs under 30m², we typically price them as a flat rate rather than a per square meter rate. It's best to ask us for a quote; however, if you’d like an initial pricing estimate yourself, please feel free to use our Cost Calculator.
Does polished concrete really save on lighting costs?
Yes, many customers have reported savings of over 50% on their electricity bills due to the reflectiveness of the surface.
Is polished concrete more expensive than tiles?
While it depends on the quality of the tile, we generally find that our prices are similar to or slightly cheaper than high-quality tiles. It's important to note that tile pricing typically includes a per square meter cost for the tile itself, plus an additional per square meter cost for installation. Polished concrete flooring is priced as a combined supply and installation cost.
Why do polished concrete prices vary so much from contractor to contractor?
Some less reputable contractors may only offer a cheaper option, such as Grind & Seal, while still charging the price of a Mechanical Polish. This can mislead you into thinking you’re getting a quality floor, but it may require ongoing maintenance, potentially every year or two, depending on the sealer used. You often get what you pay for; if someone is significantly cheaper than others, there may be a reason—such as inexperience or employing less skilled tradespeople.
Why can't I just base my initial costings off your mid-range price?
Basing your costings on the “mid-range” price may not leave enough in your budget for a mechanically polished concrete (MPC) floor. The MPC finish is preferred by 95-98% of clients building new homes because it offers durability, longevity, and minimal long-term maintenance. The mid-range price of about $80-$90/m² + GST would typically only cover a Grind & Seal process (a less durable finish) or the lowest range of MPC (minimum/random exposure in a matte finish).
Locations
Will you do work in rural and regional areas in Western Australia?
Evo Concrete Polishing is willing to travel for work outside urban areas in Western Australia, including rural and regional locations. However, accommodation and travel surcharges will apply. A travel charge will be incurred for locations between 1 to 1.5 hours from our office, and accommodation charges will apply for travel exceeding 1.5 hours.