This is a very easy choice when you know how each type of decorative concrete works.
Polished concrete floors vs stained.
Polished concrete involves a progressive grinding down of the concrete floor surface with ever finer grinding tools until it develops the desired sheen.
The polishing process can vary significantly depending on the specific concrete used and the end goal.
Typically polished concrete jobs are about 2 to 5 higher per square foot than a stained contract project.
With polished concrete many installers will guarantee their floors for a set period of time such as 20 years.
When sealed and polished they create a high sheen floor an easier solution to use for interior decorative floors or outdoor patios.
It s a process that is designed to look good and last for years like granite and marble.
However with proper care and maintenance these floors can easily last a lifetime.
The choice of polished or stained concrete floors goes beyond a desire for a mirror finish or rustic patina.
That upfront cost is higher because it requires more equipment and has.
What are the major differences between stained concrete and polished concrete floors.
This process would be a difficult diy project but here s how you simplify.
Here are the primary systems.
In conclusion acid stained and sealed concrete vs.
Stained concrete has a coating on it to make a shine that is very durable.
Polished concrete is just that it s polished rock and the actual surface is smooth.
For expert insight we talked with jeff eiswerth sherwin williams concrete coatings specialist with h c decorative concrete products in.
The surface becomes a bit less porous and more durable than untreated or stained concrete.
We ve discussed durability but let s get more specific and talk about the lifespan of polished concrete and stained concrete.
Concrete stains work well on interior or exterior surfaces to add color to the concrete.
Dyed and polished concrete.
With an average price of 3 to 8 per square foot polished concrete is comparable or less expensive than other flooring materials for reference hardwood runs from 6 to 22 per square foot natural stone flooring costs between 6 and 20 per square foot and the price to install tile floors is about the same.
Aesthetically concrete floors are a good match for homes with a modern or industrial style and are less suitable for classic vintage home styles.
Because stains are translucent they won t hide any of the concrete s flaws.
A polished and acid stained concrete floor will likely look out of place in a classic colonial style home for example but fit quite nicely into a contemporary style home.