Typically polished concrete jobs are about 2 to 5 higher per square foot than a stained contract project.
Polished concrete floors vs stained.
Densifiers are then applied on top of the dyes so before the color walks off the hardened and polished concrete and sand particles will have to walk off.
Stained concrete has a coating on it to make a shine that is very durable.
Here are the primary systems.
For expert insight we talked with jeff eiswerth sherwin williams concrete coatings specialist with h c decorative concrete products in.
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.
When sealed and polished they create a high sheen floor an easier solution to use for interior decorative floors or outdoor patios.
This is a very easy choice when you know how each type of decorative concrete works.
It s a process that is designed to look good and last for years like granite and marble.
The choice of polished or stained concrete floors goes beyond a desire for a mirror finish or rustic patina.
This process would be a difficult diy project but here s how you simplify.
However with proper care and maintenance these floors can easily last a lifetime.
Dyed and polished concrete.
What are the major differences between stained concrete and polished concrete floors.
The polishing process can vary significantly depending on the specific concrete used and the end goal.
The surface becomes a bit less porous and more durable than untreated or stained concrete.
With polished concrete many installers will guarantee their floors for a set period of time such as 20 years.
Polished concrete is just that it s polished rock and the actual surface is smooth.
Because stains are translucent they won t hide any of the concrete s flaws.
That upfront cost is higher because it requires more equipment and has.
Concrete stains work well on interior or exterior surfaces to add color to the concrete.
Polished concrete involves a progressive grinding down of the concrete floor surface with ever finer grinding tools until it develops the desired sheen.
In conclusion acid stained and sealed concrete vs.
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.
It also depends largely on the customer s budget planned usage and maintenance expectations.