Substrate Technology
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
Phone:
+1 (815) 941-4800
+1 (815) 941-4600 (fax)
Address:
1384 Bungalow Rd.
Morris, Illinois, U.S.A.

Polished Concrete

The Best Flooring Choice in the Last 30 Years!

Concrete polishing is without a doubt the most significant flooring alternative of the last 30 years. It is a process by which the surface of the concrete is ground and polished using a penetrating hardener to yield a surface that exhibits reflectivity and increased abrasion resistance. Basically it shines like crazy, is permanent, and all you have to do is wash it with water to maintain it!

The maintenance and aesthetic benefits of polished concrete make it an ideal replacement for conventional flooring options. The floors that used to be covered in VCT, epoxy, and decorative sealed concrete can now be replaced with a flooring finish that not only looks good, but is easier and less costly to maintain.

This means that the floor will serve the owner’s needs on the basis of functionality, as well as cost less to do business. The durability and economical aspects plus a polished concrete surface can be enhanced using decorative dyes, stains, stencils, scoring, etc. make each floor a unique expression of the business.

For polished concrete, we offer the following tools:

Flooring Replacement

The two most common flooring finishes replaced with concrete polishing:

  1. VCT – $3 – $5 per square foot*
  2. Epoxy – (100% solids-2 coat, not including preparation) – $1-2 per square foot*

*The costs above do not account for down-time or shut-down of business.


Benefits of Polished Concrete

Less Maintenance, Longer Life, and Lower Costs

Due to the mechanically and chemically hardened surface, polished concrete floors provide the capability to repel damage from foot and forklift traffic, fluid spills, and other materials contacting the surface. Daily maintenance is typically reduced to the smaller traffic areas making clean up quick and easy. Messy waxes and guards are eliminated as well as the cost with the associated labor. Polished concrete is a clear winner with less maintenance, lower costs, and longevity.

Versatility

Big-box stores, retail businesses, medical and educational facilities, as well as residential homeowners alike are choosing polished concrete for its versatility. Any level of shine can be achieved to suit their needs or preferences. From satiny sheen to high-gloss showroom quality, polished concrete is the perfect choice that provides a variety of options.

Stained Concrete

Polished concrete can be combined with integral colored concrete and/or decorative dyes or stains to yield an appearance that compliments or establishes any color scheme. This benefit allows polished concrete to be valued by architects and designers for use in retail sales areas and anywhere else the aesthetics of the floor finish outweigh its maintenance requirements.

Points for LEED®  Certification

Polished concrete is considered a green product and is useful for attaining points toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) project certification. Polished concrete does not require hazardous coatings, cleaners, or adhesives to maintain, and it does not harbor dirt, dust, or allergens.

No Odors During Installation

With the advent of dustless grinding systems and odorless, non-toxic chemicals, the polishing process can be completed with minimal interruption to business. This means the process can be completed while adjacent business operations or construction build-out takes place.

Durable and Long-lasting Appearance

Overall, concrete polishing is a flooring finish option that more and more businesses are choosing for their most heavily trafficked surface because of its durability and appearance. This trend coupled with the fact that contractors in the industry are relatively few, makes this an easy entry industry that still holds ground for polished floor opportunities.