Bare, unfinished concrete floors can be found in many garages, commercial spaces, and basements. Rather than adding carpet, tile, or hardwood floors over the top, many homeowners and business owners have decided to embrace concrete’s natural strength and opt for either floor coatings or concrete polishing.
If you’re looking for a way to enhance your concrete floors, improve their aesthetics, and extend their lifespan, keep reading to explore the pros and cons of both polished concrete and floor coatings, along with some expert tips on how to choose the best option for your home or business.
What is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete is achieved through a multi-step process that involves using metal-bonded diamond grit discs to grind down the surface with progressively finer grits until a smooth finish is achieved.
Let’s take a closer look at how polished concrete is created:
- Coarse grinding: The coarsest grits are used to remove larger burrs, ridges, and imperfections in the concrete surface. With each pass, the grit is finer and finer, eventually smoothing out smaller grooves and scratches.
- Densifying: Once the concrete’s pores have been sufficiently opened, it’s time to apply a liquid densifier, which hardens the concrete, minimizes water penetration, and prepares the surface for polishing.
- Honing: Next, resin-bonded diamond discs are used to make several passes across the concrete surface, producing a nice sheen. Concrete stains can be added during the honing stage to make the floors pop.
- Polishing: The polishing stage is where the finest grits are used. The finer the grit, the glossier the floors become.
- Stain guard application: An optional penetrating sealer can be applied after polishing to block liquids from seeping into the floors, extending the lifespan of the concrete.
What are Floor Coatings?
Floor coatings are another popular option for improving concrete’s appearance, protecting it from damage, and extending its lifespan. Unlike polished concrete, floor coatings come in an endless array of customizable colors, flake options, and anti-slip additives.
There are many different formulations available, all of which are durable, moisture-resistant, anti-microbial, abrasion-resistant, and chemical-resistant. However, each type of coating has distinct properties that make it suitable for different applications within homes or businesses.
Some of the most common types of concrete floor coatings are:
- Epoxy floor coatings: Typically the most affordable type of concrete floor coating, epoxy provides moderate strength and impact resistance, although it’s not typically as durable as other options.
- Polyaspartic floor coatings: Polyaspartic floor coatings are known for their superior UV and chemical resistance, along with fast curing times.
- Urethane floor coatings: Typically found in commercial settings, urethane coatings are exceptionally durable and bacteria-resistant.
The floor coating process involves preparing the concrete surface to ensure proper adhesion, applying the coating material, and letting it cure.
Comparing Polished Concrete and Floor Coatings
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between polished concrete and floor coatings:
Durability and Strength
Polished concrete is long-lasting; however, it’s vulnerable to stains and chemicals, especially without a stain guard. Coatings are more impact- and chemical-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic garages.
Maintenance and Cleaning
If you’re looking to minimize maintenance needs, coated floors are best. They’re non-porous and easy to clean. Polished concrete, on the other hand, requires special care with gentle cleaning products to avoid damage.
Aesthetics and Customization
While coatings come in a wide range of colors and flakes, polished concrete can be enhanced with a stain that allows the natural appearance of the concrete to shine through. Both are sleek and modern.
Installation Time and Downtime
The process of achieving polished concrete can take a long time depending on how many passes with the grinder are required. Polyaspartic coatings cure very quickly, while epoxy can take days.
Cost and Lifespan
Polished concrete is often less expensive than floor coating; however, depending on the wear, coatings typically last longer. It all depends on how much wear and tear the floor sees and how you take care of it.
Safety and Slip Resistance
Polished concrete is less slippery than most coatings when wet. However, you can add slip-resistant additives to the coating to enhance traction.
Ideal Use Cases
Polished concrete is best for modern, minimalist interiors and low-moisture areas where a natural concrete look is desired. Floor coatings are ideal for high-traffic commercial or industrial spaces, along with garages, basements, and porches that need extra chemical and moisture resistance.
Trust the Experts at Brush Brothers Coatings
At Brush Brothers Coatings, we’re experts in both polished concrete and floor coatings. Whatever services you need to enhance your concrete floors, we’re here for you. Contact us today to get started!
