Flooring is an essential element of any commercial interior design that can easily make or break the look and functionality of your space.

When you own a business, stepping on the floor of your premises is the first form of physical contact your customer or client will have with your space. This is why the flooring is a key design and branding element of your space, as it can impact people’s perception of your company.

Although there are various flooring types to choose from for your commercial space, polished concrete stands out from these options.

If you’re unfamiliar with polished concrete, this article aims to explore the advantages of concrete floors for commercial spaces. It also shares some tips and information on tools, such as the HG Hyper Grinder, that are essential for having the best flooring for your premises.

What is concrete grinding?

Concrete grinding refers to the process of making rough concrete surfaces smooth with the use of abrasive machines and tools.

The process typically involves three steps, which start with preparing the concrete slab and then grinding it to smoothen it until you achieve the desired result. The surface needs to be sealed to protect its quality and appearance.

Once all these steps are done, the concrete floor can be designed based on your preference and requirements.

Grinding the concrete surface involves using a powerful grinding machine to smoothen it. The equipment should have the right weight and revolutions per minute (RPM) for the work to proceed effectively and give you the expected result.

The grinder size recommended for the project depends on the surface area that needs to be processed in one day. The equipment should also have suitable cutters for the project to go smoothly.

Diamond tools are also essential for a concrete grinding project. There are usually two types of pad tools used: metal bond accouterments for grinding the surface and resin bond implements for polishing it.

Grinding can be done wet or dry. The first process involves using water to cool down the diamond tool and lubricate the surface to reduce friction.

On the other hand, dry concrete grinding does not involve lubricating the surface and only requires the use of a grinding machine.

Benefits of Concrete Grinding

Polished concrete flooring offers commercial spaces several advantages, which include the following:

1. Cost efficiency

Concrete floors that undergo grinding and polishing are cost-efficient since they utilize the least amount of materials and time.

You only need a concrete grinding machine and a professional to operate it to get the perfect concrete floor for your commercial space.

Although the entire project can still cost a bit, you will still spend less on polished concrete floors compared to other flooring options, such as hardwood and natural stone.

2. High performance and durability

Concrete floors that have been subjected to grinding and polishing are durable. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and large, heavyweight furniture and equipment. They also perform well against scratches and other marks caused by the movement of these items.

Because of these reasons, concrete flooring is the best choice for offices, restaurants, retail stores, and other commercial spaces.  

This type of flooring option is also the most recommended type for car and heavy equipment dealerships and showrooms. Your flooring will be able to withstand the constant movement of these vehicles without worrying about the marks the tires may leave behind.

When you have the floor coated with chemical-resistant epoxy, you can protect it from fuel and other harsh chemicals that can be spilled on it.

With the right sealant, polished concrete can also prevent germs and other contaminants from entering and sticking to the surface. As such, it is the ideal flooring option for clinics, hospitals, spas and even hotels.

3. Impressive finishing options

In its natural state, concrete has a grayish color. Because of this, many think they are quite bland, unappealing and unsuitable for commercial spaces.

However, with the right treatment, concrete flooring can look great and appeal to anyone who visits your business premises.

If you want a shiny concrete floor, have the surface undergo grinding until it gets a high-gloss, mirror-like finish. You can then choose any color you want by having it dyed.

Concrete floors can also have a three-dimensional appearance through acid-staining treatments. This process involves mixing hydrochloric or phosphoric acid with salt and applying it to the hardened, cured concrete slab.

The results vary based on the materials used in the mix and the age and porosity of the concrete slab. You’ll get a unique, eye-catching floor because of this process.

Epoxy treatments can give you more appealing, unique concrete flooring as well. An expert painter will combine a liquid catalyst with a liquid hardener to paint the floor.

Since the paint will harden on the floor, the color will be more vivid and noticeable, making it the perfect option for lobbies, museums and art galleries.

You can even design your floor to showcase your brand, which can be an effective marketing strategy.

4. Ability to restore old concrete

Grinding and polishing are highly recommended if you want to renovate your existing concrete floor because the surface can be restored to its original quality and look.

Since grinding smoothens the concrete surface, you’ll have flooring with no imperfections, irregularities and inconsistencies.

In fact, the outcome will be quite impressive and look as good as new, thereby working to enhance the aesthetics of your space. Moreover, you now have more durable and long-lasting floors.

Since your floor is smoother and free of bumps or humps, you’ll have a safer workspace, too. 

You can achieve all these within a short timeframe, so your business will be running as usual in no time.

 5. Low maintenance requirements

Polished concrete is one of the flooring options that can be easily maintained, especially when it has been processed, sealed and treated correctly.

With this type of flooring, you can easily sweep, vacuum or wipe it to remove any dirt or debris.  You only need to mop it once a week to keep it looking great.

Because of this quality, polished concrete is the ideal flooring option for large commercial spaces, such as schools, grocery stores and even schools.

Additionally, concrete rarely needs to be replaced. With proper care and maintenance, your floor can last for years.

If you think your concrete floor needs to be refreshed, you can have it resurfaced, which is a less costly and time-consuming process.

Concrete floors that have undergone grinding and polishing come with benefits and features other flooring types don’t offer. Consider this option if you want to enhance the look of your commercial space or are looking for a durable, cost-effective flooring solution.

AUTHOR BIO

Ralph El Eid is the Business Development Manager at COLORTEK – Wall & Floor Fashion. EQUIPAINT is the franchise owner of COLORTEK in Dubai (U.A.E.) and Doha (Qatar); an international paints manufacturer specializing in the widest range of decorative paints and seamless concrete & resin flooring, with a unique showroom concept, and thus an ideal destination for homeowners, consultants, architects, interior designers and paint applicators.