At Superfloor Australia, we’re excited to explore the world of polished concrete floor colours with you.
Polished concrete floors offer a stunning range of colour options, from subtle natural tones to bold and vibrant hues.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the spectrum of available colours, factors to consider when selecting your ideal shade, and various application techniques to achieve your desired look.
What Colours Are Available for Polished Concrete Floors?
At Superfloor Australia, we offer a wide range of colour options for polished concrete floors. The spectrum is vast, providing something for every taste and design requirement. Let’s explore the most popular choices we’ve encountered in our projects.
Natural Grey Shades
Grey remains a classic choice for polished concrete floors. It’s not just one shade, though. We work with light greys that brighten up spaces and dark charcoals that add drama. Medium greys are particularly versatile, complementing both modern and traditional interiors. In our experience, many clients opt for some variation of grey.
Earth Tones and Warm Hues
Earth tones have gained popularity in recent years. We install numerous floors in shades of brown, from light tan to rich coffee. These warm hues create a cosy atmosphere, perfect for residential spaces. Terracotta and amber tones are also trending, especially in sunrooms and outdoor living areas.
Bold and Vibrant Colours
For those looking to make a statement, vibrant colours are an excellent option. We create striking floors in deep blues, forest greens, and even bold reds. These colours work well in commercial spaces like retail stores or creative offices. While fewer clients choose these bold hues, they always result in unforgettable interiors.
Metallic and Pearlescent Finishes
Metallic and pearlescent finishes are popular in polished concrete. These finishes add depth and movement to the floor, creating a unique, eye-catching look. We install copper, silver, and gold-toned floors that shimmer and shift in different lighting conditions. These finishes are particularly popular in high-end residential projects and upscale commercial spaces.
When you choose a colour for your polished concrete floor, consider the existing elements in your space. The right colour can tie together your design scheme, enhance natural light, or create a specific mood. We always recommend viewing samples in your space under different lighting conditions before making a final decision.
The base colour of your existing concrete will influence the final result. Epoxy floors resist chemicals, impacts, and abrasions exceptionally well. You can customise them with various colours and patterns, including options that mimic light-coloured concrete for more flexibility in colour choices.
Now that we’ve explored the colour options available for polished concrete floors, let’s move on to the factors that influence colour selection. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your space and style preferences.
What Affects Your Polished Concrete Colour Choice?
Selecting the perfect colour for your polished concrete floor involves more than personal preference. Several key factors influence the most suitable shade for your space. Let’s explore these elements that can significantly impact your design.
The Concrete’s Starting Point
The existing concrete composition plays a vital role in your colour options. BGC Concrete’s standard range of exposed and polished concrete mixes are photographed to provide an indication of the colours available. This can help you visualise potential options for your project.
Space Function and Mood
The purpose of your room directly influences colour selection. Polished concrete provides a clean, modern aesthetic that instantly enhances the appearance of a commercial space. Its reflective surface can contribute to the overall ambience and functionality of the area.
Light’s Transformative Power
Lighting conditions dramatically affect how concrete colours appear. Artificial lighting, particularly warm-toned globes, can slightly distort colour perception, often making cooler shades appear muddier. We recommend viewing colour samples under various lighting conditions before making a final decision.
Complementary Design Elements
Your polished concrete floor colour should harmonise with other design elements in the space. Consider the colour of your walls, furniture, and decor when selecting your floor colour. A well-chosen floor colour can tie the entire room together, creating a cohesive and visually appealing environment.
Maintenance and Longevity
Different colours may require varying levels of maintenance. Lighter colours may show dirt more easily, while darker colours can hide imperfections better. Consider your willingness to maintain the floor when choosing a colour. Some colours may also fade more quickly than others, especially in areas with high sun exposure.
Now that we’ve explored the factors influencing colour selection, let’s move on to the various techniques used to apply colour to polished concrete floors. Understanding these methods will give you insight into the process behind creating these stunning surfaces.
How We Apply Colour to Polished Concrete
At Superfloor Australia, we use various techniques to add colour to polished concrete floors. Each method offers unique benefits and results, allowing us to create the perfect look for your space.
Integral Colouring
Integral colouring involves the addition of pigments directly to the concrete mix before pouring. This method ensures uniform colour throughout the entire slab, making it ideal for new construction projects. Iron oxide pigments can be synthesised in a range of pure, intense colours and are ground to fine powders to provide high tinting strength.
The amount of pigment used typically ranges from 2% to 10% of the cement content. We recommend starting with a lower percentage and adjusting as needed. It’s important to maintain consistent mixing ratios across batches to avoid colour variations.
Dry-Shake Colour Hardeners
Dry-shake colour hardeners are applied to the surface of freshly poured concrete. This method creates a denser, more durable surface while adding colour. We often use this technique for high-traffic areas or outdoor spaces where extra wear resistance is needed.
Mechanical application is ideal for application rates of 5 kg/m2 and are not advisable for lower application rates due to the potential of the aggregate sinking. We apply the product in two or three passes, working it into the surface with power trowels. This process not only adds colour but also increases the concrete’s compressive strength.
Acid Staining
Acid staining is a chemical process that creates unique, variegated colour effects. We use this method to achieve earth tones and mottled patterns that mimic natural stone. The acid reacts with the calcium hydroxide present in the concrete, resulting in a permanent colour change.
The staining process typically takes 4-6 hours to complete. We always neutralise the acid after application and thoroughly rinse the surface to ensure a stable pH level. The final colour can be unpredictable due to variations in the concrete composition.
Dye Application
Concrete dyes offer the widest range of colour options. These ultra-fine particles penetrate the concrete surface, creating vibrant and consistent hues. We often use dyes for interior spaces where bold or specific colours are desired.
Dye application is typically done after the initial grinding process, using approximately 400-600 square feet per gallon. Multiple applications may be necessary for deeper colour saturation. We always seal the surface after dyeing to protect the colour and enhance its vibrancy.
When choosing a colour application method, consider factors like the desired colour intensity, surface texture, and the concrete’s age and condition. Each technique has its strengths, and sometimes we combine methods to achieve specific effects (e.g., using integral colouring as a base and then applying dyes for accent colours).
Final Thoughts
Polished concrete floor colours offer a vast spectrum of possibilities. From subtle natural greys to bold and vibrant hues, the range of options allows for customisation that suits any design aesthetic. The application techniques we use at Superfloor Australia provide unique benefits and results, creating stunning, durable floors that meet specific needs.
When considering polished concrete floor colours, it’s essential to consult with professionals who understand the intricacies of concrete flooring. Our team at Superfloor Australia has the expertise to guide you through the selection process. We ensure that your chosen colour not only looks beautiful but also performs well in your specific environment.
Explore the unique colour possibilities that polished concrete offers. Whether you’re renovating a home, designing a commercial space, or upgrading an industrial facility, polished concrete provides a versatile and long-lasting flooring solution (with the right colour choice becoming a standout feature). Let your imagination run wild, and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of traditional flooring design.