Polished concrete floors Brisbane cost varies significantly based on several key factors. Project size, existing concrete condition, and desired finish quality all impact your final investment.
We at Superfloor Australia see homeowners and businesses spending between $50-$150 per square metre for professional polished concrete installation. Understanding these cost drivers helps you budget effectively for your flooring project.
What Drives Your Polished Concrete Costs
Project Size Creates the Biggest Price Variations
Project size dramatically impacts your per-square-metre costs in Brisbane. Areas under 20 square metres face premium rates due to setup requirements and detailed handwork. Costs reach $120-$145 per square metre for small residential spaces like bathrooms or laundries. Large commercial projects over 200 square metres benefit from economies of scale, which drops costs to $50-$75 per square metre.
Multiple rooms with intricate layouts add 15-25% to standard rates because contractors need specialised equipment for tight spaces and increased work around corners and edges.
Surface Condition Determines Preparation Investment
Your concrete condition controls 40% of total project costs. New concrete slabs poured specifically for polish offer the most economical foundation at base rates. Damaged floors with cracks, uneven surfaces, or oil stains require extensive repairs before polish begins. Surface preparation can add $15-$30 per square metre to your budget. Floors that need removal of coatings or adhesives increase costs significantly. Sites that lack 32-amp three-phase power need generator hire (which adds $100-$200 daily to project expenses).
Finish Quality Separates Budget from Premium Options
Finish selection creates the widest cost spread in Brisbane polished concrete projects. Basic grind and seal finishes start at $50 per square metre but require reseal every 2-3 years. Honed concrete at $75 per square metre offers superior durability with minimal maintenance. Mechanically polished concrete begins at $100 per square metre and delivers mirror-like surfaces that eliminate reseal needs. High-gloss finishes demand multiple stages and premium sealers, while exposed aggregate options that require deep work can push costs above $120 per square metre for complex stone exposure patterns.
These cost factors work together to create your final investment (understanding each component helps you make informed decisions about your project scope and budget allocation).
What Do Polished Concrete Floors Actually Cost Per Square Metre
Brisbane polished concrete prices follow three distinct tiers that reflect finish complexity and durability expectations. Grind and seal finishes start at $50 per square metre and represent the entry point for most residential projects. This option requires concrete work followed by penetrating sealer application, which creates a satin appearance that needs resealing every 2-3 years. Honed concrete sits in the middle tier at $75 per square metre and offers enhanced durability through deeper work and premium sealer systems.
The top tier mechanically polished concrete begins at $50 per square metre and reaches $65 for complex aggregate exposure work. This premium option eliminates future resealing through chemical densification and multiple stages that create mirror-like surfaces.
Surface Preparation Drives Hidden Costs
Concrete condition assessment reveals the largest variable in project budgets beyond finish selection. New slabs require minimal preparation and work at base rates, while damaged floors demand extensive repair work. Crack repair adds $30-50 per square metre (depending on severity and coverage area). Oil stain removal through specialised work increases costs by $20-35 per square metre. Coating removal from previous systems can add $25-45 per square metre due to aggressive requirements. Sites that lack proper electrical infrastructure face generator hire costs of $150-200 daily. Travel levies apply for projects beyond one-hour drive radius from contractor locations and typically add $2-5 per square metre for rural Brisbane areas.
Installation Timeframes Control Labour Expenses
Professional installation requires 3-5 days for standard residential projects under 100 square metres. Commercial spaces over 200 square metres need 1-2 weeks (depending on finish complexity and site access restrictions). Experienced contractors charge premium rates but deliver superior results that eliminate costly rework. Weekend and after-hours installation adds 25-40% to labour costs due to overtime requirements. Multiple room projects increase installation time by 30% because equipment must navigate between spaces and complete detailed edge work around fixtures and doorways.
These price structures and cost factors create the foundation for accurate project estimates, but how do polished concrete costs compare against other popular flooring options available in Brisbane?
How Do Polished Concrete Costs Compare to Other Flooring
Brisbane homeowners face significant price differences when they choose between flooring options. Polished concrete at $50-$150 per square metre competes directly against engineered timber at $60-$150 per square metre and solid hardwood at $120-$250 per square metre. Natural stone tiles range from $90-$300 per square metre while ceramic tiles cost $40-$120 per square metre. These upfront comparisons reveal polished concrete sits in the middle range for initial investment, but long-term value calculations change the equation dramatically.
Timber Floors Demand Higher Total Ownership Costs
Engineered timber requires professional installation at $30-$50 per square metre plus material costs, while polished concrete includes installation in quoted rates. Timber floors need refinishing every 7-10 years under normal residential use, plus annual maintenance products that cost $200-$400 for average homes. Water damage repairs for timber average $1,500-$3,000 per incident, while polished concrete resists moisture completely. Insurance premiums increase 5-15% for timber floors due to water damage risks. Over 20 years, a 100-square-metre timber floor costs $18,000-$35,000 total (including maintenance), compared to $8,000-$12,000 for polished concrete.
Stone and Tile Options Require Ongoing Investment
Natural stone installation requires specialised contractors who charge $40-$80 per square metre for labour, plus waterproofing at $15-$25 per square metre. Marble and travertine need resealing every 12-18 months at $8-$15 per square metre, while granite requires less frequent treatment. Grout replacement every 5-7 years adds $20-$35 per square metre to tile floor budgets. High-end porcelain tiles approach polished concrete prices but lack the seamless appearance and require grout maintenance that polished concrete eliminates entirely.
Maintenance Costs Favour Polished Concrete
Polished concrete maintenance costs $50-$150 annually for cleaning products and occasional professional cleaning. Timber floors demand $300-$600 yearly for proper care products, humidity control, and professional maintenance. Tile floors require $200-$400 annually for grout cleaning, sealing, and replacement materials.
Property owners save 60-80% on maintenance costs compared to timber alternatives over the floor’s lifetime. Energy savings from polished concrete’s reflective properties reduce lighting costs in commercial applications, adding another layer of long-term value that other flooring options cannot match.
Final Thoughts
Polished concrete floors Brisbane cost varies based on project size, concrete condition, and finish selection. Small areas under 20 square metres cost $120-$145 per square metre, while large commercial projects drop to $50-$75 per square metre. Surface preparation adds $15-$30 per square metre for damaged floors (making new concrete slabs the most economical choice).
Total ownership costs reveal the true value of polished concrete over traditional alternatives. Property owners avoid the $300-$600 annual maintenance expenses that timber floors demand and eliminate frequent resealing requirements. Over 20 years, maintenance costs drop 60-80% compared to other flooring options.
Accurate quotes require on-site assessment of concrete condition, project scope, and access requirements. Multiple contractors should evaluate electrical infrastructure, travel distance, and finish complexity before final estimates. We at Superfloor Australia provide professional polished concrete installation with dust, stain, and allergen-resistant finishes for homes and commercial spaces throughout Brisbane.