Polished concrete floors have become increasingly popular for both homes and businesses across Australia. Many property owners want to know how much polished concrete floors cost before starting their renovation projects.
At Superfloor Australia, we regularly help clients understand the investment required for quality polished concrete installations. The final price depends on several key factors that can significantly impact your budget.
What Drives Polished Concrete Floor Costs
Project Size Affects Your Per-Square-Metre Rate
Project size directly impacts your per-square-metre rate, with larger areas often having a lower cost per square foot due to economies of scale. A standard kitchen-sized area of 15 square metres ranges from $900 to $1,800, while commercial spaces often see better rates for projects that exceed 100 square metres. Smaller residential jobs face higher proportional costs because setup time and equipment mobilisation remain constant regardless of area size.
Polish Level Creates the Biggest Price Difference
The polish method you choose dramatically affects your final investment. Grind and seal treatments start at $50 per square metre and provide basic protection with a semi-gloss appearance. Honed concrete averages $75 per square metre and delivers enhanced durability with a refined matt finish. Mechanically polished floors may cost $100 or more per square metre but offer superior longevity and high-gloss aesthetics that can last 20-30 years in residential settings.
Existing Concrete Condition Determines Preparation Costs
Your current concrete surface condition significantly influences the total project cost. New concrete slabs require minimal preparation and polish more efficiently than aged surfaces with cracks, stains, or uneven areas. Damaged concrete may need repairs that add $10 to $30 per square metre, while extensive resurfacing can cost $50 to $65 per square metre before polishing begins. Moisture testing costs between $4 and $7 per square metre (essential for quality results), and mitigation systems range from $10 to $25 per square metre when required.
Additional Factors That Impact Your Budget
Access to the work area also affects your final quote, as spaces that are harder to reach may incur additional labour costs. The level of gloss you want influences the price, with options that include matt, satin, and high gloss finishes. Project timing matters too – polishing a newly poured slab typically costs less than polishing existing floors in furnished spaces (due to protection requirements and limited access).
These cost factors work together to determine your total investment, but understanding average price ranges helps you plan your budget more effectively.
What Will You Actually Pay for Polished Concrete Floors
Residential Polished Concrete Costs
Residential polished concrete prices in Australia typically range from $50 to $100 per square metre, with most homeowners paying around $70 per square metre for quality installations. Grind and seal methods start at $60 to $70 per square metre and work well for bedrooms and areas with moderate foot traffic. Honed concrete averages $80 to $100 per square metre and provides better durability for kitchens and high-traffic zones.
Mechanically polished floors cost $110 to $180 per square metre but deliver exceptional longevity that justifies the premium price for most residential applications. These floors can last 20-30 years in residential settings with proper maintenance.
Commercial and Industrial Project Rates
Commercial and industrial projects command higher rates due to increased complexity and performance requirements. Commercial spaces typically pay $60 to $120 per square metre, with warehouses and retail spaces often requiring specialised coatings that add $30 to $35 per square metre.
Industrial facilities need enhanced chemical resistance and may invest $100 to $150 per square metre for floors that withstand heavy machinery and constant use. These environments demand superior durability standards that justify the higher investment.
Preparation and Repair Costs
Preparation costs become significant when existing concrete needs extensive repairs. Damaged slabs require $10 to $30 per square metre for crack repairs and $50 to $65 per square metre for complete resurfacing. Moisture tests are essential for quality results, and mitigation systems range from $10 to $25 per square metre when substrate issues exist.
These preparation investments protect your main flooring investment and prevent future problems that could compromise the finish quality.
Understanding these price ranges helps you budget effectively, but how do polished concrete costs compare to other popular flooring options available in the Australian market.
How Does Polished Concrete Compare to Other Flooring
Polished Concrete Beats Timber in Cost and Durability
Timber floors cost between $85 to $110 per square metre according to industry data, while polished concrete ranges from under $25 to around $50 per square metre. The real advantage shows in long-term performance where timber requires refinishing every 7-10 years at $25 to $40 per square metre, while polished concrete needs only resealing every 2-5 years at $3 to $8 per square metre.
Timber floors suffer moisture damage in bathrooms and kitchens, areas where polished concrete excels without warping or decay concerns. Labour accounts for 60-70% of polished concrete costs, but this one-time investment delivers 20-30 years of reliable performance versus timber’s ongoing maintenance demands.
Premium Tiles and Stone Cost Double Without Performance Benefits
Natural stone floors range from $215 to $500 per square metre, while ceramic tiles cost $118 to $235 per square metre. This makes polished concrete substantially more economical for property owners who want quality results.
Stone and tile installations require expensive underlayments, waterproofing membranes, and skilled trade specialists that increase total project costs by 30-40%. These materials crack under building movement and require costly repairs, while mechanically polished concrete flexes without damage.
Maintenance Costs Favour Polished Concrete Long-Term
Grout lines in tiled floors harbour bacteria and require professional cleaning every 12-18 months (adding $15 to $25 per square metre annually). Polished concrete eliminates grout maintenance entirely and provides seamless surfaces that resist stains and bacterial growth.
Studies show up to a 45% drop in air-conditioning energy demand with polished concrete surfaces compared to dark stone surfaces that absorb heat. This thermal performance advantage compounds the initial cost savings over decades of use.
Final Thoughts
Polished concrete floors represent a smart investment for Australian property owners who seek durable, low-maintenance flooring solutions. The answer to how much do polished concrete floors cost depends on your specific project requirements, with residential installations typically ranging from $50 to $100 per square metre. Your total investment hinges on three primary factors: project size, polish level, and existing concrete condition.
Larger areas benefit from economies of scale, while premium mechanically polished finishes command higher rates but deliver superior longevity. Preparation costs for damaged concrete can add $10 to $65 per square metre (making surface assessment vital for accurate budgeting). When you compare flooring options, polished concrete consistently outperforms timber, tiles, and stone in both upfront costs and long-term value.
Professional installation quality directly impacts your floor’s performance and longevity. We at Superfloor Australia provide polished concrete flooring services with precision preparation and expert craftsmanship. Request detailed quotes from experienced contractors who can assess your specific conditions and provide accurate pricing for your project requirements.