Polished concrete floors have become increasingly popular in Australian homes and businesses, but many property owners wonder about the investment required.
How much does it cost to polish concrete floor? The answer depends on several key factors that can significantly impact your final bill. We at Superfloor Australia see pricing vary from $25 to $100 per square metre based on specific project requirements.
What Drives Your Polished Concrete Costs
Project size plays the most significant role in your final polishing bill. Areas under 50 square metres typically cost $75 to $100 per square metre due to setup requirements and detailed work, while larger spaces over 200 square metres often drop to $50 to $65 per square metre. Economies of scale make substantial differences across Brisbane projects.
Surface Preparation Impacts Your Budget
The existing concrete condition dramatically affects costs, often adding $10 to $30 per square metre for repairs. Cracked surfaces require grinding and patching before polishing begins, while oil stains need specialised treatment. Fresh concrete poured within the last 28 days cannot be polished immediately, requiring moisture testing that costs $4 to $7 per square metre. Well-maintained slabs with minimal damage keep preparation costs low, but damaged surfaces with extensive cracking can double your project expense.
Finish Selection Controls Final Pricing
Grind and seal finishes start at $50 per square metre and provide basic protection with a matte appearance. Honed concrete costs around $75 per square metre and offers better durability through penetrating sealers. Mechanically polished concrete reaches $100 per square metre but delivers superior longevity and high-gloss aesthetics. Adding decorative elements like exposed aggregate or coloured staining increases costs by $10 to $40 per square metre (depending on complexity). High-gloss finishes require multiple grinding stages with progressively finer grits, extending labour time and material usage compared to matte alternatives.
Labour Costs Shape Your Investment
Labour typically accounts for 60% of polished concrete expenses, varying by region due to local demand and living costs. Experienced contractors charge premium rates but deliver superior results that last decades. Skilled technicians operate specialised equipment worth thousands of dollars, justifying higher hourly rates. The polishing process demands precision timing and technique that inexperienced workers cannot replicate effectively.
Understanding these cost factors helps you prepare for the next step: breaking down exactly where your money goes during the polishing process.
Where Your Money Goes
Professional concrete polishing involves three major expense categories that determine your project’s final cost. Labour represents the largest portion at 60 to 70 percent of total expenses, with skilled technicians earning competitive wages across Australia. A typical residential project that spans 100 square metres requires 2 to 4 days (depending on finish complexity), which translates to 16 to 32 hours of specialised work. Commercial projects move faster due to open spaces and fewer obstacles, often completing at rates of 50 to 80 square metres per day.
Equipment Rental Drives Material Costs
Professional-grade equipment rental costs $300 to $500 per day, with diamond pads that range from $150 to $300 per set based on grit levels. Mechanically polished floors require 4 to 6 different grit stages, which consume multiple pad sets throughout the process. Dust extraction systems add another $100 to $200 daily for health compliance and surface preparation. Quality sealers cost $8 to $15 per square metre, while topical sealants range from $5 to $12 per square metre based on performance specifications.
Maintenance Services Add Long-Term Value
Initial protection costs $30 to $50 per square metre but extends floor lifespan significantly compared to unsealed surfaces. Resealing every 2 to 5 years costs $3 to $8 per square metre for basic finishes, while modern finishes often require no major maintenance over extended periods. Annual maintenance contracts for commercial spaces typically run $2 to $4 per square metre, which covers deep cleaning and minor repairs.
These expenses pale compared to carpet replacement every 7 years or timber refinishing every 10 years. This cost advantage becomes even more apparent when you compare polished concrete against other popular flooring options available in today’s market.
Which Flooring Option Delivers Better Value
Polished concrete costs $50 to $100 per square metre upfront compared to timber floors at $60 to $120 per square metre, but the real savings emerge over decades of ownership. Timber floors require refinishing with commercial floor sanding at $30 to $40 per square metre, plus annual maintenance costs of $8 to $15 per square metre for professional treatments. Carpet replacement every 7 years averages $25 to $45 per square metre, while high-end tiles need replacement every 15 to 20 years at $50 to $100 per square metre.
Commercial Properties Generate Superior Returns
Commercial polished concrete installations deliver exceptional return on investment through reduced maintenance staff costs and extended durability in high-traffic environments. Office buildings save $2 to $4 per square metre annually on contracts compared to carpet, while retail spaces eliminate costly floor replacements that disrupt business operations. Industrial facilities benefit most significantly, with polished concrete that lasts 30+ years under heavy machinery loads versus epoxy coatings that require reapplication every 5 to 7 years.
Polished concrete installations create professional appearances that attract premium tenants and reduce operational disruptions. These installations provide long-term value through durability and low maintenance requirements.
Long-Term Maintenance Costs Favour Concrete
Annual maintenance for polished concrete averages $1 to $3 per square metre for basic care and occasional resealing, while timber floors demand $8 to $15 per square metre for professional treatments. Carpet services cost $15 to $25 per square metre annually, plus emergency treatments for stains and odours that average $5 to $10 per incident.
Polished concrete eliminates allergen buildup that requires specialised carpet treatments at $3 to $3.50 per square metre in commercial spaces. These maintenance advantages compound significantly in large commercial spaces where traditional options create ongoing operational expenses that accumulate over decades of use.
Final Thoughts
Project size, surface condition, finish selection, and labour costs determine how much it costs to polish concrete floor in your specific situation. Areas under 50 square metres cost $75 to $100 per square metre, while larger spaces drop to $50 to $65 per square metre through economies of scale. Accurate quotes require detailed site assessments from experienced contractors who provide itemised estimates that separate labour, materials, and preparation costs.
Polished concrete delivers exceptional long-term value through minimal maintenance requirements and decades of durability. Annual upkeep costs $1 to $3 per square metre compared to timber floors at $8 to $15 per square metre. Commercial properties benefit from reduced operational disruptions and professional appearances that attract premium tenants (while residential spaces gain modern aesthetics with practical benefits).
We at Superfloor Australia specialise in high-quality polished concrete across Brisbane, creating dust-resistant, stain-resistant surfaces for homes and commercial spaces. Our expert craftsmanship delivers lasting results tailored to your specific requirements. Polished concrete represents an intelligent investment for any property owner who seeks durability and aesthetic appeal.