Polished concrete floors transform ordinary spaces into stunning, durable surfaces that last decades. The cost to polish existing concrete floor varies significantly based on surface condition, desired finish, and location.
We at Superfloor Australia see homeowners spending between $25-$80 per square metre for professional polishing in Brisbane. Understanding these cost factors helps you budget effectively for this valuable home improvement.
What Concrete Floor Polishing Actually Involves
Concrete floor polishing transforms rough surfaces through a systematic process that uses diamond-embedded pads from 30 grit to 3,000 grit. The process begins with coarse 16-30 grit resin-bonded diamond pads that strip paint, epoxy, and adhesive residues completely, then advances through finer grits to achieve the desired shine level. Professional contractors complete 12 to 18 passes with floor grinders, which explains why mechanically polished concrete costs $100 or more per square metre compared to simpler finishes.
Three Primary Methods Available
Grind and seal provides the most cost-effective approach at approximately $50 per square metre. This method requires fewer diamond grits and finishes with a protective sealer for a smooth satin matte effect. Honed concrete costs around $75 per square metre and delivers moderate shine without full mechanical polish.
Mechanically polished concrete represents the premium option that uses the complete grit progression to create mirror-like surfaces ideal for high-traffic commercial spaces. Each method serves different durability needs (grind and seal lasts 5-10 years before refinish while mechanically polished floors last as long as the building itself).
Timeline and Surface Preparation Steps
Professional polish typically takes one to three days based on floor size and condition. Surface preparation accounts for significant time investment, which includes crack repairs with patch compound and thorough clean before work begins. Concrete must reach minimum 32 MPA strength for optimal results. Dry polish has become the industry standard due to faster completion times and environmental benefits, while proper dust collection systems keep workspaces clean throughout the process.
Equipment and Material Requirements
Professional contractors use specialised floor grinders with diamond cup wheels that range from heavy-duty polycrystalline diamonds for aggressive material removal to fine 3000 grit wheels for mirror finishes. Concrete densifier strengthens the surface between passes and prepares it for higher shine levels. The equipment rental and material costs directly impact your total project investment, which leads us to examine the specific factors that influence your overall budget.
What Drives Your Concrete Polishing Budget
Your concrete polishing investment depends primarily on three measurable factors that contractors evaluate during initial site assessments. Floor size creates the most predictable cost variable, with smaller projects facing higher per-square-metre costs due to increased setup time and detailed edge work requirements.
Surface condition dramatically impacts your budget since floors with cracks, oil stains, or existing coatings require extensive preparation work that adds $15-25 per square metre to base pricing. Damaged concrete often doubles preparation time, making honest surface evaluation essential for accurate quotes.
Floor Size and Setup Considerations
Smaller areas face higher per-square-metre costs because contractors must spread fixed expenses (equipment transport, setup, and cleanup) across fewer square metres. Areas under 50 square metres typically cost $75 to $100 per square metre due to setup requirements and detailed work. Large commercial spaces benefit from economies of scale, with costs dropping to $40-55 per square metre for areas exceeding 500 square metres.
Surface Condition Assessment
Concrete floors with oil stains require specialised cleaning agents and additional grinding passes before polish work begins. Existing paint or epoxy coatings demand aggressive 16-30 grit diamond removal, adding 2-4 hours to standard timelines. Crack repairs with patch compound must cure for 24-48 hours before contractors can proceed with polish work.
Finish Selection Impact on Total Investment
Your chosen finish level determines 60-70% of your project cost since polished concrete is more labour intensive and involves more steps than grind/sealed concrete floors. High-gloss finishes using 3000 grit diamond wheels cost $40-50 more per square metre than matte finishes due to extended labour time and premium materials.
Geographic Location and Labour Rates
Labour rates vary significantly between urban and regional areas, with Brisbane contractors typically charging premium rates for their services. Urban competition keeps material costs lower while rural projects face higher equipment transport fees that add $200-500 to small jobs. These location factors directly influence the specific cost breakdown you’ll encounter when contractors provide detailed quotes for your Brisbane project.
What Does Concrete Polishing Actually Cost in Brisbane
Material Costs for Diamond Grinding and Sealers
Material costs represent 30-40% of your total polish investment, with diamond pads available for professional concrete polishing applications. Resin-bonded diamonds for initial surface preparation cost $12-18 per square metre for aggressive removal work, while fine 3000 grit wheels add $6-10 per square metre for mirror finishes. Concrete densifier typically costs $3-5 per square metre and strengthens surfaces between passes (this step prevents dusting and improves final results). Film-based sealers range from $4-8 per square metre for basic protection, while penetrating sealers cost $8-12 per square metre but last significantly longer without altering concrete appearance.
Labour and Equipment Investment
Labour costs for flooring contractors and specialty concrete professionals typically range from $2 to $6 per square foot, with Brisbane contractors who charge $45-65 per hour for skilled operators. Professional floor grinder rental costs $180-250 per day, while specialised dust collection systems add $80-120 daily. Equipment setup and breakdown typically requires 2-3 hours regardless of project size, which explains why small jobs face higher per-square-metre rates. Most contractors include equipment costs in their quoted rates (understanding these expenses helps you evaluate quote accuracy).
Repair and Preparation Expenses
Surface preparation requirements vary significantly based on existing conditions, with polished concrete typically costing between $90-120 per square metre for grind and seal applications. Oil stain removal requires specialised agents that cost $8-12 per square metre plus additional time. Crack repairs with patch compound cost $25-40 per linear metre and must cure 24-48 hours before work continues. Paint or epoxy removal demands aggressive diamond work that doubles initial preparation time and material consumption. These preparation costs often surprise homeowners, which makes thorough surface assessment critical before contractors begin work.
Final Thoughts
The cost to polish existing concrete floor in Brisbane ranges from $50-100 per square metre based on surface condition and finish selection. Material costs account for 30-40% of your investment, while labour and equipment represent the majority of expenses. Surface preparation adds $15-25 per square metre for damaged floors, which makes honest assessment vital for accurate budgets.
Polished concrete delivers exceptional long-term value through decades of durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Mechanically polished floors last as long as your building itself, while grind and seal options provide 5-10 years of service before refinish work becomes necessary. The reflective properties reduce electricity costs and improve energy efficiency throughout the floor’s lifespan (particularly in commercial spaces with extensive lighting).
Contact multiple contractors for detailed quotes that include surface assessment, material specifications, and timeline estimates. We at Superfloor Australia deliver high-quality polished concrete floors with dust, stain, and allergen-resistant finishes for homes, commercial, and industrial spaces. Professional evaluation determines the most cost-effective approach for your specific project requirements and budget constraints.