Polished cement floors have become a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces. At Superfloor Australia, we’ve seen a growing interest in this flooring option due to its unique blend of aesthetics and functionality.
However, like any flooring solution, polished cement floors come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of polished cement floors to help you make an informed decision for your next project.
Why Polished Cement Floors Shine
Tough as Nails
Polished cement floors offer exceptional durability. They withstand heavy foot traffic, resist scratches, and hold up against impacts better than many other flooring options. Concrete slab floors provide good thermal mass, which works particularly well in cool climates and climates with a high day–night temperature range. This longevity translates to less frequent replacements, saving time and money over the long term.
Clean with Ease
One of the biggest advantages of polished cement floors is their minimal maintenance requirements. Unlike carpet (which needs regular vacuuming) or hardwood (which requires special cleaners), polished cement floors are simple to keep clean. A quick sweep and occasional damp mop usually suffice to maintain their appearance. This ease of upkeep proves particularly beneficial for commercial spaces or busy households.
Green and Clean
Polished cement floors stand out as an environmentally friendly choice. They don’t require additional covering materials, which reduces resource consumption. The polishing process also avoids harmful chemicals, making it safer for installers and occupants alike. Concrete incorporates recycled industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume that helps reduce embodied energy, carbon footprint, and waste.
Your Floor, Your Style
The versatility of polished cement floors in terms of aesthetics is remarkable. These floors adapt to any style, from sleek and modern to rustic and industrial. Clients can choose from a range of colours, aggregate exposure levels, and gloss finishes. Some even opt for decorative saw cuts or stencilled designs to create truly unique floors (perfect for those who want to make a statement).
Value for Money
While the initial cost of polished cement floors might exceed some alternatives, they often prove more cost-effective in the long run. Their durability means less frequent replacements, and their low maintenance requirements translate to reduced cleaning costs. According to the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, ready mixed concrete production grew 9% over a five-year period, indicating its increasing popularity and value.
Polished cement floors clearly offer numerous advantages worth considering. However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks. In the next section, we’ll explore some of the challenges that come with polished cement floors to provide a balanced perspective.
What Are the Challenges of Polished Cement Floors?
Polished cement floors offer numerous benefits, but it’s important to consider potential drawbacks before making a decision. We believe in providing a balanced perspective to help our clients make informed choices.
The Upfront Investment
Polished cement floors often come with a higher initial cost compared to some traditional flooring options. Grind and seal polished concrete floors can cost around $50 per square metre, while honed concrete may cost $75 per square metre, depending on the level of polish and complexity of the project. This upfront expense can be a significant factor for those on a tight budget. However, it’s important to weigh this against the long-term savings in maintenance and replacement costs.
Comfort Considerations
One of the most common complaints about polished cement floors is their hardness and potential for coldness. This can be particularly noticeable in residential settings or areas where people stand for extended periods. To address this, many clients opt for area rugs in living spaces or anti-fatigue mats in kitchens and workstations. Radiant floor heating systems can also be an effective solution (though they add to the initial installation cost).
Structural Integrity
Concrete, like any material, can develop cracks over time due to settling, temperature changes, or structural shifts. While minor cracks can often be repaired and even add character to the floor, significant cracks may require more extensive remediation. Regular inspections and prompt addressing of any issues can help maintain the floor’s integrity and appearance.
Moisture Management
Moisture measurement is a must for polished cement floors. Without proper sealing and maintenance, moisture can lead to discolouration or even mould growth. We recommend professional moisture testing before installation and the use of high-quality sealers to mitigate these risks. In particularly damp environments, additional waterproofing measures may be necessary.
Acoustic Considerations
Polished cement floors can contribute to increased noise levels in a space due to their hard surface. This can be particularly noticeable in multi-storey buildings or open-plan offices. To address this, many commercial clients incorporate sound-absorbing elements like acoustic panels or strategically placed soft furnishings. In residential settings, area rugs and furniture can help dampen sound reflections.
While these challenges exist, many find that the benefits of polished cement floors outweigh the drawbacks. With proper planning and expert installation, these potential issues can often be mitigated or managed effectively. To fully understand how polished cement floors stack up against other options, let’s compare them to some popular alternatives in the next section.
How Polished Cement Floors Stack Up Against Other Options
Polished Cement vs. Hardwood
Hardwood floors offer a classic, warm aesthetic that many homeowners love. However, they show more susceptibility to scratches, dents, and water damage than polished cement. Polished concrete generally offers lower long-term costs due to its minimal upkeep, while hardwood tends to require more maintenance over time.
Polished Cement vs. Carpet
Carpet provides a soft, comfortable surface underfoot, but it attracts dust, allergens, and stains. The average lifespan of carpet ranges from 5-15 years, significantly shorter than polished cement. Carpet installation costs vary from $30 to $150 per square metre, depending on quality. While initially more affordable, the frequent need for replacement and professional cleaning makes carpet less cost-effective in the long run compared to polished cement.
Polished Cement vs. Tile
Tile offers excellent durability and a wide range of design options. However, the installation process requires more labour and time. Tile costs vary widely, from $30 to $150 per square metre. While both tile and polished cement last long, tile grout lines present cleaning challenges and may require periodic re-sealing. Polished concrete floors require less maintenance.
Many commercial spaces now prefer polished cement over tile due to its easier maintenance and modern aesthetic.
Polished Cement vs. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring boasts affordability, with costs ranging from $30 to $70 per square metre. It allows for relatively easy installation and maintenance. However, vinyl has a shorter lifespan (10-20 years) compared to polished cement and lacks environmental friendliness due to its plastic composition. Vinyl can’t match the durability and longevity of polished cement, especially in high-traffic areas.
Each flooring option has its merits, but polished cement stands out for its combination of durability, low maintenance, and long-term cost-effectiveness. It suits spaces that require a balance of aesthetics and practicality particularly well. Cost comparisons show that polished concrete is generally less expensive, ranging from $3 to $8 per square foot. In industrial settings, concrete look vinyl is sometimes used as a cost-effective alternative to polished concrete floors, offering slip-resistant properties.
Final Thoughts
Polished cement floors offer a unique blend of durability, aesthetics, and practicality. Their long-lasting performance and low maintenance requirements make them attractive for residential and commercial spaces. The eco-friendly nature of polished cement aligns with environmental concerns, while customisable aesthetics allow for creative expression in any setting.
The initial installation cost can be higher than some alternatives, and the hard surface might not suit everyone’s comfort preferences. Proper moisture management and occasional crack repairs maintain the floor’s integrity over time. The long-term value often outweighs the initial investment, especially in spaces where longevity and low maintenance are priorities.
At Superfloor Australia, we’ve seen how polished cement floors transform spaces in Brisbane. Our expertise in delivering high-quality polished concrete flooring has made us a trusted choice for homes, commercial, and industrial spaces alike. We tailor our solutions to meet individual needs, ensuring lasting results that combine beauty and functionality.