Concrete flooring offers two distinct finishing options that dramatically change both appearance and functionality. The honed vs polished concrete debate centres on surface texture, maintenance needs, and visual appeal.
We at Superfloor Australia regularly help clients choose between these finishes based on their specific requirements. Each option delivers unique benefits for different spaces and applications.
What is Honed Concrete
The Mechanical Process Behind Honed Concrete
Honed concrete begins with mechanical grinders that remove the top surface layer and expose the underlying aggregate stones. This process creates a smooth, flat surface with a distinctive matte appearance. The grinding depth controls how much aggregate becomes visible, with options that range from minimal salt-and-pepper exposure to full stone revelation.
Professional installers apply a protective sealant after they complete the initial work, typically with acrylics, polyurethanes, or epoxies. This sealer penetrates the surface and provides protection against stains, moisture, and wear. The entire process takes 2-3 days for most residential applications (this includes the time needed for the sealant to dry properly).
Surface Characteristics and Anti-Slip Properties
The matte finish of honed concrete offers superior slip resistance compared to other concrete treatments. Anti-slip additives mixed into the sealant increase traction, which makes it exceptionally safe for outdoor areas. The textured surface remains consistent across the entire floor and provides reliable grip regardless of weather conditions.
Honed concrete maintains its colour stability for decades without fade or discolouration. The sealed surface resists oil stains, chlorine damage, and UV exposure better than unsealed alternatives. Temperature changes don’t affect the finish, which prevents surface deterioration common with other outdoor materials.
Practical Applications and Cost Benefits
Honed concrete excels around pools, outdoor entertainment areas, driveways, and pathways where safety takes priority over aesthetics. The non-slip surface meets Australian safety standards for residential outdoor areas and reduces liability concerns for homeowners. Pool surrounds benefit most from this treatment, as wet conditions don’t compromise safety (making it ideal for family environments).
Installation costs range from $50-$75 per square metre and delivers excellent value for large outdoor projects. Maintenance involves reseals every 3-5 years at approximately $8-12 per square metre. This predictable schedule helps homeowners budget for long-term care while they maintain the surface’s protective properties and appearance.
While honed concrete delivers excellent outdoor performance, polished concrete takes a different approach to achieve its distinctive characteristics.
What is Polished Concrete
Definition and Process of Polished Concrete
Polished concrete transforms ordinary slabs through intensive mechanical refinement that creates mirror-like surfaces without any topical sealers. Diamond tools progressively work through multiple stages, starting with coarse 50-grit diamonds and finishing with ultra-fine 3000-grit pads. Chemical hardeners penetrate deep into the concrete during this process, densify the surface and create exceptional durability that lasts decades.
Professional installers control aggregate exposure levels precisely, from nil exposure that shows minimal stone to full exposure that reveals dramatic decorative patterns throughout the floor. The process strengthens concrete by up to 40% compared to untreated surfaces.
Surface Finish and Gloss Levels
Three distinct gloss levels define polished concrete applications. Matte finishes deliver raw industrial aesthetics perfect for warehouses and commercial spaces where maintenance stays minimal. Semi-gloss provides balanced shine with easier cleanup for retail environments and modern homes.
High-gloss creates stunning reflective surfaces that amplify natural light but demand regular maintenance to prevent visible dirt accumulation. Installation costs range from $50-$65 per square metre according to industry data (with higher prices reflecting the intensive labour and specialised equipment required).
Typical Uses for Polished Concrete
Polished concrete dominates indoor environments where slip resistance matters less than visual impact. Retail centres, offices, and luxury homes benefit from hygienic dust-free surfaces that resist stains and allergens naturally. The treatment works exceptionally well in high-traffic areas due to its enhanced strength properties.
However, wet conditions create dangerous slip hazards that limit outdoor applications significantly. The reflective surface becomes treacherous when moisture accumulates (making it unsuitable for pool areas or exposed patios). This limitation shapes where property owners can safely install polished finishes.
These distinct characteristics create clear performance differences that influence project decisions and long-term satisfaction.
Which Concrete Finish Performs Better
Surface Texture and Safety Performance
Honed concrete delivers superior slip resistance with its matte texture and anti-slip additives mixed directly into the sealer. Tests show honed surfaces maintain traction even when wet, though slip resistance is typically specified by nominating an appropriate class from those listed in AS/NZS 4586 test methods. The textured surface provides consistent grip regardless of weather, while polished concrete becomes dangerously slippery when moisture accumulates.
Polished concrete creates mirror-like surfaces that reflect light beautifully but compromise safety in wet areas. The smooth finish that makes it attractive indoors becomes a liability outdoors, where Australian safety standards require slip-resistant surfaces around pools and entertainment areas.
Maintenance Costs and Long-Term Durability
Honed concrete requires resealing every 2-5 years, costing $3 to $8 per square metre, which creates predictable maintenance schedules that most homeowners can budget easily. The sealed surface protects against stains and UV damage and maintains appearance for decades with minimal intervention between reseal cycles.
Polished concrete eliminates ongoing sealer costs but demands different maintenance approaches. High-gloss finishes show dirt more readily and require frequent cleaning to maintain their premium appearance. The chemical hardeners used during installation create exceptional durability that can last 50+ years without major repairs. However, any damage requires professional restoration that costs significantly more than honed concrete touch-ups.
Installation Investment and Timeline
Installation costs favour honed concrete at $50-$75 per square metre compared to polished concrete’s $50-$65 range, but the real difference lies in complexity and time requirements. Honed concrete installations complete in 2-3 days (including sealer cure time), while polished concrete demands 4-7 days due to multiple grind stages and chemical hardener applications. The intensive diamond polish process requires specialised equipment that increases labour costs and makes polished concrete 15-25% more expensive for complex projects with full aggregate exposure.
Final Thoughts
The honed vs polished concrete decision depends on your specific application and priorities. Honed concrete wins for outdoor spaces where safety matters most, delivering superior slip resistance and weather durability at $50-$75 per square metre. Its matte finish and anti-slip properties make it perfect for pool areas, driveways, and entertainment spaces.
Polished concrete excels indoors where visual impact takes precedence over slip resistance. The mirror-like finish creates stunning reflective surfaces that amplify natural light, though it requires more careful maintenance and becomes dangerous when wet. Cost considerations favour honed concrete for initial installation and predictable maintenance cycles (while polished concrete eliminates sealer costs but demands professional restoration if damaged).
Professional installation remains essential for both options. The process requires specialised equipment and expertise that directly impacts long-term performance. We at Superfloor Australia deliver precision preparation and expert craftsmanship for both honed and polished concrete solutions across Brisbane.