Polished concrete floors have become increasingly popular in both residential and commercial spaces. Many property owners wonder who does polished concrete floors and what qualifications they should look for.
We at Superfloor Australia understand that choosing the right contractor makes the difference between a stunning floor and a costly mistake. The installation process requires specialised equipment and expertise that not all contractors possess.
Who Actually Installs Polished Concrete
Three distinct types of professionals handle polished concrete installations, each bringing different strengths to your project. Understanding these options helps you make the right choice for your specific needs.
Specialised Concrete Polishing Contractors
Specialised concrete polishing contractors represent the gold standard for this work. These professionals focus exclusively on concrete polishing and possess the most advanced equipment, including planetary grinders with features like variable speed, forward/reverse rotation, and automatic levelling. According to the Concrete Polishing Association, specialised contractors complete 40% more projects annually than general contractors, which results in superior technique refinement.
These experts understand the precise diamond grit sequences needed for different aggregate exposures. They maintain relationships with concrete suppliers for optimal slab specifications and stay current with industry innovations. Their dedicated focus means they handle complex projects with confidence and deliver consistent results across various applications.
General Flooring Contractors
General flooring contractors who offer polishing services present a middle-ground option that many property owners consider. These contractors typically handle multiple flooring types but may lack the specialised equipment needed for high-quality results. The flooring industry faces challenges with advances in technology and an increasing variety of products to choose from.
Most rent equipment for projects, which can lead to inconsistent results and longer completion times. However, established flooring contractors with dedicated polishing divisions can deliver excellent work, particularly for residential projects under 3,000 square feet. Their broader experience with different flooring materials can provide valuable insights for mixed-material projects.
Commercial Construction Teams
Commercial construction companies often handle large-scale polished concrete projects exceeding 10,000 square feet. These teams excel at coordination with other trades and manage complex timelines effectively. The Associated General Contractors of America indicates that 67% of commercial construction firms subcontract specialised concrete work rather than maintain in-house polishing capabilities.
This approach can create communication gaps and quality control issues (making direct contractor relationships preferable for most projects). While they handle logistics well, the actual polishing quality depends entirely on their subcontractors’ expertise.
The type of contractor you choose directly impacts your project’s success, but contractor selection involves more than just category. Several specific qualifications separate exceptional contractors from mediocre ones.
How Do You Choose the Right Contractor
Three critical areas separate professional contractors from amateurs when you select a polished concrete specialist. Proper contractor selection requires careful evaluation since concrete floor installation success depends greatly on mixture proportions and finishing techniques used.
Project Portfolio Analysis
A contractor’s portfolio reveals their true capabilities better than any sales pitch. Demand to see at least 15 completed projects similar to yours in size and complexity. Look for contractors with documented portfolios spanning multiple years to demonstrate consistent quality delivery.
Examine close-up photos of aggregate exposure levels, joint details, and edge work quality. Request client references from projects completed within the past 18 months, not just testimonials. Professional contractors maintain detailed before-and-after documentation and provide specific project metrics like square footage, timeline, and finish specifications.
Avoid contractors who show only glamour shots without technical details or refuse reference contact information.
Equipment Standards and Technical Knowledge
Professional-grade equipment determines finish quality more than contractor skill alone. Contractors must own planetary machines with variable speed controls, dust collection systems that meet EPA standards, and diamond tooling inventories worth substantial investment.
The concrete polishing industry breaks down processes into grinding and polishing phases, though some use polishing terminology for the entire process. Test their technical knowledge by asking about diamond grit progression sequences, concrete moisture testing protocols, and aggregate hardness classifications.
Qualified contractors explain the Mohs hardness scale impact on techniques and discuss specific diamond bond selections for different concrete types. They should demonstrate understanding of concrete chemistry and explain how slab age affects outcomes.
Verification Requirements
Proper licensing, insurance coverage, and warranty terms protect your investment from costly mistakes. Verify current state contractor licences through official databases and confirm specialty concrete certifications from recognised industry organisations.
Comprehensive general liability insurance must cover substantial amounts per occurrence, with specific concrete work coverage included. Properly insured contractors typically handle dispute resolution more efficiently than inadequately covered competitors.
Demand written warranties that cover both workmanship and material performance for minimum two-year terms. Quality contractors provide detailed warranty documents that specify covered defects, response times, and repair procedures.
After you identify qualified contractors, the next step involves understanding project costs and obtaining accurate quotes for your specific requirements.
What Does Polished Concrete Actually Cost
Labour Rates Drive Total Project Expenses
Professional polished concrete floors cost from under $25 per square metre to around $50 per square metre for grind and seal polished concrete on average. Labour represents 60-70% of total project costs, which makes contractor selection critical for budget management. Experienced crews complete 150-200 square metres daily, while inexperienced teams struggle with 80-100 square metres and directly impact your final invoice.
Project complexity multiplies labour requirements significantly. Simple grind-and-seal applications require 3-4 hours per 100 square metres, while full aggregate exposure demands 8-12 hours for equivalent coverage. Contractors charge premium rates for intricate edge details, multiple colour zones, and decorative patterns. Expect 25-40% cost increases for projects that require extensive prep work on damaged concrete slabs.
Equipment and Material Costs Vary Dramatically
Professional planetary machines cost $45,000-$85,000 new, which forces many contractors to rent equipment at $800-$1,200 daily rates. These rental costs get passed directly to customers and often add $15-$25 per square metre to project quotes. Diamond tools alone range from $8-$15 per square metre (depending on concrete hardness and desired finish levels).
Using a densifier, whether polished or unpolished, is a cost-effective approach to increasing the strength, endurance, and longevity of a concrete slab. The Australian Concrete Institute confirms that premium sealers extend floor life by 40-60%, which makes higher upfront costs worthwhile investments. Contractors who use inferior materials typically offer lower quotes but deliver shorter results.
Regional Markets Show Substantial Price Differences
Regional Queensland and rural New South Wales markets operate 20-30% below metropolitan rates, though contractor availability remains limited. Perth shows volatile prices between $55-$80 per square metre (depending on mining industry activity levels).
Transport costs for specialised equipment add $500-$1,500 to projects outside major metropolitan areas. Smart property owners bundle multiple projects or coordinate with neighbours to share mobilisation expenses. Seasonal demand peaks during winter months when outdoor construction slows and creates 15-20% price premiums for indoor work.
Final Thoughts
The question of who does polished concrete floors has a definitive answer: specialised contractors consistently outperform general flooring companies and construction teams who treat concrete polishing as secondary work. Professional contractors complete projects 40% faster than inexperienced teams and understand concrete chemistry plus diamond tool selection. This expertise prevents common mistakes that create uneven finishes or cause premature wear patterns.
Smart property owners ask specific questions before they hire any contractor. How many similar projects have you completed this year? Can you provide recent client references? What equipment do you own versus rent, and do you carry comprehensive insurance with written warranties? These questions separate qualified professionals from operators who lack proper experience and equipment.
Professional installation quality extends far beyond the initial project completion. Experienced contractors reduce property disruption through efficient work methods and deliver floors that maintain their appearance for decades rather than years. We at Superfloor Australia provide high-quality polished concrete solutions with expert preparation techniques that create dust-resistant, stain-resistant surfaces suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.