Choosing the right contractor makes the difference between stunning floors and costly mistakes. Poor workmanship leads to uneven surfaces, premature wear, and expensive repairs.
We at Superfloor Australia see homeowners struggle with this decision daily. The question “who does polished concrete floors” best depends on specific qualities and red flags you need to recognise before signing any contract.
What Separates Elite Contractors from Average Ones
Experience tells the real story about contractor quality. Look for companies with at least 10 years in polished concrete specifically, not general construction. Specialised contractors with extensive experience produce superior results compared to general contractors. Check their project history in similar environments to yours. Industrial contractors may struggle with residential aesthetics, while residential specialists often lack knowledge for high-traffic commercial applications.
Equipment Quality Determines Final Results
Professional-grade planetary grinders cost $50,000-$100,000 and produce mirror-like finishes that rental equipment cannot match. Top contractors use Husqvarna or HTC grinders with diamond tools that progress through 8-10 grit stages. Dust extraction systems should capture 99% of particles during the process. Ask contractors about their equipment age and maintenance schedules. Companies that use outdated or poorly maintained equipment create uneven surfaces and excessive dust. Quality contractors invest in new technology every 3-5 years and maintain detailed equipment logs.
Portfolio and Reviews Reveal True Performance
Demand to see completed projects from the past 12 months, not just photos from their website. Quality contractors provide specific addresses where you can view their work. Customer reviews should mention timeline accuracy, cleanliness, and post-installation support. Red flag contractors show only photos without project details or refuse site visits. Check Google reviews, industry associations, and local forums for honest feedback. Projects older than 5 years help assess long-term durability and contractor accountability for warranty issues (especially important for commercial installations).
Certification and Insurance Requirements
Professional contractors carry comprehensive liability insurance ($2-5 million coverage) and workers’ compensation. They hold certifications from the Concrete Polishing Association or similar industry bodies. Licensed contractors follow Australian Standards for concrete construction and specification. Verify their Australian Business Number and check their licence status through state regulatory bodies. Contractors without proper credentials expose you to liability risks and substandard work.
The next step involves understanding exactly which services separate professional contractors from basic floor finishers.
Key Services to Look for in Polished Concrete Specialists
Professional surface preparation separates quality contractors from amateurs who skip essential steps. Contractors must grind through at least 8 progressive diamond grit stages, start with 30-40 grit metal bonds for aggressive cuts, and finish with 3000-grit resin tools for mirror finishes. The process requires removal of 1-3mm of surface concrete to eliminate imperfections and achieve proper aggregate exposure. Planetary grinders with dust extraction systems that capture 99% of particles prevent health hazards and maintain clean work environments.
Contractors who use single-head grinders or skip grit progressions create uneven surfaces with visible scratches that compromise the final appearance.
Advanced Equipment and Technique Standards
Professional contractors operate planetary grinders worth $50,000-$100,000 that deliver consistent results across large areas. These machines use diamond tools that progress systematically through each grit stage without gaps. Quality specialists maintain detailed logs of equipment maintenance and replace worn components before they affect surface quality. Contractors who rent basic equipment or delay maintenance create inconsistent finishes with visible tool marks and uneven aggregate exposure.
Sealing Systems That Maximise Performance
Lithium silicate densifiers penetrate 3-5mm deep and provide enhanced surface protection compared to untreated concrete. Topical sealers provide additional protection but require reapplication every 2-3 years in high-traffic areas. Quality contractors offer penetrating sealers for commercial applications and hybrid systems that combine densifiers with topical protection for residential projects. Contractors who use cheap acrylic sealers create floors that yellow, peel, and require expensive removal within 12-18 months.
Maintenance Programs That Protect Your Investment
Top contractors provide detailed maintenance schedules with specific products and frequencies. For high-traffic commercial floors, quarterly polishing is recommended, while residential floors may only need refreshing 1-2 times per year. Contractors should supply pH-neutral cleaners and provide training on proper techniques that prevent streaks. Quality specialists offer 24-month maintenance contracts with quarterly inspections and immediate response for stain removal. Contractors who disappear after installation leave you with expensive polished concrete flooring cost and voided warranties when problems arise.
However, even contractors who offer these services can hide serious problems that cost thousands in repairs and delays.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Contractor
Contractors who quote 30-50% below market rates hide serious problems that surface after payment. Quality polished concrete costs around $50 per square metre for grind and seal floors, with honed concrete costing approximately $75 per square metre, so quotes significantly below these rates indicate corners will be cut on materials, labour, or surface preparation. These contractors use inferior diamond tools, skip grit stages, or apply cheap sealers that fail within months. Timeline promises under 3-5 days for residential projects signal rushed work that creates uneven surfaces and premature wear. Professional contractors need adequate time for each grit progression and proper curing between steps.
Insurance and Licence Verification Protects Your Investment
Contractors without current liability insurance expose you to massive financial risk when accidents occur on your property. Workers’ compensation coverage protects you from potential injury claims. Unlicensed contractors cannot pull permits, violate codes, and void your home insurance if structural damage occurs. Check Australian Business Numbers through official government databases and verify insurance certificates directly with providers. Contractors who refuse to provide documentation or offer expired certificates will abandon your project when problems arise.
Communication Patterns That Signal Future Problems
Poor communication patterns emerge immediately during initial consultations. Contractors who take 48+ hours to return calls, provide vague project details, or refuse to put agreements in writing create ongoing headaches. Professional contractors respond within 24 hours, provide detailed written estimates with specific materials and timelines, and maintain regular progress updates throughout the project.
Payment Demands That Indicate Potential Fraud
Contractors who demand large upfront payments (more than 10% of total cost) or full payment before completion often disappear with your money. Legitimate specialists request payment schedules tied to project milestones and completion stages. These fraudulent operators leave unfinished projects that require expensive remediation from qualified contractors like Superfloor Australia, who follow proper payment protocols and complete projects according to agreed specifications.
Final Thoughts
The question of who does polished concrete floors best comes down to three essential factors: proven experience with specialised equipment, comprehensive insurance coverage, and transparent communication throughout the project. Contractors with 10+ years in polished concrete, professional-grade planetary grinders worth $50,000-$100,000, and detailed maintenance programs deliver results that last decades. Research protects your investment from costly mistakes that require expensive remediation later.
Verify insurance certificates directly with providers, check completed projects from the past 12 months, and avoid contractors who demand large upfront payments or quote 30-50% below market rates. These red flags signal substandard work that creates uneven surfaces and premature wear. Quality contractors demonstrate their expertise through precision preparation, expert craftsmanship, and results tailored to individual needs (whether residential, commercial, or industrial applications).
We at Superfloor Australia transform spaces with floors that maintain their beauty for decades through high-quality polished concrete that enhances both aesthetics and durability. Our dust, stain, and allergen-resistant surfaces provide ideal solutions for homes, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities. Take time to verify credentials, review portfolios, and choose specialists who prioritise quality over quick profits.