General — what it is
What is concrete grinding and polishing?
Concrete grinding and polishing is the mechanical process of refining an existing or newly poured concrete slab using progressively finer diamond tooling. The process removes surface imperfections and produces a smooth, dense finish — ranging from a matte hone to a high-gloss mirror shine — without coatings or overlays.
How is grinding and polishing different from polished concrete?
Grinding and polishing is the process itself — the mechanical refinement of a concrete surface using diamond tooling. Polished concrete refers to the finished product. At LPC, we use the same precision equipment and techniques whether we are transforming an existing slab or finishing a new pour.
What sheen levels are available?
We offer a full range of finishes from a matte or satin hone through to a high-gloss mirror polish. The final sheen is determined by the grit level of the last diamond pass. We will help you choose the right level based on the look you want and the practical demands of the space.
What is the difference between honed and polished concrete?
Honed concrete is ground to a smooth, flat finish but without the reflective sheen of a full polish. It typically stops at a lower grit level and produces a matte or satin appearance. Polished concrete continues through finer grits to achieve a glossy, light-reflecting surface.
Technical performance
How durable is a ground and polished concrete floor?
Extremely durable. Mechanically polished concrete is one of the hardest-wearing flooring options available. During the process, a lithium densifier is applied to harden the surface, making it resistant to abrasion, impact, and daily wear. It is widely used in high-traffic commercial environments as well as residential settings.
Will the floor be slippery?
No. Despite its smooth appearance, polished concrete provides good slip resistance under normal conditions. It meets the requirements for commercial and residential use. In wet areas such as entrance lobbies or kitchens, we can advise on additional treatments if needed.
Does grinding and polishing affect the structural integrity of the slab?
No. The grinding process removes only the surface layer — typically 1 to 3mm — and does not compromise the structural performance of the slab. A full site assessment is carried out before work begins to confirm the concrete is suitable.
How does the floor handle stains and spills?
Polished concrete has a very low porosity, which makes it naturally resistant to staining. A commercial stain guard is applied during the finishing process for additional protection. Routine spills can be wiped clean with minimal effort.
Installation & programme
How long does concrete grinding and polishing take?
A typical residential floor of 30 to 60 square metres takes 3 to 5 working days. Larger commercial projects may require 1 to 2 weeks depending on area, condition of the slab, and the specified finish level. We provide a detailed programme before starting any work.
What preparation is needed before grinding?
The concrete slab must be structurally sound and at least 28 days old. Any existing coatings, adhesives, or surface treatments need to be removed before grinding begins. We carry out a full assessment and handle all necessary preparation as part of the project.
Is the process noisy or disruptive?
Grinding does generate noise and fine dust, but we use industrial dust extraction systems connected to our equipment to keep the workspace as clean as possible. We plan the work schedule to minimise disruption, especially on occupied residential or live commercial sites.
Can you grind and polish a floor that already has a coating or screed?
In most cases, yes. Existing coatings, paint, epoxy, or thin screeds can be removed by diamond grinding before the polishing process begins. We will assess the floor first to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
When can I walk on the floor after completion?
Light foot traffic is usually possible within 24 hours of the final polish. Full use, including furniture placement, is typically fine after 48 to 72 hours. We will confirm specific timings based on the products applied during the finishing stage.
Suitability & applications
Is grinding and polishing suitable for all concrete floors?
Most concrete slabs over 28 days old can be ground and polished, provided the concrete is structurally sound and free from major defects. We assess each floor for integrity, moisture levels, and surface condition before confirming suitability.
Can you polish an existing concrete floor?
Yes. The majority of our grinding and polishing projects are carried out on existing slabs — often in properties undergoing renovation. As long as the concrete is in reasonable condition, we can grind back the surface and bring it up to a polished finish.
Can you grind concrete with underfloor heating?
Yes, but the grinding depth must be carefully controlled. We carry out thermal mapping or review the heating layout drawings before starting work to ensure the process does not interfere with the heating system.
Is polished concrete suitable for commercial spaces?
Absolutely. Polished concrete is one of the most popular choices for retail stores, restaurants, offices, showrooms, and galleries. It is extremely hard-wearing, easy to maintain, and delivers a clean, contemporary aesthetic that works across sectors.
Finish, appearance & maintenance
What aggregate exposure levels are available?
We offer a range of aggregate exposure options: cream or minimal exposure (surface paste only), salt and pepper (fine aggregate visible), medium exposure, and full aggregate exposure. The level is determined by how deep the initial grinding cuts and the composition of the concrete mix.
How do I clean and maintain a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete is very low-maintenance. Regular dust mopping and occasional damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner is all that is needed. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaning products. We provide a full aftercare guide with every project.
Will the polish last, or does it need to be redone?
A properly installed polished concrete floor will retain its finish for many years with normal use and correct maintenance. In very high-traffic commercial settings, a maintenance polish may be beneficial every few years to restore the original sheen.