Polished concrete floors.

Polished concrete is a decorative concrete floor that has been mechanically ground, refined and sealed to produce a durable, seamless surface. The final appearance is created either through a colour-hardened surface, or by grinding and polishing the concrete slab to reveal varying levels of aggregate. The result is a long-lasting floor with excellent wear resistance, minimal maintenance requirements and a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Both are seamless, design-led finishes, but they differ in construction method, programme and intent. A polished concrete floor forms part of the structural concrete layer — created through a colour-hardened (dry-shake) finish on fresh concrete, or by grinding and polishing a slab to reveal aggregate. It offers depth, mass and a material-led aesthetic that celebrates the concrete itself. An LPC Hardcrete Microcement floor is a thin, cement-based system applied over an existing, prepared substrate — a seamless concrete-look finish without a new structural slab, well suited to refurbishments, tighter programmes, or where build-up height must be kept to a minimum. The right choice depends on whether a new slab is being installed or retained, available build-up depth, programme and curing timelines, and the desired visual character. We advise on both options at design stage.

Three main types: (1) Colour-hardened (dry-shake) polished concrete — a dry-shake colour hardener applied to fresh concrete and power-trowelled to form a dense, coloured wearing surface; (2) Salt & pepper polished concrete — a lightly ground and polished finish that reveals fine aggregate; (3) Fully exposed aggregate polished concrete — a deeper grind that exposes more of the stone structure, creating a bolder, terrazzo-like appearance. We help clients select the most appropriate system for their project.

The difference lies in how the surface is formed and what is visible. Colour-hardened polished concrete relies on a dry shake applied to the surface of freshly poured concrete, creating a consistent colour and a very dense, abrasion-resistant top layer, with little to no visible aggregate. Exposed aggregate polished concrete is achieved by mechanically grinding the cured slab to reveal the natural aggregates within the mix — the deeper the grind, the more aggregate is visible, resulting in greater texture and variation.

"Salt and pepper" refers to a light aggregate exposure created during the grinding process. Small flecks of stone become visible across the surface, giving the floor subtle texture without the bold patterning of a fully exposed aggregate finish. This finish is popular in high-end residential and commercial spaces where a natural concrete look is desired without strong visual contrast.

Polished concrete is extremely durable when correctly specified and installed. It performs well in both residential and commercial environments, including high-traffic areas such as retail units, offices and hospitality spaces. The densification and polishing process strengthens the surface, improving abrasion resistance and long-term performance. With appropriate maintenance, polished concrete floors can last for decades.

Despite its smooth appearance, polished concrete is not inherently slippery. Slip resistance depends on the surface finish, level of polish and the environment it is used in. In dry conditions, polished concrete performs very well. Where required, slip resistance can be enhanced through finish selection and surface treatments, in line with guidance published by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

All concrete moves and will crack in a controlled or uncontrolled manner. Joints are a necessary part of concrete floor design and are used to manage shrinkage and movement. Cracks can occur despite best practice, and in polished concrete they may remain visible as part of the natural character of the floor. We advise on joint layout, crack risk and realistic expectations at design stage to ensure the finished floor performs as intended.

We install new concrete slabs and also work with existing concrete floors, depending on the project requirements. For new-builds and extensions, we often manage the slab installation as part of the polished concrete system. On refurbishment projects, we assess the existing concrete to determine whether it is suitable for grinding and polishing.

Where a new slab is required, polished concrete floors are typically installed at around 100mm thickness, subject to structural design, reinforcement and substrate conditions. Build-ups vary depending on insulation, underfloor heating, structural requirements and finish specification. We work closely with clients, architects and engineers to confirm the correct build-up for each project.

Programme length depends on the chosen finish and whether a new slab is being installed. New slabs require time for preparation, pouring, curing and controlled drying before grinding and polishing can begin. Exposed aggregate finishes generally take longer due to the additional grinding stages required. We provide clear programme guidance during the quotation stage so expectations are managed from the outset.

Yes. Polished concrete works extremely well with underfloor heating systems. The concrete slab acts as a thermal mass, absorbing heat and releasing it evenly across the space. Correct coordination during installation is essential, particularly with pipe layout, curing times and commissioning of the heating system.

Polished concrete is suitable for a wide range of environments, including residential homes and extensions, retail units and showrooms, offices and commercial interiors, hospitality spaces such as restaurants and hotels, and industrial and light industrial settings. The specific finish and detailing should always be matched to the intended use.

The choice depends on your aesthetic preference, performance requirements, and programme constraints. Colour-hardened finishes offer consistency and a dense wearing surface. Salt & pepper finishes provide subtle texture and a natural concrete look. Fully exposed aggregate finishes create a more expressive, statement floor. We guide clients through this decision based on real-world outcomes, not just samples.

Polished concrete floors are low maintenance. Routine cleaning typically involves sweeping or vacuuming, followed by damp mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner. No waxing or frequent re-coating is required. Periodic professional maintenance may be recommended in high-traffic commercial environments to preserve appearance and performance.