The concrete grinding process in 6 easy steps

Concrete grinding is the process of grinding back existing concrete substrate. From this blank canvas, you can apply new types of flooring, or a special finish to retain the industrial aesthetic of the concrete slab. Grinding is a low-cost, low-effort, and time-efficient method of getting the flooring you want.

Ground and polished concrete flooring is becoming increasing popular as a design feature for its tactile qualities, its economical application, and most importantly, its sustainability. It’s a winning choice for builders, renovators, and business owners seeking to improve style, save on costs, and stay green. Here’s everything you need to know about the concrete grinding process, from start to finish.

1. Start with a quote

If you’re set on grinding your concrete down for a new finish, you’ll want to begin with a quote from a concrete grinding professional. An accurate, transparent quote will give you access to all the options available to you, as well as a bottom line price and delivery schedule.

2. Choosing a finish or flooring

Your final finish or flooring should be be considered. Are you grinding your existing concrete slab back to make way for floorboards? Will you retain the existing slab and use its industrial qualities as the basis for an improved floor? If the latter option appeals to you, you will need to consider how you want this to be achieved. Concrete grinding and sealing can vastly improve the strength and visual appeal of your existing concrete slab.

3. Surface preparation

To begin the actual concrete grinding process, the surface needs to be prepared. Here, you can select from one of two options: have the existing slab ground down, or pour a new slab. Conversely, the latter option is actually cheaper. Pouring a new slab ensures that your decorative finishes can be included in the concrete, instead of put on top.

4. Sealing the surface

Following the initial preparation and grind, a sealant solution is applied to the exposed concrete. This sealant works to fill any gaps or cracks left over from the grinding process. A hardening solution is also added to the concrete to protect it during the polishing process to come. This densifier solution increases the density of the concrete slab, making it effectively impervious to liquids and scratches.

5. Polishing the surface

After a smooth, level surface has be achieved through grinding and sealing, polishing of the concrete slab can commence. The polishing process begins by applying a low-grit diamond resin pad. This continues, progressing in grit levels, until the desired level of polish is achieved. The final outcome should be a polished concrete floor that rivals commercially-available flooring solutions.

6. Caring for the floor

The main ongoing benefits of your new polished floor are that they will continue to be aesthetically pleasing and incredibly low maintenance. Depending on the type of concrete flooring you have, you will want reapply surface coatings at least every 10 years, and every 5 years in high traffic areas. There are a few key steps you can take to ensure that your new floors are protected and looking their best all year round.

• Place protective pad sunder furniture
• Keep the floor dust and dirt free
• Clean up spills on surfaces immediately
• Use a micro fibre mop to clean the floor

Concrete grinding is your first step towards a beautiful, stylish flooring option. Not only is the process time and cost-effective — it will also last many years into the future with minimal effort. Contact your preferred concrete grinding specialist today to get your new flooring project off the ground.