Polishing turns a plain concrete floor into a smooth, glossy surface by grinding it with progressively finer diamond tooling. It can be done on many existing floors as well as new slabs. Polished concrete is popular for garages, finished basements, workshops, showrooms, offices and warehouses. We polish floors for homeowners and businesses in Brighton, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Howell.
You can choose how much shine you want, from a soft satin look to a high-gloss finish, and how much of the stone in the slab is revealed.
Why Polished Floors Make Sense in Michigan
Garage floors here deal with salty slush dripping off cars all winter, and basements deal with moisture coming up from clay soils. A densified, polished surface is tighter than raw concrete, so spills, salt water and dirt sit on top where they can be wiped up instead of soaking in. Because there is no thick coating to peel, polished floors avoid the lifting that coatings can have when moisture or hot tires get under them. Floors with severe cracking or heaving may need repairs first, and we will be upfront about what we see.
Polished floors are a smart fit for Michigan basements, garages and shops because they handle the slush, salt and grit that get tracked in all winter. A dense, polished surface does not have loose dust or a coating that can peel, and spills wipe up easily. Polishing also brightens a space by reflecting light, which is helpful in lower levels with few windows. Before we start, we look at the condition of the slab, including cracks, old adhesive or paint, so you know what to expect from the finished floor. We can explain the difference between a satin look and a high-gloss shine, and help you choose the level that matches how the room will be used day to day.
Our Process, Step by Step
- 1
Floor assessment
We check the slab for cracks, coatings, moisture concerns and overall condition.
- 2
Repairs and prep
Old coatings are removed and cracks or holes are filled.
- 3
Grinding
Coarse diamonds flatten the surface and expose the level of aggregate you chose.
- 4
Densify and hone
A densifier hardens the surface, then finer passes refine it.
- 5
Polish and protect
Final passes bring up the shine and a guard can be applied for stain resistance.
Options Available
Satin or high-gloss
Pick the level of shine for the space.
Cream, salt-and-pepper or full aggregate
Choose how much stone shows.
Dyes
Add color to the polished surface.
Garage, basement or commercial
Residential rooms and larger commercial floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is polished concrete slippery?
Clean, dry polished concrete generally has reasonable traction, but any smooth floor can be slick when wet. A lower sheen can help in garages and entries.
Can my old garage floor be polished?
Often yes. Heavy damage or certain coatings may change what is possible, which we will tell you during the estimate.
Who will polish my floor?
Our family-owned team. We are licensed and insured with over 10 years in the concrete business.