It is important to understand the difference between honed concrete and polished concrete as a flooring solution before deciding which is best suited to your residential or commercial space.
Many flooring contractors use the terminology incorrectly when describing concrete flooring solutions. The terms “honed” concrete and “polished” concrete can be used interchangeably as can “honed” concrete and “grind and seal” concrete.
Honed concrete and polished concrete flooring solutions both involve the mechanical processing of an existing concrete surface by means of cutting and/or refining to a desired finish.
It is only after the initial grinding phase takes place that these concrete solutions differ, and will vary in terms of their appearance, performance and suitability for different applications.
Honed Concrete
For simplicity, we shall categorise honed concrete with grind & seal concrete. After the initial grinding phase has taken place, the concrete surface can be processed to reveal varying degrees of exposed aggregate (Nil exposure through to full exposure).
The concrete surface is then sealed for protection. The sealer is a topical coating, acting as a barrier, which will over time start to wear and eventually need to be sanded back and re-applied.
The sheen of honed concrete floors is directly affected by the sealer selected, with matt, satin and gloss sealers all available. The common sealers are acrylics, polyurethanes, and epoxies. Sealers will generally last 2-7 years depending on general wear and tear.
After the concrete is sealed it becomes a very hard-wearing product for your home or business, and is also extremely resistant to both staining and mould. The sealer also makes maintenance and cleaning much easier.
Another advantage of using honed concrete is that we are able to add an anti-slip product to the sealer which vastly improves the slip resistance of the floor. Because of this feature, we typically install this type of concrete around pools, outdoor entertainment areas, such as porches or verandas, paths and driveways.
Honed concrete floors are also suitable for indoor applications, and are a more economical solution compared to mechanically polished concrete floors.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete surfaces undergo the most mechanical refinement and is considered the premium concrete flooring solution. The polished concrete process incorporates grouting and chemical hardeners, commonly called , to improve the durability and appearance of the floor.
As with the other types of concrete, polished concrete can be tailored to suit any design, with the aggregate exposure and sheen of the floor varied as desired. Polished concrete is a very popular choice for indoor applications, as it is, also hygienic, stain-resistant and dust-free.
Concrete which has been mechanically polished is typically used for indoor purposes as it can become slippery when wet.
For modern and stylish flooring solutions for your Perth-based home or business, contact the Concrete Society today to receive your free and comprehensive quote!
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