Polished concrete flooring is a sleek and modern choice for those seeking a durable, low-maintenance, and visually stunning floor option. Installing polished concrete in a 500-square-foot area costs $1,475 to $4,030, with most homeowners paying around $2,775.
The process of polishing concrete involves grinding and honing the surface to reveal the material’s natural beauty, creating a glossy and smooth finish. So why settle for the ordinary when you can have stunning polished concrete floors for $3 to $8 per square foot?
In this pricing guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Polished Concrete Floors Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $2,775 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,475 – $4,030 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $600 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $6,650 |
On average, installing polished concrete floors cost between $1,475 and $4,030. However, depending on the area’s square footage, the design’s complexity, the finish, and many other factors, these costs could run as low as $600 and as high as $6,650. In this cost guide, we’ll go over all the factors that affect polished concrete floor costs, but to keep prices down, you can:
- Use existing concrete that has already been poured.
- Choose a simple design.
- Avoid large areas.
- Choose a low gloss finish.
- Get quotes from multiple concrete contractors.
Polished Concrete Floors Cost Estimator by Area Size
The size of the area is a major factor in determining the cost of polished concrete installation. As the area increases, the amount of materials and manpower needed also rises, leading to a higher overall cost.
Installing polished concrete costs $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor. Use the table below to estimate your project’s cost based on the size:
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 50 sq. ft. | $150 – $400 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $300 – $800 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $600 – $1,600 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $900 – $2,400 |
| 400 sq. ft. | $1,200 – $3,200 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $1,500 – $4,000 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
In the next section, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the factors that can affect the costs of polished concrete floor installation:
- Complexity of Design
- Concrete Finishes
- Commercial vs. Residential Flooring
- Grade Level
- Polish level
- Existing Concrete Floor
- Concrete Repairs
- Remove Old Flooring
Complexity of Design
Polished concrete floor installation may cost as little as $2 per square foot and up to $16 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design:
Basic Polished Concrete Floors
This type of polished concrete floor typically features a single layer of stain applied in a simple design with basic colors. The finishes tend to be straightforward, and the overall appearance is more matte or with a moderate shine, achieved through concrete polishing and grinding.
Cost: $2 – $7 per square foot.
Mid-Range Polished Concrete Floors
Mid-range polished concrete floors undergo a more in-depth grinding to create a smoother surface, followed by the application of two colors of stain to add depth and dimension. Scoring adds an extra design layer, while sealing provides protection and durability. The final touch is a higher sheen that gives the floor a glossy finish.
Cost: $5 – $10 per square foot.
High-End Polished Concrete Floors
In high-end polished concrete floors, techniques like stencil work, staining, scoring, and faux finishes are used to create floors that look almost like a work of art, with intricate patterns and customization. In addition, they have a highly glossed finish that adds value and style to the space.
Cost: $8 – $16 per square foot.
Concrete Finishes
Polished concrete floors come in various finishes, each offering a unique look and feel. The cost of these finishes can vary, so it’s essential to consider both budget and personal preference when deciding.
Stamping
Concrete floors can be stamped with various textures. This decorative technique involves imprinting patterns into the surface to create the illusion of other flooring materials.
Wood-look stamping usually costs closer to the lower end, whereas other stampings, such as stone or tiles, cost closer to the high end. The result is a floor that combines concrete’s durability and low maintenance with the natural look of other materials.
Stamped concrete floors cost $3 to $12 per square foot.
Staining
Staining might be a good option if you’re looking to add color and character to your concrete floors. The cost of stained concrete varies based on the number of layers of stain applied. The more layers, the deeper and richer the color will be and the higher the cost.
On average, stained concrete floors cost $3 to $14 per square foot.
Painting
Dyeing concrete is an easy and affordable way to update its appearance quickly. The surface can be painted using a roller or brush. However, it’s important to note that painted concrete can be prone to chipping or wear and tear over time, so regular maintenance may be necessary to keep it looking its best.
Painting concrete floors cost $2 to $3 per square foot.
Sealing
Sealing polished concrete is not a mandatory step in the polishing process. Despite this, a sealer can provide numerous benefits, such as extra protection against stains, acids, and chemicals. Sealed concrete is also more resistant to skidding, providing a safer surface for foot traffic, and it can be more water-resistant.
Materials and labor for sealing polished concrete floors cost $1 to $3 per square foot.
Scoring
Scoring refers to the process of cutting shallow lines into the surface of a concrete slab using a saw or angle grinder to mimic a mortared joint. This technique is helpful if you want the look of tile on your concrete floors, but there are various scoring techniques available, from simple straight lines to elaborate geometric patterns. The possibilities are endless.
Scoring concrete costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
Stenciling
A stencil is a thin, flexible material that can be cut into intricate patterns and designs and then used to imprint those designs onto concrete surfaces. With stencil work, you can transform your plain concrete floor into a visually stunning work of art.
Stenciling costs $1 to $10 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design.
Commercial vs. Residential Flooring
Installing polished concrete floors in residential and commercial spaces is a slightly different process, and costs may vary accordingly.
Residential homes tend to have smaller spaces, meaning the process may take longer and require more precision and attention to detail than commercial spaces. In contrast, commercial spaces have more extensive areas, making the installation process quicker, less labor intensive, and more efficient than residential polished concrete floors.
However, concrete in commercial spaces needs to be more durable and accommodate heavy weight and foot traffic, which may increase the cost of materials. So it’s essential to consult with different professionals and gather multiple quotes.
Grade Level
The cost of polished concrete installation is impacted by the grade level of the floor or story in which it is being installed. Below-grade installations, such as in a basement, are typically less expensive compared to above-grade installations, such as in a second-story bedroom.
That happens because above-grade installations typically require additional structural reinforcement or a cement-board underlayment for support. Installing a cement underlayment costs $2 to $4 per square foot.
Polish Level
The polish level is an important aspect of polished concrete floors, as it determines the level of shine in your flooring. This shine is achieved by grinding the concrete, and the more the concrete is ground, the higher the gloss level.
Different levels of shine can also be achieved by using different grit numbers, similar to sandpaper. The higher the grit number, the higher the polish level. For example, a lower grit number will result in a matte finish. In comparison, a higher grit number will result in a high-gloss finish.
A more glossy floor requires more time and is more labor intensive, which will increase costs. On average, the cost to grind concrete floors ranges between $1 to $4 per square foot, but prices could be higher depending on the number of passes.
Existing Concrete Floor
You can also achieve a glossy look on your floors by polishing existing concrete. This process typically ranges from $3 to $15 per square foot, depending on various factors such as the size of the area to be polished and the amount of prep work necessary.
The preparation work can involve several steps, including repairing cracks or damage to the existing concrete, adding a screed or concrete overlay to resurface it, and grinding it to the desired level of shine. As such, it’s important to contact a professional to accurately assess the concrete and provide a fair estimate for the job.
Concrete Repairs
Suppose your existing concrete slab has suffered from wear and tear over time. In that case, you may need to budget for additional repair work before it can be polished. Such damage can come in the form of cracks, chips, discoloration, and uneven surfaces, which can detract from the beauty of your concrete floor.
Minor repairs, such as filling in cracks or patching chips, can cost between $1 and $3 per square foot. However, complete resurfacing may be necessary if the damage is extensive, costing between $3 to $7 per square foot.
Understandably, these unexpected repairs can be frustrating. Still, they are necessary to ensure the long-lasting durability and beauty of your finished polished concrete floor.
Remove Old Flooring
The cost of removing your old flooring can vary depending on the type of flooring, the size of your space, and the complexity of the removal process. Still, it is typically estimated to be between $1 to $4 per square foot.
Related Services
Concrete is a versatile material that can be used in various settings. So, the possibilities with concrete are endless, whether you’re looking to install new concrete floors, create a custom patio, or upgrade your driveway.
Here are some concrete-related services you may be interested in:
Concrete Patio
With its durability and low maintenance requirements, a concrete patio is an excellent choice for those looking to create a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing area outside their home. In addition, the versatility of concrete allows you to customize the look of your patio to match your home’s style, replicating the look of brick or stone.
A concrete patio costs an average of $2,532, with most homeowners paying between $1,533 and $4,740 for a professional installation.
Concrete Driveway
Concrete’s natural strength and longevity will make you feel confident in investing in a concrete driveway. It can add curb appeal to your property and create a safe and functional surface for parking your vehicles, with little to no maintenance needed.
A concrete driveway costs between $1,885 and $6,475, with an average of $3,500.
Concrete Sidewalk
As a welcoming pathway to your front door, a concrete sidewalk can invite guests into your home charmingly and functionally. There are various types of concrete sidewalks, including stamped concrete, polished concrete, and stained concrete, each offering different textures and finishes.
Concrete sidewalk installation costs between $5.89 and $12 per square foot, or $8.63 per square foot on average.
Concrete Per Yard
Whether you’re building a foundation, constructing a driveway, pouring a patio, or flooring your home, the cost of concrete is a significant factor in determining the overall budget for your flooring project.
Additionally, a clear understanding of the cost can help you compare prices among different suppliers and choose the best option for your budget. Typically, concrete costs between $104 and $144 per cubic yard.
Cost of Polished Concrete Floors by Location
The cost of concrete can vary on a local scale due to factors such as supply and demand in your region. For example, the cost may be higher in areas with high demand for concrete and limited local supplies. Transportation costs to bring concrete from distant suppliers can also affect the price on a local level.
In addition, urban areas often have higher labor costs, which can further impact the total costs of polished concrete floor installation.
FAQ
Installing polished concrete floors as a DIY project is not recommended. Pouring concrete has strict timing requirements, and achieving the desired level of polish through grinding is a task that demands both skill and time.
Moreover, renting the grinder equipment could easily match the cost of hiring a professional, so it’s not cost-effective. For these reasons, it is recommended to entrust the task to a professional.
Before deciding on polished concrete floors, there is a list of pros and cons you should consider:
Pros:
● Works well with radiant heating systems
● Long-lasting when properly installed
● Sustainable
● Low-maintenance
● VOC-free
● Mold and mildew resistant
Cons:
● Slippery (but it can be sealed with an epoxy coating to make it slip-resistant)
● Cold and hard to stand on
● Susceptible to moisture damage if not properly finished
● Loud
Polished concrete and laminate flooring have similar prices, with laminate costing between $3 to $9 per square foot and polished concrete ranging from $3 to $8 per square foot. However, when considering the lifespan, polished concrete has the advantage, as it can last a lifetime with proper maintenance, while laminate will need to be replaced after a few years.
On the other hand, laminate is easier to install and has more design options than polished concrete. Ultimately, the choice between polished concrete and laminate will depend on personal preferences and the specific requirements of each project.
Final Thoughts
The cost of polished concrete floors can be a significant investment, but the stunning outcome will be worth every penny. By finding a flooring contractor near you, you can receive an accurate estimate, take advantage of their experience, and have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done right.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: jhorrocks / Canva Pro / License
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