How Much Do Polished Concrete Floors Cost? (2024)
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Written by
Tom Grupa
December 7,
Cost of Polished Concrete Floors
Polished concrete floors typically range from $3 to $5 per square foot for a basic design, while intricate designs featuring multiple colors, patterns, and sealing can cost between $5 to $15 per square foot. For residential installations, polished concrete flooring can set you back $600 to $3,200 for a patio, $1,000 to $4,500 for a garage or driveway, and $2,000 to $8,000 for a basement.
Cost Breakdown of Polished Concrete Floors Per Square Foot
| Level | Cost Per Square Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $3 - $5 | Minor prep work, one stain layer, moderate shine grinding and polishing. |
| Mid-range | $5 - $8 | Minor repairs, detailed grinding, two stain colors, scoring, sealing, and higher sheen. |
| High-end | $8 - $15 | Surface repairs, custom designs, stencil work, staining, multiple colors, and polishing. |
Cost of Residential Polished Concrete by Project Type
Polished concrete is sought after for its affordability and durability. It serves multiple areas in a residence including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, patios, driveways, and garages.
| Area | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bathroom | $200 - $600 |
| Kitchen | $500 - $1,800 |
| Patio | $600 - $3,200 |
| Garage | $800 - $4,500 |
| Driveway | $1,000 - $5,000 |
| Basement | $2,000 - $8,000 |
Some of the key benefits of polished concrete include:
Lifecycle costs up to 60% lower than alternative flooring types.
Resistant to allergens such as dust, mold, and mildew.
Durable, low maintenance, and enhances resale value.
Diverse color, pattern, and design choices.
Request complimentary estimates from local concrete flooring contractors.
Cost to Polish Existing Concrete Floors
The average cost for polishing existing concrete floors varies from $3 to $15 per square foot, influenced by job size, preparation work, and overall complexity. If additional surface repairs, stamping, staining, and sealing are necessary, this may add an extra $1 to $10+ per square foot to the total price.
Cost Breakdown for Polishing Existing Concrete Floors
| Task | Cost Per Square Foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Remove Existing Flooring | $0.50 - $3.00 | (Optional) Includes removal and disposal. |
| Light Surface Prep | Included | Cleaning off glue, dirt, grease, etc. |
| Concrete Repairs | $1.00 - $3.00 | (Optional) Cracks filled, remaining epoxy removed. |
| Screed / Overlay | $2.00 - $5.00 | (Optional) Resurfacing for a smooth, protective finish. |
| Grinding | $1.00 - $4.00 | Prepares surface for polishing. |
| Polishing | $2.00 - $6.00 | Finishing with multiple passes. |
| Designs, Staining, Scoring | $2.00 - $25.00 | (Optional) Adds color(s) and patterns. |
| Sealing | $2.00 - $4.00 | Protects against stains and chemicals. |
Factors Influencing Cost
Size and Area of Floor
Polishing smaller areas often requires hand techniques which can increase the cost per square foot. Greater square footage allows faster work with larger machinery. Factors such as:
Narrow walls
Access challenges like door openings
Unusually shaped floors
Features such as built-in furniture
Basement installations
Condition of Existing Concrete Floor
The initial estimate covers light surface preparations, but major repairs can cost between $1 to $3 per square foot. Cracks should be repaired prior to polishing; if the floor is very deteriorated, it may need replacement.
Cost of Removing Existing Flooring
The removal of existing flooring ranges from $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot depending on the type of material.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $0.11 - $0.56 |
| Hardwood | $1.50 - $4.50 |
| Tile | $1.50 - $4.00 |
| Vinyl | $0.50 - $1.00 |
Grinding Concrete Floor Costs
Grinding costs typically run between $1 to $4 per square foot. This process prepares the concrete surface for subsequent polishing, which generally costs an additional $2 to $6 per square foot.
Polished Screed Floor Cost
Installing polished screed flooring ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot based on concrete condition.
Stained and Stenciled Concrete Floors
Staining can range from $5 to $15 per square foot, contingent on the job size, prep work, number of colors, and sophistication of the design.
| Level | Cost Per Square Foot | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $2 - $4 | Minimal prep, one color, final sealer. |
| Intermediate | $4 - $10 | Minimal design, one color, sealer. |
| Upgraded | $8 - $12 | Complex designs, various colors. |
| High-End | $12 - $25 | Custom designs, stencil work. |
Sealing Costs for Polished Concrete Floors
The cost of sealing a polished concrete floor ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot. While not compulsory, sealing provides additional protection against chemical spills, staining, and moisture.
Above Grade Concrete Floor Costs
Installing above-grade concrete floors necessitates a cement-board underlayment, which can add $2 to $5 per square foot to the overall expenditure.
Cost of Polished Concrete Floors vs. Alternatives
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Polished Concrete | $3 - $15 | Durable, easy to maintain, customizable. |
| Stained Concrete | $2 - $10 | Affordable but lower durability. |
| Tile | $10 - $50 | Water-resistant but slippery. |
| Hardwood | $7 - $25 | Requires maintenance and prone to moisture issues. |
| Epoxy | $4 - $10 | Great for garages, slips resistance. |
| Carpet | $2 - $8 | Comfortable but not as durable. |
| Vinyl | $2 - $10 | Easy to install, water-resistant. |
The decision regarding flooring materials requires careful consideration of their characteristics, costs, and maintenance requirements. For those interested in polished concrete, compare options like concrete diamond grinding pad supplier for sourcing quality materials.
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