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Polished Concrete Floors in Christchurch: Pros, Cons & Everything You Need to Know
Whether you are building a new house or renovating your old one, installing Polished Concrete on your Floor is an option you simply cannot overlook. Its modern aesthetics, sleek finish combined with exceptional durability and low maintenance makes it a popular flooring solution across Christchurch.
In this blog, we will discuss what Modern Polished Concrete Floors are, their pros and cons, the cost you have to incur, their best use cases and tips for long-term care.
What Are Polished Concrete Floors?
Polished Concrete Floors are gradually getting popular in Christchurch due to aesthetic appeal, longevity, low-maintenance and environmental benefits. These floors are suitable for commercial, residential and industrial spaces alike.
The floors are created by initially removing the top layer of the concrete through the process of grinding and honing. For this process, builders use industrial-grade machinery and diamond abrasives. Then the surface is polished in order to achieve a smooth, reflective, and sealed finish.
Polishing can also include these features as per your requirement:
- Exposed aggregate for a terrazzo-like finish
- Stains or dyes to add colour
- Gloss level options (such as matte, satin, or high-gloss)
Browse Through The Pros of Polished Concrete Floors
Durability & Strength
Polished Concrete Floors in Christchurch are extremely durable and can survive for decades without fading or getting damaged. Its strength and toughness makes it ideal for garages, warehouses, showrooms, and kitchens because these areas observe high-traffic.
Low Maintenance
Another major advantage of these floors is their low maintenance nature. Once sealed and polished, these floors do not require any waxing or refinishing. They are also resistant to spills and stains and easily cleanable using just water and a mop, making them ideal for commercial spaces or busy households.
Sleek, Modern Looks
Polished Concrete Floors offer a minimalistic clean and sleek look that goes well with modern architectural style. They can also be designed by adding custom patterns, tints of various colours, and including exposed stones. All these features enhance the appearance and reflective qualities of the floor.
Cost-Effective in the Long Run
While the initial Cost of Polished Concrete Floors in NZ may be high, they make financial sense in the long run. They require fewer repairs, do not need any form of coatings or replacements and offer long-term savings in cleaning and maintenance.
Eco-Friendly
Polished concrete is environmentally friendly and sustainable because it uses the same concrete slab and no extra new materials. It also improves light reflectivity due to its glossy nature reducing artificial lighting needs. Furthermore, when using water-based sealers these floors can be made VOC-free, thereby not negatively affecting air quality and human health.
Allergy-Friendly
Another major advantage of Polished Concrete Floors is that they do not trap allergens such as pollen and dust like carpets do. Due to this allergy friendliness, these floors are great for families, commercial buildings and health-care facilities.
Check Out the Cons of Polished Concrete Floors
While Modern Polished Concrete Floors offer multiple benefits, they are also not entirely perfect. Here are some of the disadvantages they possess:
Rigid Surface
Since concrete provides a hard solid ground, it can cause discomfort to individuals who have to stand for long stretches of time. It is also quite unforgiving to children, aged people and fragile things when they fall.
Cold Underfoot
Polished Concrete Floors in Christchurch can be a hassle during the winter months. Since concrete does not retain heat like tiles, these floors will feel chilly unless combined with underfloor heating.
Cracks May Appear
While concrete floors require minimal maintenance, you may see cracks appearing on them over time. This happens because concrete can naturally shrink and expand. Although most cracks are minor and cosmetic, they will still hamper the look of the floor.
Requires Professional Installation
One of the reasons why the Cost of Polished Concrete Floor is so high is that you need professional installation to set them up. DIY will not be a good idea because these floors require specialised grinding equipment, and professional grade sealing. You must hire an experienced flooring contractor like Concrete Sealing and Grinding to avoid poor finishes.
Cost of Polished Concrete Floors in Christchurch
The cost to set up polished concrete floors depends on multiple factors. They include:
- The size and shape of the floor
- The type of finish and level of gloss
- Exposure of aggregate
- How much prep work is required
Average Cost of Polished Concrete Floors in NZ is
Type of Finish Estimated Cost (per m²)
| Type of Finish | Estimated Cost (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Basic polish (grind & seal) | $60 to $80 |
| Medium exposure finish | $80 to $110 |
| Full stone exposure | $100 to $140+ |
These quotes must include the cost of sealing, edge detailing, and polishing. You must also ask for samples or images of past jobs.
Which Areas Are Ideal for Polished Concrete Floors?
Residential Purposes
- Open-plan living spaces
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Entryways and hallways
- Internal garages
Commercial Uses
- Retail showrooms
- Office lobbies
- Hair salons
- Hospitality venues
Industrial Needs
- Warehouses
- Workshops
- Distribution centres
Care & Maintenance Tips for Polished Concrete Floors
While Polished Concrete Floor is significantly easy to maintain, it still some needs upkeep to maintain its look:
- You should mop or sweep gently daily to prevent grit build-up
- You must use wet mop on a weekly basis with pH-neutral cleaner
- Definitely avoid harsh chemicals since it can take away the shine
- You should place rugs or mats to reduce wear on the floors
- You must reseal every 2 to 5 years depending on the foot-traffic
How Will You Choose The Right Contractor in Christchurch?
When you will be hiring a professional contractor to install Polished Concrete Floors in Christchurch, you should remember these things:
- Always ask for certification and insurance
- You must check Google reviews or local referrals for good measure
- You should request a detailed breakdown of the services provided
- View pictures of previous projects of concrete work
Conclusion
Polished Concrete Floors are a modern, stylish and durable flooring solution that are perfect for homes, businesses, and warehouses in Christchurch. These floors can withstand heavy foot-traffic without needing a lot of maintenance. They offer a clean look and minimalistic vibe for contemporary homes.