Imagine entering a room that feels wide open, bright, and awesomely modern yet rooted in timeless simplicity. The floor beneath your feet is more than just something to stand on; it adds style and character to your home or business. That is the secret beauty of polished concrete flooring: they are strong, versatile, economical and made to last.
Renovating a warehouse in Sydney, renovating the home in Melbourne or specifying finishes of a Brisbane boutique café, polished concrete is Australia’s most promising and fastest growing flooring choice. In this guide, we’ll break down why that is, from benefits and design options to straight-up expert opinions you can rely on.
Polished concrete is not just a new flooring option; it’s a floor you never have to worry about throughout the life of your home.
With a mechanical polishing process, concrete becomes extremely durable and scratch-resistant; it can withstand heavy foot traffic and is just about ideal for any usage at home or in a commercial space. This durability makes it perfect for spaces such as living rooms, garages, showrooms and even commercial areas that receive high traffic levels.
Unlike surfaces that age while wearing out, say, linoleum or laminate countertops after a decade or two of use and tear, polished concrete only gets stronger, not weaker.
Maintaining polished concrete is also one of the reasons that it’s such a popular flooring option. And because it doesn’t contain grout or carpet, which would otherwise trap dust, grout and spills, polished concrete is a smooth surface that does not attract stains and will not harbour dirt. As for cleaning, just regular sweeping and a soft mop are enough to keep the floor looking like new.
Not only does this simplicity save time, but it also saves on cleaning costs, a huge bonus in busy homes and commercial environments.
How about polished concrete as a garage or basement floor? At first glance, it might seem as though polished concrete has more of an upfront cost than other flooring types, but here’s the thing: Its long-term value is nothing short of remarkable.
When Mother Nature eventually knocks on their door, owners of polished concrete slabs discover that the product will outlast hardwoods, tiles, vinyl or carpet by decades and rarely requires expensive repair work. When you add very low replacement requirements and far less maintenance than other flooring options, it's no wonder polished concrete is one of the cheapest alternatives for upstairs floors.
Concrete is no longer exclusively grey and geographically industrial. Today’s polished concrete is available in a variety of styles from old-school matte to high-gloss mirror finish — and can be stained different colours, or have crushed glass or other aggregates exposed.
That flexibility opens up options such as these:
Comfy and cosy for laid-back living
Smooth and polished for modern homes
Designer collection with unique patterns available for boutiques and galleries
It’s a canvas that conforms to your vision, be it minimalist, bold or anywhere in between.
Polished concrete floors have a very reflective surface, so they literally bounce light around your room. It can help spaces feel brighter and more open — no small thing in a dark corner or upstairs in a cramped urban layout.
Extra natural light isn’t just lovely; it can also cut down on the need to have lights on during the day.
In a universe where sustainability counts, polished concrete is right up there. Instead of another flooring product being installed, the slab on grade is, for once, your finished floor, thus reducing waste and using fewer natural resources.
Add to that:
No harmful adhesives
Low VOC sealers or coatings
Improved indoor air quality
Stylish residence, commercial showroom and retail boutique or even the local coffee shop; all will adore the dark, simplistic, subtle hues of polished concrete. Sturdy and stylishly versatile, it’s equally at home in a comfy lounge room or high-traffic boutique.
Polished concrete isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here are your design favourites:
Matte Finish
A hint of luster is a dream in rooms that crave an ultra soft look.A hint oflustre,r a dream in rooms that crave an ultra soft look.
Satin Finish
Gloss, that’s how it should be, not too shiny nor too dull. Excellent for home and today's modern workplace.
High-Gloss Mirror
Super reflective, dramatic and with a luxury-loving bias, great for showrooms and premium spaces.
Custom Colours & Stains
Customise with pops of colour wash, earthy shades or a smoky look.
Aggregate Features
Reveal stones, glass or shells in the concrete for dynamic and unique finishes.
Whatever your vision, professional installers can help you select the look that best suits your space and lifestyle.
No matter where you live in Australia, whether it’s the stylish café interiors of Melbourne or the sleek, modern architecture of Perth, polished concrete floors remain popular as a beautiful and practical design solution for Australian homes.
It’s more than just a floor; it’s the foundation for your future. With good looks that require only a little looking after, longevity that won’t be enjoyed at the expense of future generations and real cost benefits, polished concrete is challenging our attitudes to what we believe interiors should be.
1. How much do polished concrete floors cost in Melbourne?
On average, polished concrete floors in Melbourne will be priced between $50 and $120 per square metre. This includes being ground back the required number of times and polished at your chosen level of finish, as well as any decorative options you may wish to add,d including staining or scoring.
Can you mop a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete floors can be mopped with clean water or a light, pH-neutral cleaner to keep them looking shiny.
How long do polished concrete floors last?
A polished concrete floor can last up to 20 years or more, if properly maintained, which makes it one of the very best value-for-money options.