Although the majority of our work is based around the industrial and commercial markets, polished concrete is becoming increasingly popular within residential projects. It can look fabulous in new build properties, as well as renovations and gives the opportunity of a modern, minimalist look without having to live in a converted warehouse!
Understandably, residential works are more often than not, on a smaller scale and limited to using standard mains power. This isn’t a problem for us, as we have a number of 110v grinder/ polishers which are suitable for small areas, and we can supply a 5KVA Transformer so you can run straight off a mains socket, without the hassle of having to also hire in a generator. Edgework is really important too, especially when it’s in your home. We run variable speed 125mm hand grinder/polishers too, which are ideal for edges, and any tight spots that the main grinder isn’t able to reach.
However, there are a number of things to consider before you make the decision to have polished concrete in your home.
Firstly, you need to decide how you want the finished floor to look.
Do you want to expose the aggregate, or would you rather a smoother, more honed finish.. This decision is personal choice, and how you envisage the aesthetics of the room, however there are cost implications too. If you like the idea of exposing the aggregate, you will most likely require a two stage grind, and then work your way up the grit sizes when polishing to create your desired finish, therefore requiring more diamond tooling.
Secondly, it is important to remember that concrete is a natural product; as with wood, it is unlikely you will achieve a “uniform” finish.
When discussing your concrete mix with your supplier, this is the time to consider colour and aggregate size. In addition, be sure to communicate with whoever is laying your slab, that you intend for it to be your finished floor. This will hopefully ensure an even distribution of aggregate, and lessen the likelihood of a footprint in the middle of your lovely new kitchen/diner.
How long will my project take to complete?
As with any trade, it takes years of experience to complete a project to the customers satisfaction, but also in a timely and cost effective manner. It is difficult to estimate how quickly an amateur will achieve this, but one thing we always encourage customers to do, is to take your time on the grinding stages. You will reap the rewards of the work you put in at this stage, once you come to polishing.
How long will the diamonds last?
Again, this is a difficult one to estimate. This is down to how abrasive your concrete is. As with the point above, if you rush through the grinding stages, you are more likely to wear down your polishing diamonds a lot quicker.
How can I limit dust?
All of our machinery is compatible with our dust extraction units. They come fitted with a heavy duty, anti-static hose as standard, and fit directly onto the machines whilst grinding. For residential works, we always recommend adding on an additional wand and floor head. These also attach directly to the hose, and aid in picking up and remaining surface dust.
Why should I hire from Concept?
If you’ve reached this point in our blog post, we would make the assumption that you’re pretty serious about considering polished concrete for a residential setting. We would also make the assumption that you’ve probably realised we aren’t like the majority of other hire companies. We take polished concrete and surface preparation seriously, it’s what were good at and it’s what we focus our knowledge and expertise on. We are much more than just another hire company, we are with our customers every step of the way and it is just as important to us that you achieve your desired finish, as it is to you.
