Brisbane residents rejoice! There’s a new interior style that’s becoming increasingly popular in homes and establishments around Brisbane, and it’s called polished concrete. A highly sought-after interior style is now readily available in the city.
If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your property, then this may be the perfect option for you. Not only does polished concrete offer a sleek, modern look, but polished concrete flooring is also easy to maintain and durable.
Whether you are looking to update your home or business premises, polished concrete floors are definitely worth considering. Polished concrete flooring is a low-maintenance flooring option, but can add a touch of class to any interior.
A Brief History of Concrete
Concrete has been used in construction since ancient times, with the earliest known evidence of its use being seen in the form of a primitive sundial dating back to approximately 3000 B.C.E. The ancient Romans were among the first to use concrete on a large scale, and their innovations in the use of this material continue to influence modern concrete construction.
The major advancement in the use of concrete came during the Roman Empire. The Romans developed a form of concrete called “opus caementicium (Roman concrete),” or the hydraulic cement we know today, which was made from pozzolana, a volcanic ash found near Mount Vesuvius. This type of concrete was incredibly durable and allowed the Roman builders to construct structures that could withstand the wear and tear of time.
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th century brought further advances in concrete technology, particularly in Britain. This period saw a number of improvements to the strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness of concrete. The Romans also used concrete for constructing buildings, aqueducts, and roads and after the fall of the Roman Empire, the use of concrete declined for many centuries. It was not until the 19th century that concrete began to be used on a large scale again.
In the early 1800s, an English bricklayer named Joseph Aspdin developed a new type of cement by burning a mixture of limestone and clay in a kiln and grinding the resulting clinker into a fine powder. This cement, known as Portland cement, became the most widely used type of cement in the world and is still used in concrete construction today.
In the 20th century, advances in concrete technology led to the development of new types of concrete with improved strength and lifetime. Today, concrete is used in a wide variety of construction projects, from small residential foundations to large-scale commercial and industrial structures making it essential for building materials that continue to be an important part of modern construction.
What is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete is simply a form of concrete that has been treated, sanded, and polished to achieve a high gloss, polished surface. It is a type of flooring that involves grinding down the surface of a concrete slab to reveal the aggregate (small stones) within.
The concrete polishing process can be repeated with finer grits of diamond abrasives until the desired level of shine and smoothness is achieved. This process can be used on most forms of new or existing concrete, including interior floors and outdoor areas such as pools, driveways, and walkways.
The process of concrete polishing typically involves the following steps:
1. Preparation
The process isn’t just about grind-and-seal but the surface of the concrete slab should undergo a concrete floor preparation and be clean and free of any debris or imperfections. Any cracks or joints should be repaired before polishing begins.
2. Grinding
The concrete is ground down using diamond abrasives in a series of grits, starting with a coarse grit and progressing to a finer grit. The grit size per square metre determines the level of shine and smoothness that can be achieved.
3. Densifying
A chemical hardener is applied to the surface of the actual concrete to densify the slab and improve its strength. This is important to achieve a lasting shine.
4. Polishing
The concrete is mechanically polished using progressively finer grits of diamond abrasives until the desired level of shine and smoothness is achieved.
5. Sealing
The polished concrete floor is then sealed with a penetrating sealer to protect it from stains and wear.
It is important to follow the correct process and use the appropriate tools and equipment to achieve the desired results. It is also vital to follow all safety precautions when working with concrete and abrasive materials.
By using a combination of treatments, the concrete surface is enhanced to create a smooth, polished concrete look. And depending on your preference and desired finish, you may choose to have a matte finish or add colour to highlight certain features in your house or space.
What Makes Interior Design Imperative?
Interior design is an important part of any home or business as it sets the tone and atmosphere for the entire space. It can also help create a functional layout that maximizes the use of available space. For example, proper lighting and furniture placement can make a room feel larger than it actually is, while effective organization and storage solutions can help create a sense of order and calmness.
When incorporating polished concrete into your home’s design, it can be used as a great way to add visual appeal and texture to a space. The beauty of polished concrete lies in its simple yet elegant look that complements any decor style. Additionally, with proper sealing and maintenance, polished concrete can last for many years with minimal upkeep.
Maximised Space Through Floor Planning
By utilizing the right furniture placement, lighting, and organization solutions, floor planning can help create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. And polished concrete is an excellent flooring solution for maximizing space since it can be used to create a seamless look throughout your house or commercial property.
Improved Ambiance and Mood
The right design can also help create an atmosphere and ambiance that is relaxing, inviting, and comfortable. It sets the whole mood and flow of the house and with the use of a polished concrete floor, you can achieve a more contemporary look with its sleek surfaces and neutral colour palette. Additionally, polished concrete can help create an environment that is conducive to concentration and productivity.
Expressed Style and Design
The look of polished concrete flooring can be customised to fit any space or decor style. It can be used as a statement piece that stands out, or it can blend seamlessly into the background depending on your preference. From its texture and colour to its patterns and themes, you can have your own unique design that expresses your individual style.
Enhanced Modern Sense
Polished concrete floors add a modern and clean look to any space which can be further enhanced with the right lighting. With its sleek surfaces and neutral colour palette, polished concrete can create an atmosphere that is both stylish and sophisticated. It can also help open up small spaces as it reflects natural light, making them look larger than they actually are.
Polished Concrete Flooring Designs Now Available in Brisbane
Residential polished concrete floors have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their durability, versatility, and unique aesthetic. Polished concrete can be found in a variety of settings, including commercial buildings, retail spaces, and other large-range areas with high foot traffic. It is also a popular choice for exterior surfaces, such as driveways and patios.
One of the key benefits of polished concrete is its ability to be customized with different colors, patterns, and finishes to suit the specific design needs of a space. Its low maintenance requirements and long lifespan make it a cost-effective and sustainable flooring option. Overall, the stunning style of polished concrete adds a modern and sophisticated touch to any space.
If you are interested in incorporating polished concrete into your home or business, we have some of the best flooring designs in Brisbane. From subtle hues to bold colours and patterns, we have it here at Dynamic Concrete Solutions.
Mechanically Polished Concrete
Mechanical polishing is the most common method used to create a high-gloss finish on concrete surfaces. This process involves grinding and buffing the surface with diamond abrasives until it reaches the desired level of shine. The result is a beautiful, glossy floor that is highly durable and easy to maintain.
*sample picture of finished product*
Honed & Sealed Concrete
Honed concrete is the process of grinding and polishing a concrete surface to create a smooth finish with low light reflectivity. This finish can be used to achieve an aesthetically pleasing matte look or a more utilitarian industrial style. To complete the look, our team at Dynamic Concrete Solutions uses sealers to protect the surface from dirt and moisture.
*sample picture of finished product*
High-gloss Polished Concrete
High-gloss polished concrete is the ultimate flooring design. The process starts with a standard mechanical polish, but we take it one step further by adding a high-gloss sealer to give it a reflective sheen. This method creates an incredibly glossy and durable finish that requires minimal maintenance.
*sample picture of finished product*
Epoxy Coatings
Epoxy coatings are a popular flooring option for commercial spaces due to their durability and low-maintenance requirements. This type of coating is applied directly over the polished concrete surface, creating a seamless finish that can be customised with various colours and patterns.
*sample picture of finished product*
Feather Finish Concrete
Feather finish concrete is a popular choice for residential flooring due to its unique look and texture. This process involves grinding the surface with diamond abrasives until it achieves a matte finish that has subtle variations in colour and texture. It is a great option for those who want a rustic look without sacrificing the durability of concrete.
*sample picture of finished product*
Brisbane Concrete Polishing Company
Using the right techniques, tools, and materials to polish concrete can help enhance its beauty while making it more durable. With a little bit of effort and maintenance, your polished concrete floor will look great for many years to come.
Not only is it a great way to add visual appeal and texture to any space but it also offers numerous functional benefits that can help make your house or commercial property look more inviting and comfortable. It also won’t cost you an arm and a leg either as a polished concrete floor cost and installation in Brisbane is usually quite affordable.
It is important to remember, however, that polished concrete should be professionally installed in order to achieve optimal results. A professional contractor and flooring specialists must have the experience and expertise necessary to properly prepare the surface and apply an appropriate sealer to ensure a long-lasting and beautiful finish.
By working with a professional, you can be sure that your polished concrete floor will be installed correctly and look great for years to come. And no matter what kind of polished concrete design you’re looking for, Dynamic Concrete Solutions can help.
Our experienced team of professionals is here to provide you with the highest-quality polished concrete services in Brisbane. For any polished concrete flooring concerns, contact us today for a free quote and consultation, and let us take your space to the next level!