Polished Concrete

 

The ultimate flooring preference. Concrete is a composition of stone and cement paste that has been polished since Roman times.

POLISHED CONCRETE FOR RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS

Traditionally, concrete floors have been covered by a variety of floor coverings, surface coatings or sealers, timber boards or vinyls. When considering the lifespan of the covering, this process represents expensive installation, ongoing maintenance and eventual replacement costs, however, in all circumstances the underlying structural concrete remains. Polishing the concrete substantially reduces the long-term expenditure by converting the existing concrete into an economical, durable and low maintenance finished surface, able to withstand the toughest of traffic whilst producing spectacular visual appeal.

McNaughton Building specialises in polished concrete. Although typically suited to modern homes and apartments, polished concrete is quickly extending outside these applications and into a broader range of different home styles by using centuries old materials together with new and improved methods.

McNaughton Building can transform your existing concrete floor into a glass-like finish which is smooth, low maintenance and cost effective by using state of the art diamond polishing tools. Instead of covering your existing concrete with carpet, tiles or vinyl which increase harmful bacterial and allergen levels in your home, why not protect yourself and family by polishing the existing concrete.

Some polished concrete facts-

• Polished concrete is virtually maintenance free, no harsh chemicals or detergents are required
• Polished concrete is durable, resistant to traffic and spills with a luxuriously smooth surface that does not trap allergens or toxins as its a natural material which improves the quality of your air
• Floor finishes can be extremely high-gloss, semi-gloss or matt finish which will brighten any living space in your home
• Our polished concrete is so durable we will back it with a 10 year warranty!
• New or existing concrete can be polished, with endless creative posiblities with new slabs, using oxides, feature aggregates or glass/shells
• Cost competitive with minimal maintenance and maximum durability
• Seamless
• Excellent life-cycle costing
• Exterior surfaces can be sealed with durable non-slip coating
• Wet areas should be waterproofed first then a topping slab applied and  polished, also using a non-slip sealer

 

THE CONCRETE GRINDING and POLISHING PROCESS

Initial Grind

A diamond polished concrete floor is a very time consuming process if done correctly, this is due to the fact that there are at least 10 steps involved. The general rule is to start the initial grinding with a coarse grit diamond and finish with a smooth grit to the level of polish required. These diamonds are impregnated inside a metal or resin bonded segment.

Simply put, polishing concrete is similar to sanding wood. Heavy duty polishing machines equipped with progressivley finer grits of the diamond impregnated segments or discs (akin to sandpaper) are used to gradually grind down surfaces to the derired degree of shine and smoothness. The process begins with the use of coarse diamond segments which are coarse enough to remove minor pits, blemishes, stains or previous light coatings from the floor in preparation for final smoothing. Depending on the condition of the concrete, this initial rough grinding is generally a three-to-four step process.

Densifying the Concrete

A deep penetrating hardener called a densifier is used to saturate the concrete floor after the initial grind and during the polishing process. This increases the integrity of the concrete up to 10 times its original density – transforming porous floors into a dense surface thats inhibits water, oil, and other contaminants from penetrating the surface. More importantly, a densifier adds abrasion.impact resistance to a concrete floor and reduces overall maintenance.

Concrete Polishing

We then start the polishing process with a 50 grit size diamond resin pad instead of a metal segment. When using the resin pads the steps may be 100,200,400,800 grit through to 3000 grit for highly polished surfaces. Densifier can be used throughout this process, and a grouting chemical is also used after initial grinding to fill holes, cracks or imperfections. Clear resin can also be used for this. If the floor is polished to a 3000 grit mirror finish, an impregnating, natural-look sealer is used, or if only polished to a 400 grit (most internal rooms), an acrylic sealer then acrylic glaze applied, with deep wet look characteristics, and non-slip to Australian Standards.

PROJECTS

Hughes/Sullivan Residence, Bingie NSW

New residence with all floor surfaces polished (excluding bathrooms). A semi exposed aggregate desired and achieved, sealed with acrylic sealer and over coated with acrylic Glaze for deep wet-look, but non slip to Australian standards.

Askin residence, Mossy Point NSW.

3 different, adjoining slabs within the single renovation. The grind and polished concrete creating a seamless finish across all three, with floor levels even. Different patterns and colours in all three slabs, but unique and visually stimulating!

Finished with acrylic sealer and acrylic Glaze creating deep wet-look and can be re-sealed over the top in years to come.

Testimonial

Hi Mal,

floor looks spectacular!

All in all we are very pleased and impressed that you got the job done in time frame. We can now see the end in sight for our reno.

Lyndel Askin

Extension, Moryua Heads NSW

Additional, separate room using basic concrete and creating a fantastic, unique surface. Finished with a combination Bees-wax and Gum turpentine.

POLISHED CONCRETE FOR COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Commercial spaces are typically a challenging environment which requires a flooring system that is resilient and practical.

Polished concrete, unlike other more traditional flooring systems creates a balance between beauty and practicality. The glass mirror-like effect of polished concrete is solid, yet durable and low maintenance.

McNaughton Building can offer concrete polishing solutions tailored to suit any commercial project which will deliver:

• Versatility for small and large commercial environments with a large range of different finishes
• Polished concrete is extremely low maintenance, cost effective and creates an eco-friendly working environnment for employees
• McNaughton Building can provide extremely high-gloss finish which brightens any workspace.
• Polished concrete is highly durable to foot or industrial traffic, resistant to stains, and provides a luxurious smooth finish.

McNaughton Building can cater for any large or small sized commercial project finish requirements, by grinding and polishing the existing concrete also removing any existing surface such as tiles, laminate,vinyl, resins, concrete toppings and epoxies, producing a practical surface which is ideal for an unlimited range of different business types.

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

 

Blue Heron Cafe, Moruya NSW

Small external area for food consumption, finished with a smooth grind (for non-slip) and small stairway, including risers.

 

 

 

RANGE OF COLOURS/ADDITIVES

 

 

 

 

BENCHTOPS

Concrete can be used to create interesting, durable benchtops, for kitchens, bars, bathrooms and laundrys or wherever required. Any shape and from, with any combination of materials including feature rocks, glass, shells.