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Lay polished concrete.
Industrial polished concrete — for kitchens, garages, commercial and basement floors.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Random cracks
Without saw-cut control joints every 4m², concrete cracks unpredictably. Plan the joint pattern as a design feature.
Staining
Acidic substances (wine, citrus) etch unsealed concrete. Re-seal every 2–3 years.
Trip hazards at joints
Differential settlement can lip a saw-cut joint. Use micro-screed for level continuity.
Cold underfoot
Without UFH, concrete is cold to walk on. Always combine with UFH for habitable rooms.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Mechanical polish (existing slab)Per m²
£60–£140/m²
Micro-screed overlay per m²8–10mm
£80–£180/m²
Full new-pour polished slabIncluding substrate
£100–£250
UFH embedWet system pre-pour
£1.5k–£4.5k
Saw cuts (decorative)Per metre
£20–£50
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
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Flooring explained
Polished concrete is the contemporary industrial-look floor — seamless, hard-wearing, and modern. Expect to pay £80–£180 per m² fitted in the UK depending on whether it's a fresh pour or a mechanical polish of existing concrete.
What Does the Work Invovle?
Two main approaches. Mechanical polish: existing concrete slab is ground down with progressively finer diamond discs (start at 16-grit, finish at 3000-grit), exposing aggregate. Densifier and sealer applied. Saw-cuts in panels of 4m² to prevent random cracking. Micro-screed / poured polish: thin (8–10mm) self-levelling cementitious overlay is poured over existing floor, troweled smooth, polished and sealed. Faster, gives a smoother more uniform look.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical polish (existing slab) | 60 | 140 | Per m² |
| Micro-screed overlay per m² | 80 | 180 | 8–10mm |
| Full new-pour polished slab | 100 | 250 | Including substrate |
| Aggregate exposure upgrade | +30 | +80 | Show stones in mix |
| Pigmented concrete | +20 | +60 | Coloured mix |
| UFH embed | 1,500 | 4,500 | Wet system pre-pour |
| Saw cuts (decorative) | 20 | 50 | Per metre |
How Long Does It Take?
Micro-screed overlay 20 m²: 5–7 days (pour, cure, polish stages). Mechanical polish of existing slab: 7–10 days. Full new-pour with curing: 14–21 days.
DIY or Professional?
Specialist trade only. The grinding equipment is industrial (HTC, Husqvarna) and the dust suppression must be H-class. Mistakes (over-grinding, wrong densifier) are visible permanently.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
A polished concrete specialist — not a general builder. Ask to see previous installs in person. Brands of materials: Lithochrom, Resincoat, Ardex are the UK suppliers. Insist on warranty: 5+ years on the sealer.
UK Regulations
Building Regs Part E in flats — concrete floors typically meet dB requirements with acoustic mat underneath. Saw-cut control joints prevent random cracking.
Common Problems
- Random cracks: Without saw-cut control joints every 4m², concrete cracks unpredictably. Plan the joint pattern as a design feature.
- Staining: Acidic substances (wine, citrus) etch unsealed concrete. Re-seal every 2–3 years.
- Trip hazards at joints: Differential settlement can lip a saw-cut joint. Use micro-screed for level continuity.
- Cold underfoot: Without UFH, concrete is cold to walk on. Always combine with UFH for habitable rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mechanical or micro-screed polished concrete?
Mechanical: shows aggregate, more industrial look, polishes existing slab. Micro-screed: smoother more uniform finish, thinner (8mm so doesn't raise floor level much), better for retrofit.
Will polished concrete crack?
Concrete always cracks somewhere — the question is whether the cracks are designed (saw-cuts) or random. Quality installers plan the saw-cut pattern.
Can polished concrete be used with UFH?
Yes — concrete is the ideal floor for UFH. Heat conducts through perfectly. Specify UFH embedded in the slab before pouring.
How is it maintained?
Damp mop weekly with pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic cleaners which etch the surface. Re-seal every 2–3 years.
How thick is the slab?
Full slab: 100–150mm. Micro-screed overlay: 8–10mm above existing floor.
Will it suit my house style?
Best in modern open-plan, minimalist or industrial-style homes. Looks out of place in cottage or Victorian properties.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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