FAQS
Initial enquiries and questions prior to work commencement…
What is concrete grinding?
For an explanation, summary, and photos of concrete grinding, please see our page on concrete grinding.
I have removed tiles/carpet/floorboards and need the floor cleaned in preparation for the new flooring; can you do this?
Yes. Concrete grinding is the most efficient process for removing remaining glue and grout after existing floor coverings have been removed. The process is also the most effective way to prepare the surface for your new flooring.
My floor is above ground floor level; can it be ground?
It is best to discuss these details when you get in contact with us to determine what can be achieved.
The concrete floor I want ground has cracks/holes; can these be fixed?
Depending on severity and structural integrity of the concrete itself, we can incorporate a repair processes to fix a wide range of defects. If, and how, these defects need to be repaired will depend on the trade/product/material that is following the concrete grinding. These types of concerns are best assessed on site, and when you first contact us.
Can you grind vertical surfaces/stairs/steps?
Yes. However, any surface that is not horizontal needs to be assessed on site to determine what can be achieved.
How much does concrete grinding cost?
A few important details determine the cost and method of charge. For example, the size of the area, intricacy, access, desired result, condition of the concrete etc. These types of details will assist us in providing you a price guide over the phone or by email. Further to this, a site visit would be needed to provide an accurate quote.
What are your payment methods?
We accept electronic bank transfers. This will consist of a deposit payment prior to commencement of the works and a final payment after job completion.
What sort of access do you require?
The access required will vary depending on the equipment needed for your job. A site visit will determine what access will be required.
At which stage in my project do I grind the floors/What do I need to do to prepare the area for the work to commence?
There are beneficial times to conduct the grinding works. Sometimes the work is also broken into separate stages. It is best to get in contact with us to discuss and create a works plan.
Prior to the actual works commencing, we require the area to be cleared, available access for our truck and equipment, and no other trades or traffic to be in the designated area for the duration of the works.
How much notice do I need to give prior to the works commencing?
It is best to contact us to discuss availability.
Can you provide a quote from the plans?
Yes. However, a site visit is required prior to confirmation of the quote.
What information should I collect to assist with my initial enquiry?
Knowing the following details will assist us in providing you an initial price guide and timeframe for your project:
- Dimensions of the area/s
- Approximate m2
- Photos of the current area
- An approximate date of potential works commencement
- Location of the floor, e.g., ground floor or above, tight access, shared area.
- Reasons for requiring concrete grinding
- Drawings/plans of the floor if applicable
- Intended use for the floor, e.g., living space, workshop floor.
Regarding the process itself…
Can I do some of the process myself?
Concrete grinding is a very specialised process, and every step must be carried out correctly from start to finish. On any concrete slab, whether it has been partly worked on or not, we need to start at the initial stage and continue through the process. There is no reason or benefit to attempt to do any of the work yourself. The only exception to this would be if you are doing/organising the sealing of your floor yourself. In this case, we can provide the decorative concrete grinding in preparation for the slab to be sealed.
Is the process noisy?
The noise is comparable to any construction works involving equipment/machinery.
How long does the process take?
Various factors can influence work duration, e.g., site access, size of the area, available working hours, condition of the concrete etc. These types of details along with a site visit are required to estimate the works duration.
Will the process make a mess?
Our dust extraction equipment is very efficient, although as the dust is extremely fine, a final clean of the premises will typically be required following the works.
Can you grind hard up to walls and edges?
Yes. Our large machines handle the large areas of the floor, and all edge work is done by hand-held machines, including corners. Any walls/edges/cabinetry kickers/door tracks etc. that meet the floor may need to be repaired due to abrasion from these machines.
How much concrete do you grind off the surface?
This depends on the required finish for the floor and the condition of the concrete. As a guide, typically anywhere from 1mm to 10mm.
Is the grinding done dry or wet?
Dry. We use dust extraction equipment connected to all our machines. The dust is fed directly into sealed bags and disposed of appropriately.
Does the process produce any hazardous fumes/vapours?
No. We do not use any hazardous products when concrete grinding.
Can I live in my house/have the premises open for business while my floors are being ground?
No, not in the designated area that is being ground. We have heavy machinery in use, plus the floor requires no traffic to be on the area for the duration of the works.
Following job completion…
How long after the concrete has been ground can I walk on/use the floor?
The concrete is still porous once the grinding has been completed, traffic on the floor should be kept to a minimum until the final sealing/covering/painting has been laid/applied.
How do I protect the floor from other work traffic on the area?
Timing plays a big role. It is best to have the concrete grinding works commence when there is still sufficient access for the equipment, although as late in the project as possible to help prevent unnecessary traffic on the floor.
We recommend using a floor protection system such as Ramboard to cover the floor after completion of the grinding works if heavy work traffic/construction work is expected to take place on the area once the grinding has been completed. Products such as Ramboard are made of recycled cardboard and provide breathable, heavy duty, floor protection.
Are there any items I should not put on the freshly ground floors?
Materials such as timber/metal should not be stored on the surface as these can leech tannins/rust/oils onto the surface and create stains that are difficult to remove.
Any liquids that are either: highly acidic - citrus juice, vinegar, soft drinks etc.; or highly alkaline - bleach, oven cleaner, baking powder etc. These substances are not PH neutral and can affect the PH level of the concrete surface resulting in staining, marking or damage. They should be cleaned up immediately.
Avoid excess dirt. As the concrete is still porous at this stage, excess dirt can lead to staining and marking of the surface. Light, regular cleaning is recommended.
Initial enquiries and questions prior to work commencement…
What is pavilion finish concrete?
For an explanation, summary, and photos of pavilion finish concrete, please see our page on pavilion finish concrete.
Is pavilion finish concrete suitable for outdoor surfaces/sloped areas?
Yes, this is exactly what pavilion finish is designed for. This is our external version of polished concrete; it has a permanent texture etched into the surface to make it suitable for outdoor applications. We use a penetrating sealer to help protect the area from stains, while ensuring it does not add a slippery layer to the surface.
I have tiles on the area currently; can I have pavilion finish concrete?
If you have a concrete slab underneath your current floor covering, then yes, it is possible to achieve pavilion finish concrete. A section of the current floor covering will need to be pulled up, followed by a sample grind on the concrete that is underneath to determine the suitability and to give you a visual of what your floor could look like.
The concrete floor I want to have pavilion finish on has cracks/holes; can these be repaired?
The process for pavilion concrete can incorporate repair processes if needed. Depending on severity and the structural integrity of the concrete, we can repair a wide range of defects that already exist in your floor. These types of concerns are best assessed on site, and when you first contact us.
My floor is above ground floor level; can I have pavilion finish concrete?
It is best to discuss these details when you get in contact with us to determine what can be achieved.
Can I change/choose the colour of my concrete floor?
If you have an existing concrete surface, unfortunately no. Pavilion finish concrete is achieved using the concrete that is currently there. If you are at the initial stages of your project and the concrete has not been poured, this needs to be discussed with the contractor that is pouring your concrete.
Can you do pavilion finish on vertical surfaces/stairs/steps?
Yes. However, any surface that is not horizontal needs to be assessed on site to determine what can be achieved.
How do I know what my floor will look like?
If you have existing concrete, we conduct a small sample grind on the area to show a representation of the result. If you are in the initial stages of your project, and your concrete has not been poured yet, a sample concrete pour and grind will need to be conducted with the desired mix and finish to show a representation of the result.
I have a picture of a floor that I like; can I replicate it?
There are multiple elements that make up the result of a pavilion finish concrete floor. Required texture, stone exposure, the concrete colour, stone mix etc. It is best to present all these ideas/inspirations as early as possible in the conversation with us to determine what is achievable.
Can I see a sample of your work?
We don’t carry sample boards or have a showroom, as concrete has so many variables and a replication cannot always be guaranteed. We have many photos of previous jobs that may be similar to your job that we can send to you to view. Access to previous jobs to view in real life can be arranged depending on location and availability. Residential projects are usually photo representation only. We find the best way is to conduct a sample grind on the actual floor if it is an existing slab, or arrange a sample pour and grind of the required concrete for a new installation.
How much does pavilion finish concrete cost?
A few important details determine the cost and method of charge. For example, the size of the area, intricacy, access, desired result, condition of the concrete etc. These types of details will assist us in providing you a price guide over the phone or by email. Further to this, a site visit would be needed to provide an accurate quote.
What are your payment methods?
We accept electronic bank transfers. This will consist of a deposit payment prior to commencement of the works and a final payment after job completion.
What sort of access do you require?
The access will vary depending on the equipment needed for your job. A site visit will determine what access will be required.
At which stage in my project should I have the pavilion finish process done to the floors/What do I need to do to prepare the area for the work to commence?
Depending on the project itself, there are beneficial times to conduct the grinding and polishing works. Sometimes the work is also broken into separate stages. It is best to get in contact with us to discuss and create a works plan.
Prior to the actual works commencing, we require the area to be cleared, available access for our truck and equipment, and no other trades or traffic to be in the designated area for the duration of the works.
How much notice do I need to give prior to the works commencing?
It is best to contact us to discuss timeframes and availability.
What information should I collect to assist with my initial enquiry?
Knowing the following details will assist us in providing you an initial price guide and timeframe for your project:
- Dimensions of the area/s
- Approximate m2
- Photos of the current area/photos of the desired result
- An approximate date of potential works commencement
- Location of the floor, e.g., ground floor or above, tight access, shared area etc.
- Reasons for considering pavilion finish concrete
- Drawings/plans of the floor if applicable
- Intended use for the floor, e.g., entertaining area, pool surround etc.
Regarding the process itself…
Can I do some of the process myself?
Pavilion finish concrete is a very specialised process; every step must be carried out correctly from start to finish. On any concrete slab, whether it has been partly worked on or not, we need to start at the initial stage and continue through the process. There is no reason or benefit to attempt to do any of the work yourself. The only exception to this would be if you require the floor to be ground and you are doing/organising the sealing yourself. In this case, we can provide the decorative concrete grinding in preparation for the slab to be sealed.
Are the works noisy?
The noise is comparable to any construction works involving equipment/machinery.
How long does the process take?
Various factors can influence work duration, it is best to contact us to discuss timeframes.
Will the process make a mess?
Our dust extraction equipment is very efficient, although as the dust is extremely fine, a final clean of the premises will be required following the works. If we are grinding hard up to any edges/walls, these surfaces may need to be repaired where they meet the floor due to abrasion from the machines.
Can you grind and finish hard up to walls and edges?
Yes. Our large machines handle the large areas of the floor, and all edge work is done by hand-held machines, including corners. Any walls/edges/door tracks etc. that meet the floor may need to be repaired due to abrasion from these machines.
How much concrete do you grind off the surface?
This depends on the desired amount of stone exposure and the condition of the concrete floor. As a guide, typically anywhere from 1mm to 10mm.
Is the pavilion finish process done dry or wet?
- Dry. We use dust extraction equipment connected to all our machines. The dust is fed directly into sealed bags and disposed of appropriately.
- When we etch and wash the concrete, we incorporate water, and any remaining residue is cleaned up and disposed of appropriately.
Does the process produce any hazardous fumes/vapours?
The products used to etch the surface produce temporary vapours. We communicate with you in advance about when the etching will take place to ensure no one is in the immediate area during the process. We will also ensure there are no objects in range that could be affected by the etching process. The sealing products used are water based and there are produce no residual vapours/fumes.
Can I use my outdoor area/have the premises open for business while my floors are being worked on?
No, not in the designated area that is being polished. We have heavy machinery in use, plus the floor itself requires no traffic to be on the area for the duration of the works.
Following job completion and aftercare/maintenance…
How long after the pavilion finish concrete has been completed can I walk on/use the floor?
We recommend 24 hours before foot traffic/use of the floor. The area will be touch dry within a few hours of completion, although extended time is required for the sealer to dry within the pores of the concrete.
When can I drive on the area?
It is recommended to wait 96 hours before driving vehicles on the surface. This gives the sealer an efficient amount of time to cure.
How do I protect the finished floor from other trades/construction works on the area?
- We recommend using a floor protection system such as Ramboard to cover the floor if heavy work traffic/construction is expected to take place on the area after the floor has been completed. Products such as Ramboard are made of recycled cardboard and provide breathable, heavy duty, floor protection. Materials such as timber/metal should not be stored on the surface as these can leech tannins/rust/oils onto the surface and create stains that are difficult to remove.
- Excess dirt. Abrasion from excess dirt and dust can lead to premature wear and staining of the surface. Light, regular cleaning is recommended.
- Any timber/metal products that may leech tannins/rust/oils on to the concrete. These substances can penetrate the surface over time and create stains that are difficult to remove.
What is the best way to clean/maintain my new floor?
- Light, regular cleaning is best. For example, sweeping/hosing of the floor weekly, and wet scrubbing of the floor with a broom monthly using a PH neutral, enzyme floor cleaner.
- Clean up any spills immediately.
Are there any items I should not put on the floors?
Any liquids that are either: highly acidic - citrus juice, vinegar, soft drinks etc.; or highly alkaline - bleach, oven cleaner, baking powder etc. These substances are not PH neutral and can affect the PH level of the concrete surface resulting in staining, marking or damage. They should be cleaned up immediately.
Do I need to reseal the surface at any stage?
If correct maintenance and care of the floor is followed, the reapplication cycle of the penetrating sealer is approximately 2 to 4 years. It is a simple process that requires the floor to be cleared of obstructions and can be completed within a 24-hour window.
What happens if I damage an area of the finished floor? Can it be repaired?
Yes. The beauty of pavilion finish concrete is that it is achieved through a mechanical process, allowing it to be repaired and resealed in specific areas that will blend back into the surrounding floor. It is a simple process that requires the floor to be cleared of obstructions and can be completed within a 24-hour window.
Initial enquiries and questions prior to work commencement…
What is polished concrete?
For an explanation, summary, and photos of polished concrete, please see our page on polished concrete
Is polished concrete suitable for outdoor surfaces/sloped areas?
It is not recommended. Polished concrete is an exceptionally smooth and flat surface which does not mix well with slopes or areas that are exposed to weather, as it can become slippery when wet. It is not designed to hold up to the outside elements on a full-time basis. We recommend pavilion finish for outdoor areas.
Is polished concrete suitable for bathrooms?
It can be done, although is not recommended. Polished concrete is not designed for constant exposure to sitting water and can result in the floor becoming slippery when wet. Achieving water proofing compliance of the concrete slab needs to be discussed with the engineer/certifier prior to any decisions.
I have tiles/carpet/floorboards; can I have polished concrete??
If you have a concrete slab underneath your current floor covering, then yes, it is possible to achieve polished concrete. A section of the current floor covering will need to be pulled up, followed by a sample grind on the concrete that is underneath to determine the suitability and to give you a visual of what your polished floor could look like.
I have timber floors; can I have polished concrete?
We do not offer this as a service.
My floor is above ground floor level; can it be polished?
It is best to discuss these details when you get in contact with us to determine what can be achieved.
The concrete floor I want polished has cracks/holes; can this be fixed and polished?
The process for polished concrete includes extensive restoration processes. Depending on severity and the structural integrity of the concrete, we can repair a wide range of defects that already exist in your floor. These types of concerns are best assessed on site, and when you first contact us.
Can I choose the colour of my polished concrete floor?
If you have an existing concrete surface, unfortunately no. Polished concrete is achieved using the concrete that is currently there. If you are at the initial stages of your project and the concrete has not been poured, this needs to be discussed with the contractor that is pouring your concrete.
Can you polish vertical surfaces/stairs/steps?
Yes. However, any surface that is not horizontal needs to be assessed on site to determine what can be achieved.
Can you polish my benchtop/furniture?
We do not offer this service.
How do I know what my floor will look like?
If you have existing concrete, we will conduct a small sample grind on the area to show you a representation of the result. If you are in the initial stages of your project, and your concrete has not been poured yet, a sample concrete pour and grind will need to be conducted with the desired mix and finish to show you a representation of the result.
Can I see a sample of your work?
We don’t carry sample boards or have a showroom, as concrete has so many variables and a replication cannot always be guaranteed. We have many photos of previous jobs that may be similar to your job that we can send to you to view. Access to previous jobs to view in real life can be arranged depending on location and availability. Residential projects are usually photo representation only. We find the best way is to conduct a sample grind on the actual floor if it is an existing slab, or arrange a sample pour and grind of the required concrete for a new slab installation.
How much does polished concrete cost?
A few important details determine the cost and method of charge. For example, the size of the area, intricacy, access, desired result, condition of the concrete etc. These types of details will assist us in providing you a price guide over the phone or by email. Further to that, a site visit would be needed to provide an accurate quote.
What are your payment methods?
We accept electronic bank transfers. This will consist of a deposit payment prior to commencement of the works and a final payment after job completion.
What sort of access do you require?
The access required will vary depending on the equipment needed for your job. A site visit will determine what access will be required.
At which stage in my project do I polish the floors/What do I need to do to prepare the area for the work to commence?
- Depending on the project itself, there are beneficial times to conduct the grinding and polishing works. Sometimes the work is also broken into separate stages. It is best to get in contact with us to discuss and create a works plan.
- Prior to the actual works commencing, we require the area to be cleared, available access for our truck and equipment, and no other trades or traffic to be in the designated area for the duration of the works.
How much notice do I need to give prior to the works commencing?
It is best to contact us to discuss timeframes and availability.
What information should I collect to assist with my initial enquiry?
Knowing the following details will assist us in providing you an initial price guide and timeframe for your project:
- Dimensions of the area/s
- Approximate m2
- Photos of the current area/photos of the desired result
- An approximate date of potential works commencement
- Location of the floor, e.g. ground floor or above, tight access, shared area etc.
- Reasons for considering polished concrete
- Drawings/plans of the floor if applicable
- Intended use for the floor, e.g., living space, workshop floor etc.
Regarding the process itself…
Can I do some of the process myself?
Polished concrete is a very specialised process; every step must be carried out correctly from start to finish. On any concrete slab, whether it has been partly worked on or not, we need to start at the initial stage and continue through the process. There is no reason or benefit to attempt to do any of the work yourself. The only exception to this would be if you require the floor to be ground and you are doing/organising the sealing yourself. In this case, we can provide the decorative concrete grinding in preparation for the slab to be sealed.
Are the works noisy?
The noise is comparable to any construction works involving equipment/machinery.
How long does the process take?
Various factors can influence work duration, it is best to contact us to discuss timeframes.
Will the works make a mess?
Our dust extraction equipment is very efficient, although as the dust is extremely fine, a final clean of the premises will be required following the works. If we are polishing hard up to edges/walls/cabinetry kickers etc., these surfaces may need to be repaired where they meet the floor due to abrasion from the machines.
Can you polish hard up to walls and edges?
Yes. Our large machines handle the large areas of the floor, and all edge work is done by hand-held machines, including corners. Any walls/edges/cabinetry kickers/door tracks etc. that meet the floor may need to be repaired due to abrasion from these machines.
How much concrete do you grind off the surface?
This depends on the desired amount of stone exposure and the condition of the concrete floor. As a guide, typically anywhere from 1mm to 10mm.
Is the grinding done dry or wet?
Dry. We use dust extraction equipment connected to all our machines. The dust is fed directly into sealed bags and disposed of appropriately.
Does the process produce any hazardous fumes/vapours?
No. The products used are majority water based and there are no residual vapours/fumes.
Can I live in my house/have the premises open for business while my floors are being polished?
No, not in the designated area that is being polished. We have heavy machinery in use, plus the floor itself requires no traffic to be on the area for the duration of the works.
Following job completion and aftercare/maintenance…
How long after the concrete has been polished can I walk on/use the floor?
The floor must be kept free from liquids or floor coverings for 72 hours after completion. You can walk on the floor immediately after the final seal and buff has been completed.
How do I protect the finished floor from other trades/construction works?
We recommend using a floor protection system such as Ramboard to cover the floor if heavy work traffic/construction is expected to take place on the area after the floor has been completed. Products such as Ramboard are made of recycled cardboard and provide breathable, heavy duty, floor protection. Materials such as timber/metal should not be stored on the surface as these can leech tannins/rust/oils onto the surface and create stains that are difficult to remove.
What is the best way to clean/maintain my new floor?
- Light, regular cleaning is best. For example, dry micro-fibre mop/vacuum the floor weekly, and wet mop the floor every 2-4 weeks using a PH neutral, enzyme floor cleaner.
- Clean up spills immediately.
- Use door mats at all points of access to prevent excess dirt entering the area.
- If there are heavy areas of use, install a mat/rug to help minimise the concentrated traffic on these areas.
- Please note, as polished concrete is still a breathable surface, any floor covering must be able to breathe and not be rubber/solid backed.
Are there items I should not put on the polished floor?
- Any coverings that are not breathable – rubber backed mats, masking tape etc.; polished concrete is a breathable surface and suffocation can damage the surface.
- Any liquids that are either: highly acidic - citrus juice, vinegar, soft drinks etc.; or highly alkaline - bleach, oven cleaner, baking powder etc. These substances are not PH neutral and can affect the PH level of the concrete surface resulting in staining, marking or damage. They should be cleaned up immediately.
- Sitting water. Polished concrete is not designed to hold sitting water over prolonged periods of time, as it can start to deteriorate the surface.
- Excess dirt. Abrasion from excess dirt and dust can lead to premature wear of the surface. Light, regular cleaning is recommended.
Do I need to reseal the surface at any stage?
If correct maintenance and care of the floor is followed, the reapplication cycle of the impregnating sealer is approximately 5 to 8 years. It is a simple process that requires the floor to be cleared of obstructions and can be completed within a 24-hour window.
What happens if I damage an area of the finished floor? Can it be repaired?
Yes. The beauty of polished concrete is that it is achieved through a mechanical process, allowing it to be repaired and repolished in specific areas that will blend back into the surrounding floor.
Discuss your next project with us today!
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