Polished Concrete in Petaluma, CA

What polished concrete is

Polished concrete is not a coating. It is the slab itself, ground with a series of progressively finer diamond tools until the surface becomes smooth and reflective. Along the way, we apply a densifier that soaks into the concrete and hardens it from within. A final guard seals the surface against stains. The result is a floor that is hard, easy to clean and very long-lasting, with a look that ranges from a soft satin to a high gloss.

Because there is no coating to peel, polished concrete is one of the most durable floors you can choose. It also fits the style of many homes and businesses in town, where natural materials like wood, brick and stone are part of the look.

Where it works best

Polished concrete is a strong choice for modern homes, remodels where the old flooring has been removed, basements, offices, showrooms, retail spaces and tasting rooms. It handles foot traffic, rolling chairs and carts very well. It is less suited to garages, where oil and hot tires can stain the surface, and to wet production areas that need a fully sealed, seamless floor. For those, we usually recommend a commercial epoxy system instead.

Choosing the look

You choose two things: how much aggregate shows and how much shine you want. A cream finish keeps the top paste layer and shows little or no stone. A salt-and-pepper finish exposes fine sand. A full aggregate finish grinds deeper to reveal the larger stones in the mix. Shine ranges from a low satin to a high gloss. We can also add dyes in earthy browns, grays or warm tones that work well with farmhouse and industrial interiors. Each slab is different, and the final look depends on the concrete you have, which is why we often grind a small test area first.

Old slabs and remodels

Many of our polished concrete jobs happen during remodels. When carpet, tile or vinyl comes up, the slab underneath often has glue, paint and old patches. We grind off the adhesive, fill cracks and holes and polish what remains. Some patches and cracks will always show, and many people like that character. Others prefer a more uniform look, and in that case we may suggest a dye or a different floor. We will be honest about what your slab can become.

Moisture and clay

Polished concrete breathes, so it handles slab moisture better than most coatings. That makes it a good option on damp slabs, which are common on the clay soils around town. Moisture can still affect dyes and guards, so we test before we start and choose products that suit the readings.

Caring for a polished floor

Daily care is a dust mop. Weekly, use a damp mop with a neutral cleaner made for polished concrete. Wipe up acidic spills like wine, vinegar and citrus quickly, since they can etch the surface. Mats at the doors keep grit from dulling the shine. Every few years, depending on traffic, a light burnish brings the floor back to like-new. There is no waxing or stripping, and no coating to replace.

Business spaces

For tasting rooms, offices and shops, polished concrete keeps cleaning costs low and stands up to years of foot traffic. We can work in phases or after hours, and since there is no long cure time, the space can usually go back into use as soon as we finish. We use dust-controlled equipment so the rest of the building stays clean.

Questions

Thinking about polished floors for your home or business? Book a free estimate. For outdoor slabs, see concrete sealing.

Polished floors also pair well with radiant heat, which is a popular upgrade in remodels and new builds. The slab holds warmth and releases it slowly, and there is no carpet or wood to block the heat. If you are planning radiant tubing, talk with us early so we can work with your builder on the slab mix and finish.