How Much Does Polished Concrete Flooring Cost on the Gold Coast?
A detailed cost guide for polished concrete flooring on the Gold Coast, covering grind and seal, mechanically polished options, and factors that affect pricing.
Daniel Mercer
Polished Concrete Flooring Costs on the Gold Coast
Polished concrete has become one of the most sought-after flooring options across the Gold Coast.
We see it everywhere from Burleigh cafes to luxury waterfront homes.
It is durable, low-maintenance, and perfectly suited to our subtropical climate where cool floors underfoot are a genuine luxury during the warmer months.
You likely want to know exactly what this investment looks like before calling for quotes.
Our team understands that accurate budgeting is the first step in any renovation or build.
So, how much does polished concrete flooring cost on the Gold Coast?
In this guide, we break down the real costs, the hidden variables, and the specific finish options available to you.
Pricing by Polish Level
The cost of polished concrete depends heavily on the level of finish you choose.
We typically categorise these into three distinct finishes, each with a different price point and functional purpose.
Grind and Seal
- $50-$80 per square metre
- The most affordable polished look
- The concrete is ground to a smooth finish and then sealed with a topical coating
- Provides a satin to semi-gloss appearance
- Good for residential areas with moderate foot traffic
This method is essentially a coating system.
The concrete itself isn’t the wear layer.
Instead, a topical sealer (usually polyurethane or epoxy) sits on top to protect the stone.
Our installers recommend this for internal garages or budget-conscious renovations where you want the look without the premium price tag.
You should know that this sealer will wear down over 5 to 7 years and require a re-coat.
Honed Concrete
- $70-$110 per square metre
- A mid-range option with a smooth, matte to low-sheen finish
- Ground with progressively finer diamond tooling
- Reveals some of the aggregate beneath the surface
- Popular in Gold Coast homes going for a natural, understated aesthetic
We almost exclusively use honed concrete for outdoor areas.
It is processed to a 60 or 120-grit level.
This leaves the surface grippy enough to meet Australian Standard slip ratings (usually P4 or P5), which is critical for pool surrounds and alfresco areas.
A penetrating sealer is applied here.
This soaks into the concrete rather than sitting on top, allowing the slab to breathe and preventing the “plastic” look of a topical sealer.
Mechanically Polished Concrete
- $100-$160 per square metre
- The premium option with a high-gloss, mirror-like finish
- Ground through multiple progressive steps using diamond tooling
- A chemical densifier is applied to harden and strengthen the surface
- The most durable and longest-lasting option
This is the true “supermarket floor” finish you might recognise.
We use heavy planetary grinders to refine the surface up to 3000 grit.
A chemical hardener (densifier) interacts with the lime in the concrete during this process.
The result is a floor that is physically harder than the original slab.
It is strictly for indoor use.
Total Project Cost Examples
You need to look at the total package rather than just the per-metre rate.
We have compiled typical project costs based on recent jobs in the region to help you estimate.
| Project | Area | Grind & Seal | Honed | Mechanically Polished |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lounge/dining | 40m² | $2,000-$3,200 | $2,800-$4,400 | $4,000-$6,400 |
| Open-plan living | 80m² | $4,000-$6,400 | $5,600-$8,800 | $8,000-$12,800 |
| Whole house | 150m² | $7,500-$12,000 | $10,500-$16,500 | $15,000-$24,000 |
| Commercial space | 200m² | $10,000-$16,000 | $14,000-$22,000 | $20,000-$32,000 |
Factors That Influence Cost
The base rate is just the starting point.
Every slab on the Gold Coast has unique characteristics that can shift the final price.
We assess these four specific variables during every site inspection.
Condition of the Existing Slab
If you’re polishing an existing concrete floor, its current condition matters enormously.
- New slab in good condition: Minimal preparation required, costs stay at the lower end.
- Older slab with minor imperfections: Some patching and repair needed, moderate cost increase.
- Slab with significant damage: Extensive repairs, levelling compounds, or overlay required before polishing can begin.
Our team frequently encounters slabs with carpet glue or tile bedding still attached.
Removing these layers requires aggressive concrete grinding.
You should budget an extra $20-$50 per square metre if your floor requires heavy grinding or grouting to fill cracks and pinholes.
Aggregate Exposure
The depth to which the concrete is ground affects both appearance and cost:
- Cream finish — minimal grinding, showing only the fine cement paste
- Salt and pepper — moderate grinding revealing fine aggregate specks
- Medium exposure — deeper grinding showing larger aggregate stones
- Full exposure — maximum grinding revealing the complete stone profile
Deeper grinding requires more time, more diamond tooling, and more passes.
We simply have to remove more material to expose the large river stones or quartz typical in Queensland mixes.
This increases labor and tooling costs.
Floor Area
Larger areas benefit from economies of scale.
The setup and mobilisation costs are spread across more square metres, bringing down the per-square-metre rate.
Projects under 30 square metres may attract a minimum charge or higher per-metre rate.
We have to transport 400kg grinders and dust extractors to the site regardless of the room size.
Colouring and Decorative Effects
Adding colour or decorative elements increases the cost:
- Integral colour (mixed in during the pour) — minimal additional cost if done during new slab construction
- Concrete dye — $10-$20 per square metre additional for single-colour application
- Stencilling or scoring — $15-$30 per square metre for decorative patterns cut into the surface
Location Within the Home
Polishing concrete in an existing home involves working around fixed elements like walls, cabinetry, and door frames.
The more complex the room shape and the more obstacles present, the more time-consuming and costly the work becomes.
Ground floor slabs are straightforward.
Upper-level suspended slabs may have different concrete mixes and characteristics that affect the polishing result.
We also have to factor in access for high-rise apartments in areas like Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
If a crane or specialized lift access is required for the machinery, that cost is passed on.
New Build vs Existing Slab
Polishing a New Slab
If you’re building a new home on the Gold Coast and planning polished concrete floors from the start, you have the advantage of specifying the right concrete mix for polishing.
We strongly advise asking your builder for a 32MPA concrete mix.
This is harder than the standard 20MPA or 25MPA house slab.
A harder slab polishes significantly better and holds its shine longer.
The concrete slab itself costs roughly the same as a standard house slab, with the polishing cost added on top.
Polishing an Existing Slab
Polishing an existing residential slab is absolutely possible, but the result depends on the concrete’s age, mix design, and current condition.
Some older slabs produce beautiful results with characterful aggregate patterns.
Others may have soft spots or patching that creates an uneven finish.
Our technicians often find “ghosting” where old ceramic tiles used to be.
The grid pattern of the old grout lines can sometimes remain faintly visible even after grinding.
A test grind (usually 1 to 2 square metres) before committing to the full project is highly recommended to see what the existing slab will look like when polished.
Ongoing Costs
One of the major advantages of polished concrete is its minimal ongoing maintenance cost.
You save money over the long term because there are no fibres to trap dirt or grout lines to scrub.
- Dust mopping — daily or as needed (free)
- Damp mopping — weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner ($50-$100 per year in cleaning products)
- Re-burnishing — every 3 to 5 years for mechanically polished floors ($15-$30 per square metre)
- Resealing — every 2 to 4 years for grind and seal floors ($8-$15 per square metre)
Compared to other premium flooring options — hardwood (sanding and recoating), tiles (grout cleaning and replacement), carpet (professional cleaning and eventual replacement) — polished concrete offers significantly lower lifetime costs.
We estimate the maintenance cost of polished concrete is roughly 60% less than carpet over a ten-year period.
Is Polished Concrete Worth the Investment?
For Gold Coast homes, polished concrete is an excellent long-term investment.
It handles humidity beautifully, stays cool in summer, is virtually indestructible in daily use, and offers a timeless aesthetic that won’t date.
When you factor in the 20-plus year lifespan with minimal maintenance, the total cost of ownership is often lower than carpet, timber, or even quality tiles.
We believe it delivers a premium look and feel that adds genuine value to your property.
Get in touch with a local specialist to arrange a site inspection and get a precise figure for your floor.
