Polished concrete has become one of the most sought-after flooring choices on the Gold Coast, and it is easy to see why. It delivers a sleek, contemporary finish that is incredibly durable, low-maintenance, and naturally cool underfoot — a real advantage in our subtropical climate. Whether you are building a new home, renovating an existing space, or upgrading a commercial fitout, polished concrete offers a sophisticated flooring solution that only improves with age. Concreters Gold Coast provides expert polished concrete services for residential and commercial clients across the region.
What We Offer
Polished concrete is not a single product — it is a range of finishes achieved through different grinding, densifying, and sealing techniques. We offer:
- Grind and seal — The most popular option for Gold Coast homes. The concrete surface is ground to your desired aggregate exposure level, then sealed with a high-performance coating. Grind and seal is faster to complete and more affordable than full mechanical polishing, while still delivering a beautiful, reflective floor.
- Mechanically polished concrete (MPC) — A multi-step grinding process using progressively finer diamond tooling to achieve a true polished finish from within the concrete itself, rather than from a coating on top. MPC floors are extremely hard-wearing and do not require recoating, though they cost more and take longer to complete.
- Honed concrete — Ground smooth with a matte or satin finish. Honed concrete reveals the aggregate beneath the surface without the high reflectivity of a polished floor. It is a popular choice for outdoor alfresco areas and transitional spaces. For outdoor applications, you may also consider an exposed aggregate finish.
Aggregate Exposure Levels
One of the unique aspects of polished concrete is that you control how much of the stone within the concrete is visible:
- Nil exposure (cream polish) — The surface is polished without grinding deep enough to expose aggregate. The result is a smooth, even finish that shows the cream cement layer.
- Minimal exposure (salt and pepper) — Light grinding reveals fine aggregate particles scattered across the surface, creating a subtle, textured appearance.
- Full exposure — Deeper grinding reveals the full stone aggregate within the mix, similar in appearance to exposed aggregate but with a smooth, polished surface.
Gloss Levels
We offer a range of sheen options from flat matte through to mirror-like high gloss. The most common choices on the Gold Coast are satin (a gentle sheen that is practical for living areas) and semi-gloss (a more noticeable reflective quality that works well in open-plan designs).
Our Process
- Consultation — We visit your property to assess the existing slab condition (or discuss specifications for a new pour). We talk through exposure levels, gloss options, and practical considerations like slip resistance for wet areas.
- Surface preparation — Existing coatings, adhesives, or imperfections are removed. If grinding an existing slab, we assess the concrete quality and depth to determine the best approach.
- Grinding — Using professional-grade planetary grinders (Husqvarna, Lavina), we grind the surface in multiple passes with progressively finer diamond segments. Dust extraction systems keep the workspace clean throughout.
- Densifying — A liquid chemical densifier is applied to the concrete, penetrating the surface and reacting with the calcium hydroxide to create a harder, denser floor. This step is essential for long-lasting polished floors.
- Polishing or sealing — For MPC, additional grinding passes with fine diamond tooling bring the floor to its final gloss. For grind and seal, a high-quality sealer is applied in controlled coats to achieve the desired sheen and protection.
- Final inspection — We walk the floor with you, checking consistency, gloss, and finish quality before handover. You receive care and maintenance instructions.
Why Choose Us for Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is a specialist trade that requires the right equipment, the right technique, and experience reading how different concrete mixes respond to grinding. Not all slabs polish the same way — variations in aggregate, mix design, and curing history affect the final result. Our team has the experience to assess these variables and adjust our approach to deliver a consistent, high-quality finish.
On the Gold Coast, polished concrete floors benefit from the climate. Concrete’s natural thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures, staying cool in summer and retaining warmth in winter. This makes polished floors a practical choice for the energy-conscious homeowner, not just an aesthetic one.
Concreters Gold Coast uses professional-grade equipment with integrated dust extraction, so the grinding process is clean and contained. We also coordinate with builders and other trades on new builds to ensure the slab is poured and finished to specifications that support a quality polish.
Pricing Guide
Polished concrete pricing on the Gold Coast depends on the finish type, the condition of the existing slab, and the area size:
- Grind and seal typically ranges from $80 to $130 per square metre, making it the most accessible option for residential projects.
- Mechanically polished concrete (MPC) ranges from $120 to $200 per square metre depending on the exposure level and gloss.
- Honed finishes sit between $90 and $140 per m², depending on the depth of grinding.
Additional costs may apply for old coating removal, crack repairs, or slab rectification work needed before polishing can begin. For a detailed comparison of the main options, read our guide on grind and seal vs mechanically polished concrete. For an accurate quote tailored to your project, contact us for a free on-site assessment.
