The Finishing Touch: Plain vs. Coated vs. Polished Concrete

Concrete, once relegated to the realm of industrial and utilitarian spaces, has become a versatile and stylish material in contemporary design. As concrete floors gain popularity, the choice of finish is a crucial decision that defines aesthetic and functional characteristics of a given space.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of plain, sealed, and polished concrete options.

Plain or raw concrete is the unadorned, natural state of this robust material. Often associated with industrial spaces, warehouses, and garages, plain concrete is appreciated for its minimalist and utilitarian appeal. It offers a rugged, unpretentious look that can be embraced for its raw authenticity. However, plain concrete is porous and susceptible to staining, making it less suitable for high-traffic areas without additional treatment.

• Industrial aesthetic

• Cost-effective

• Durable

• Prone to staining

• Requires regular maintenance

• Limited aesthetic variation

Sealing concrete involves applying a protective coating to the surface. This process enhances the concrete's resistance to moisture, stains, and abrasion. Sealers come in various types, including acrylic, epoxy, and polyurethane, each offering different levels of protection and aesthetics. Sealed concrete is a versatile option, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It can also be a clear sealer.

• Provides protection against stains and moisture

• Enhances color and adds a subtle sheen

• Extends the lifespan of the concrete

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Requires reapplication over time

• Initial cost varies based on the type of sealer

• Appearance may differ from the natural concrete look

Polished concrete takes plain concrete to a whole new level of refinement. Through a process of grinding, honing, and polishing the surface, a sleek and glossy finish is achieved. This process not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves the concrete's durability and resistance to wear and tear. Polished concrete is a popular choice for commercial spaces and upscale residential buildings.

• High aesthetic appeal

• Increased durability

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Reflective surface enhances lighting

• Initial installation cost is higher than plain concrete

• Requires professional expertise

• Susceptible to scratches

Upon review, each option reveals a balance of pros and cons. Stonhard took this into consideration when developing its Stoncrete epoxy flooring system, which achieves the highly desirable look aesthetic, but with a more durable, longer-lasting floor.

Stoncrete EFX, a troweled mortar system, is ideal for commercial spaces like school corridors, office spaces, upscale restaurants, retail stores, and many other environments, including industrial facility lobbies and corridors. It can be used in new flooring installation projects or to resurface existing floor surfaces like damaged polished concrete.

Three unique decorative aggregates give Stoncrete a beautiful design, with choices like 100% mirror glass, a blend of recycled amber glass, or domestically mined quartz.

Stoncrete EFX offers sought-after features like slip resistance, stain resistance, high-traffic durability, and easy maintenance.

Stonhard is the unprecedented world leader in manufacturing and installing high-performance polymer floor, wall and lining systems. Stonhard maintains 300 territory managers and 200 application teams worldwide who will work with you on design specification, project management, final walk-through and service after the sale. Stonhard’s single-source warranty covers both products and installation. Contact us to learn more about our precision installation methods and specialized products.