Cost is the question we are asked most. Polished concrete is priced per square metre, and the honest answer is that the rate depends on which finish you choose and what condition your slab is in. Here is what actually moves the price, so you can judge a quote properly.
What affects the price
- Finish type — grind and seal involves fewer steps than mechanically polished concrete, so it costs less per square metre
- Level of sheen — a higher gloss means more polishing passes, and more passes means more cost
- Floor area — larger open areas are usually cheaper per square metre than the same total area split across small rooms
- Layout complexity — multiple rooms, edges and doorways need handheld equipment to keep the finish consistent, which adds labour
- Existing floor covering — removing carpet, tiles, glue or coatings is a separate preparation cost
- Slab condition — cracks, holes and stains need treatment before polishing, and a poor slab may need an overlay first
Preparation is where quotes differ most
Floor preparation is the single biggest reason two quotes for "the same" job can look very different. Stripping old adhesive or levelling an uneven slab takes time and equipment, and skipping it is the most common cause of flooring failures. When you compare quotes, check what preparation each one actually includes.
Maintenance costs over time
Polished concrete is inexpensive to keep. Routine cleaning is a mop, water and a pH-neutral cleaner — avoid acidic or harsh products, which break down the finish. Beyond that, floors benefit from occasional professional attention rather than a frequent maintenance contract.
How often depends on traffic. A busy commercial entry will need attention sooner than a domestic living area. When a floor starts to look dull in the traffic paths, that is the signal.
Getting an accurate number
Because so much depends on your slab, the only reliable figure comes from looking at the actual floor. Send through the area in square metres, the number of rooms, what is currently on the floor and a few photos, and we can give you a realistic quote.
This guide is general information based on our experience on the Mornington Peninsula, not advice for a specific project. Every slab is different, product performance depends on the manufacturer’s specifications, and we assess each floor on site before quoting.
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