You've envisioned the sleek, modern aesthetic of polished concrete floors for your new build, and you already know it's the perfect choice for your space. But achieving that flawless finish, whether you're dreaming of a subtle burnished concrete floor, a stylish salt and pepper polished concrete, or a more exposed medium aggregate polished concrete or full aggregate polished concrete look, requires careful planning.

Polishing a new concrete slab can be a cost-effective way to achieve a beautiful and durable floor, as it typically requires less intensive work compared to polishing existing concrete. However, before your new concrete slab is poured, there are crucial factors to consider ensuring it's ideally suited for a stunning polished finish. From concrete mix specifications and slab preparation to the best practices for curing and protection, understanding these details during the build phase is key to unlocking the true beauty and longevity of your polished concrete floors

Polishing a new concrete slab can be a cost-effective way to achieve a beautiful and durable floor, as it typically requires less intensive work compared to polishing existing concrete. However, there are several crucial factors to consider during the concrete pouring and finishing stages to ensure optimal results.

* Concrete Mix Design: For a high-quality polished concrete floor, the concrete mix should have a minimum compressive strength of 32 megapascals (MPa). This measurement indicates the concrete's resistance to pressure and is essential for long-term durability and polish ability.

* Full Depth Pour: The concrete should always be poured to its full intended depth. This maximises the concrete's structural integrity and helps to prevent cracking, ensuring a stable and long-lasting polished surface.

* Professional Power Trowel Finish: The concrete surface must be professionally finished using power trowels. This creates a smooth, dense, and level surface that is ideal for the subsequent polishing process.

* Proper Curing: Adequate curing is critical for the strength and durability of the concrete. The newly poured slab should be properly cured with water for a minimum of seven days to allow the concrete to hydrate and reach its full strength. Polishing should not commence until the concrete is fully cured, which typically takes 3-4 weeks.

* Decorative Aggregates (Optional): New concrete slabs offer the exciting opportunity to incorporate decorative aggregates, allowing for a wide range of unique aesthetic appearances. These aggregates, often sized around 20mm, can include materials like pebbles, glass chips, seashells, or even metal fragments. These are typically broadcast onto the surface of the wet concrete during the finishing phase.

* Early Builder Awareness: It is crucial for builders to be informed as early as possible if a concrete slab is intended for polishing. This ensures that the final finishing is executed to the highest possible standard, facilitating a superior polished result.

If you are considering polished concrete flooring for your new build, we strongly recommend discussing your options with an experienced concreter or builder early in the project. Once the concrete slab has been properly poured, finished, and cured, Bluestone Polish Concrete Floor is ready to provide you with the finest polished concrete floor finish you envision.

We are always happy to consult with you and your builder to discuss the best approach for your new concrete slab, ensuring a stunning and durable polished concrete floor that perfectly suits your project and budget.