If you’re researching polished concrete price for a project, whether it’s a commercial unit, warehouse, or high-end retail space—you’ll quickly find a wide range of quotes. It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option. After all, polished concrete is just grinding the floor and making it shiny… right?

Not quite.

Polished concrete is a performance system. One that, if done properly, can last 10+ years with minimal maintenance. Done badly, it can fail in under 12 months.

So, before you decide based on price alone, here’s what you need to know.

What Affects Polished Concrete Price?

Polished concrete price varies for good reason. You’re not just paying for time on site—you’re paying for a combination of:

• Surface preparation (and how thorough it is)
• The number of grinding and polishing steps
• Quality of diamond tooling used
• Type and grade of densifiers and sealers
• Installer experience and equipment
• Crack and joint repair
• Desired gloss level and finish

A floor polished properly takes time, skill, and the right tools. Shortcuts reduce cost, but they also reduce longevity, clarity, and performance.

The Real Difference Is in the Finish

Many low-cost quotes rely on acrylic sealers or fast-track burnishing instead of true mechanical polishing. That might look acceptable on day one but within a few months, it’ll scratch, dull, or start to powder.

What you should really be asking is:

“What kind of polished concrete finish am I getting for the price?”

We recommend focusing on three measurable indicators of a true polished floor:

• Gloss Units (GU): Measures reflectivity. A high-gloss floor typically reads above 60 GU.
• DOI (Distinctness of Image): Measures how clearly reflections appear on the surface. Higher DOI = better clarity and refinement.
• Surface Profile & Consistency: A proper polish eliminates swirl marks, haze, and orange peel textures.

Cheaper quotes usually skip key steps, resulting in poor DOI, inconsistent gloss, and shorter life.

How Much Does Polished Concrete Cost?

Typical polished concrete prices range from £40–£180 per m², depending on:

• Floor condition and prep required
• Desired finish (satin, gloss, or high-gloss)
• Grout repair or crack infill
• Access and location
• Scale of the job

At Smart Floor UK, we provide itemised estimates and transparent breakdowns—not just a square metre rate. That way, you know what’s included and can make an informed decision.

Why Value Matters More Than Price

Here’s the truth: cutting corners to save £5 per metre today can cost you thousands in repairs or re-polishing down the line.

Our clients often come to us after experiencing premature failure from budget installs. Issues like:

• Dusting and poor stain resistance
• Flaky sealers that peel or discolour
• Soft edges and transitions that break down
• High maintenance costs

A proper polished concrete system not only performs it protects your investment.

Case in Point: Gloss That Lasts

At Smart Floor UK, we use:

 Industrial-grade densifiers like Ameripolish 3DHS or C2 Hard Blend
 High-clarity surface refinement grout from Metzger McGuire or Ameripolish 
 Diamond tooling designed for your concrete type
 Seal and stain protection tailored to your environment
 Gloss and DOI testing training to verify performance

We’ve delivered floors that hold a high gloss and DOI rating for years—because we don’t cut corners.

Final Word on Polished Concrete Price

When comparing quotes, it’s essential to ask:

• Is this a full mechanical polish or just a sealed floor?
• Are densifiers, grout, and stain protection included?
• What gloss or finish is being targeted?
• Is there any warranty or maintenance guidance offered?

Polished concrete price is important but it’s not the full story.

Looking for a lasting polished concrete finish?

 Email: info@smartflooruk.com
 Learn more: www.smartflooruk.com

For more information on Polished Concrete Price: Why It’s Not Just About the Price talk to Smartfloor UK