How Much Do Polished Concrete Floors Cost?

Cost of Polished Concrete Floor

A polished concrete floor costs $2,690 on average, with most homeowners paying between $1,540 and $3,840. Polishing 200 square feet of existing concrete could cost anywhere from $600 to $6,000, or up to $6,600 if you need concrete poured.

Prices depend on five main factors:

1. Condition of the concrete: Extensive surface repair can add up to $2 per square foot.

2. Level of concrete grinding: The level of grinding determines the sheen your finished concrete floor will have.

3. Floor size: Floor location is also an important factor.

4. Design: The more elaborate your design, the more it will cost.

5. Floors on or above grade: Installing a cement underlayment can add $2 to $3 per square foot to the total cost.

Concrete Floor Cost Estimator

Polished Concrete Floor Cost Per Square Foot

Most polished concrete floor jobs cost between $3 and $8 per square foot but may run as high as $15 to $30 per square foot. Expect higher costs if you need concrete repairs or to pour a new slab. Your costs will also increase if you choose an intricate design.

In general, here is what you can expect for various designs:

• For $2 to $6 per square foot, you can expect to get a basic design with one layer of stain polished to a beautiful sheen.

• For $5 to $8 per square foot, you can expect some more design elements, scoring and perhaps more than one type of coloring for your floor.

• For $8 to $15 per square foot, you can expect more elaborate designs, advanced coloring and artistic patterns.

Cement Floors Cost

Cement is actually an ingredient in concrete so the average cost range is still between $3 and $8 per square foot. You actually can’t build anything out of cement alone!

Finished Concrete Floors Cost

Finished concrete floors cost between $3 and $8 per square foot but certain designs might cost up to $15 per square foot.

Cost of Concrete Floors That Look Like Wood

Expect to pay between $3 and $6 per square foot for concrete floors that look like wood. While hardwood flooring costs between $6 and $12 per square foot, you can often cut your costs in half by opting for concrete stamping. Professional contractors stamp and finish the floor to resemble hardwood.

Stained Concrete Floors

The cost to stain concrete floors runs from $2 to $10 per square foot, but could cost up to $15 per square foot. One layer of stain will run on the lower end ($2 to $4 per square foot). High-end prices come with more layers and design.

Painted Concrete Floors

Painting and sealing concrete costs around $2 per square foot, ranging from $1.50 to $3 per square foot. Some people opt for Epoxy sealing instead of polishing, but you can’t do both. Paint needs texture to stick to the concrete. It won’t last (especially on the floor where there’s a lot of foot traffic) if applied to a smooth surface.

Cost to Grind Concrete Floor

Grinding a concrete floor averages between $1 to $4 per square foot. Highly polished floors cost more because they require more grinding and polish. A matte finish won’t need as much grinding and costs less.

Sealed Concrete Flooring Cost

Just sealing (and not painting) a concrete floor is usually $0.85 to $1.60 per square foot but might cost up to $10 per square foot, depending on the area. Sealing a small space with tight corners will likely cost more per square foot than sealing a driveway. It’s easier to seal a bigger, more open space.

Polished Concrete Basement Floor Cost

Polishing a concrete floor in the basement ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot. For an average 700- to 1,000-square foot basement, your estimate could run from $2,100 to $12,000.

A lot of people update their floors as part of refinishing their basement. An average-sized basement refinishing costs $18,500 on average.

DIY vs. Hiring a Concrete Company

Grinding concrete to the correct level is time-intensive and complex. It only becomes more complicated if you have issues with the grade of your floor or need to install concrete in the first place. Plus, a concrete professional knows how to implement designs and styles to enhance the overall look. Contact a concrete contractor near you to get an estimate.

FAQs

Is a polished concrete floor expensive?

With an average price of $3 to $8 per square foot, polished concrete is comparable or less expensive than other flooring materials. For reference, hardwood runs from $6 to $22 per square foot, natural stone flooring costs between $6 and $20 per square foot and the price to install tile floors is about the same.

How much is residential concrete flooring?

Most homeowners pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for residential polished concrete flooring. Costs are lower for sealing only or a single layer of polish and higher for intricate designs (up to $15 per square foot or more).

How much does it cost to clean and seal concrete?

Sealing or coating concrete is between $1,400 and $2,950. This cost includes cleaning and surface prep, though extensive cleaning will likely increase the price.

How much do stained concrete floors cost?

Stained concrete ranges from $2 and $15 per square foot, but most homeowners don’t pay more than $10 per square foot.

What’s the difference between concrete and cement?

Concrete is the material that makes up floors, driveways, patios, buildings, and other structures. Even though we often use the terms interchangeably, cement is an ingredient in concrete and not the material itself.

What are the advantages of concrete floors?

There are very few disadvantages to concrete floors. You might face discoloration, stains, or imprints that happen in the pouring stage, but these disadvantages are rare when working with a professional concrete contractor.

On the other hand, the advantages of having a polished concrete floor are many:

• Ease of maintenance: Once your concrete floor is prepared and polished properly, maintenance is a breeze. Dust mopping regularly will keep your floor sparkling, but you should wet mop on occasion.

• Longevity and eco-friendliness: If properly maintained, polished concrete floor lasts a lifetime. With increasingly eco-friendly materials to color and treat polished concrete, it is also a good choice for environmentally-conscious homeowners.

• Economical: Depending on the intricacy of the colors and styles you choose, polished concrete flooring is also a highly economical choice. You’ll likely never have to replace it.

• Invulnerable to moisture damage and mold: Unlike flooring options like hardwood, linoleum and carpeting, polished concrete is not vulnerable to moisture damage or mold, making it a great choice for families with allergy-sufferers or asthmatics.

• Versatility: Polished concrete allows a homeowner a virtually unlimited set of options as to color and design. You can use it in indoor applications as well as outdoor applications, if desired.