Heather Campbell
Polished concrete can add a sleek, modern touch to any space, but it comes with a hefty price tag. In this article, we break down the costs involved.
In this article we cover:
- How to get accurate quotes for polished concrete
- Average costs per square metre
- Key cost components
- Factors to consider when comparing quotes
No two self-builds are exactly alike. Each home has its own unique design, site conditions, and construction challenges. The cost of polished concrete flooring will depend on factors such as the floor layout, any steps or changes in level, the number of expansion joints required, and the specific conditions of your site.
Budgeting for polished concrete should be based on a realistic assessment of your own property rather than relying on general industry estimates. While average costs can be a helpful guide, they may not fully account for site-specific considerations, which could lead to budget overruns if not properly planned.
If you’re considering polished concrete for your home, get multiple quotes, ideally from at least three different specialists to make sure you’re getting a fair price for the specification you need.
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Cost factors for polished concrete floors
Several key elements affect the final price of a polished concrete floor:
Type of finish: The level of grinding and polishing required will impact costs, with more refined finishes being more expensive.
Concrete grade and mix: The quality of concrete used, including the size and type of aggregate, affects both aesthetics and cost.
Additional features: Coloured pigments, decorative cuts or embedded materials (e.g., glass or metal) can increase the price.
Project size: Larger areas generally result in lower costs per square metre due to economies of scale.
Location: If your site is far from the contractor’s base, transport and labour costs may be higher.
Average costs for polished concrete in the UK
Polished concrete suppliers often use different terminology to categorise their finishes, ranging from standard grades to premium options such as ‘gold’ or ‘platinum’. The level of polish, aggregate exposure and sealing method all influence the final cost.
As a rough guide from online sources such as BuildIt and Checkatrade:
- Standard polished concrete finishes start at around £120-130 per sqm for areas larger than 100 sqm.
- Higher-end finishes that require extensive grinding, finer polishing or additional treatments can exceed £150-160 per sqm.
These prices typically cover installation but may not include preparatory work such as subfloor levelling or additional structural reinforcement, which could add to the overall expense.
Getting the right quote
When comparing quotations, get each supplier to provide a breakdown of the costs involved, including the type of finish, surface preparation, sealing method and any additional treatments. Understanding these details will help you make an informed decision so you can get the finish you expect within your budget.
