Polished Concrete Comparisons
Side-by-side comparisons for polished concrete finish types, contractors, and installation approaches across Australia.
Grind and Seal vs Mechanically Polished
Compare grind-and-seal finishes with full mechanical polishing — cost, durability, appearance, maintenance requirements, installation time, and which finish delivers the best outcome for different spaces and budgets.
Grind and Seal Australia offers affordable grind-and-seal finishes at $40–$85/sqm (average $63/sqm) — the most cost-effective polished concrete option with fast 1–3 day turnaround for typical residential projects. Policrete's mechanically polished concrete at $85–$160/sqm (average $123/sqm) delivers a superior high-gloss finish with better durability and stain resistance, but costs approximately 95% more per sqm. Grind-and-seal finishes rely on a topical sealer that needs recoating every 2–5 years ($15–$35/sqm), while mechanically polished floors use a densifier and penetrating guard that lasts 5–10 years with minimal maintenance. For high-traffic residential areas and commercial spaces, mechanical polishing provides better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost. For garages, laundries, and budget-conscious projects, grind and seal delivers excellent results at a significantly lower price point.
Residential vs Commercial Polish
Compare premium residential polished concrete with commercial-grade floor polishing — pricing structures, finish quality, equipment, project management, and which approach suits different property types and scales.
Policrete specialises in premium residential polished concrete with an average price of $123/sqm for mechanical polishing and $143/sqm for stained finishes — their meticulous attention to detail, design consultation, and finish quality is tailored to homeowners who want a statement floor. Concrete Polishing Solutions offers both residential and commercial polishing at a lower average of $110/sqm for mechanical polish and $58/sqm for commercial floors — their strength is versatility and competitive pricing across any project scale. For a typical 100sqm residential floor, Policrete would cost approximately $12,300 versus $11,000 from Concrete Polishing Solutions — a difference of around $1,300. The quality difference is most visible in edge work, joint treatment, and overall consistency, where Policrete's residential focus delivers a noticeably more refined result.
Polished Concrete vs Epoxy
Compare decorative polished concrete with epoxy-coated concrete floors — cost, durability, chemical resistance, appearance, maintenance, and which finish suits different applications from homes to workshops.
Floortech's decorative polished concrete at $80–$155/sqm (average $115/sqm for mechanical polish) delivers a natural stone-like appearance with excellent long-term durability and minimal maintenance — ideal for living areas, retail, and hospitality spaces. Concrete Floors Australia offers epoxy-compatible outdoor polished concrete at $50–$110/sqm (average $80/sqm) and standard polished concrete from $40–$90/sqm (average $65/sqm for grind and seal). Epoxy finishes provide superior chemical resistance and are easier to clean in industrial environments, making them the preferred choice for garages, workshops, and commercial kitchens. Polished concrete offers better UV stability (epoxy can yellow in sunlight), a more natural aesthetic, and longer lifespan without recoating. For a 100sqm garage, epoxy from Concrete Floors Australia costs approximately $8,000 versus $11,500 for decorative polished concrete from Floortech.