Polished Concrete Floors London — Cost, Types & Installation Guide

Polished Concrete Floors in London — The Two Main Options

"Polished concrete" is used to describe two quite different products in London. Understanding the difference is essential to choosing the right one for your project.

Option 1: Mechanically Polished Concrete Slab

A new concrete slab (or existing slab) is ground and polished using diamond-tipped grinders and progressively finer tooling to achieve a smooth, reflective surface. The aggregate within the concrete (stones, sometimes glass or decorative inclusions) is revealed and becomes part of the visual character.

Requirements: The slab must be either new (poured to tolerance) or existing and in good condition with no significant cracking. Residential suspended timber floors cannot be polished this way.

Cost: £80–£150/m² for grinding and polishing only. A new concrete slab is additional (£40–£80/m² for the structural slab, depending on thickness and reinforcement required).

Best for: Ground floors in extensions, new builds, basement conversions, and commercial spaces where a concrete slab already exists.

Option 2: Microcement Overlay

Microcement (a cement-polymer composite) is applied 2–3mm thin over any prepared substrate — including timber floors, existing tiles, and concrete. It is finished to a smooth surface and sealed with polyurethane.

Requirements: The substrate must be sound, level (within 3mm), clean, and primed correctly. Flexible joints in the substrate must be reflected through the microcement or it will crack.

Cost: £70–£120/m² fully installed and sealed.

Best for: Any floor where a polished concrete look is wanted but a new concrete slab is not practical — including upstairs rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas with underfloor heating (check compatibility with your UFH provider).

Sealing and Maintenance

Both types must be sealed with a quality penetrating sealer and topcoat sealer. Reapplication every 2–5 years depending on traffic. Day-to-day maintenance: neutral pH cleaner only — never bleach, acid cleaners, or abrasives.

Call SuperBuilder on 0800 530 0853 to discuss your specialist floor finish.