Polished Concrete Floor Installation Services
From polished traditional concrete floors to polished decorative overlay systems for suitable existing surfaces, we deliver carefully prepared, durable installations designed around your space and required finish.
Two Installation Solutions
Traditional Concrete or a Decorative Overlay
Whether your project requires a completely new concrete floor or a decorative system over a suitable existing surface, we assess the site and recommend the appropriate installation route.
Traditional Concrete Installation
A new structural concrete floor generally requires a minimum thickness of approximately 100mm. Before pouring, we discuss the floor build-up, reinforcement, required levels, edges and intended finish with the builder or contractor.
Our direct involvement begins at the concrete pouring stage. The concrete is placed and levelled before being allowed to cure sufficiently, after which we return to diamond grind and progressively polish the surface.
The floor can have a cream (power-floated) finish with no aggregate exposure, be lightly ground for a salt-and-pepper appearance, or be more deeply ground to reveal fuller aggregate exposure.
Colour planning matters: If a specific colour is required, it should be selected before the concrete is poured so it can be incorporated into the mix. Without added colour, the floor follows the natural tones of the concrete materials.
Traditional concrete has a naturally variable character. Differences in colour, aggregate distribution and exposure should therefore be expected.
Suitable for: New builds, extensions, garages, workshops, commercial premises and industrial spaces.
Decorative Concrete Overlay Systems
A decorative polished concrete overlay is installed at approximately 10mm thickness, making it particularly suitable where an existing floor is already in place.
It may be installed over suitable existing concrete, new or old screeds and securely bonded tiles, subject to an assessment of the substrate and project conditions.
A more controlled finish: Because the overlay material and installation process are more controlled, this route generally provides greater consistency in colour, texture and aggregate appearance.
The substrate is assessed first, followed by any required repairs and mechanical preparation. The overlay is then installed and, once ready, ground, diamond polished and sealed to the specified finish.
Unlike traditional structural concrete, the overlay does not require the same extended concrete curing stage before the finishing process can begin.
Suitable for: Existing concrete, suitable screeds, securely fixed tiles, residential interiors, retail, hospitality, offices and refurbishment projects.
Choose the Right Finish for Your Concrete Floor
The finish should be considered before installation, particularly with traditional concrete where the depth of grinding, aggregate exposure and colour specification all influence the final appearance.
Not sure which finish is right? Discuss your projectCream / Power-Floated
A smooth power-floated finish with no aggregate exposure. This retains the natural upper surface of the concrete and creates a clean, understated appearance.
Salt & Pepper / Light Grind
A light grind removes a small amount of the surface and exposes the finer aggregate beneath, creating the characteristic salt-and-pepper polished concrete appearance.
Full Exposure / Deep Grind
A deeper grinding process exposes significantly more of the aggregate within the concrete, producing a stronger and more pronounced decorative polished finish.
Decorative Polished Finish
The approximately 10mm decorative overlay offers greater control over colour, texture and aggregate appearance, creating a more consistent polished finish across suitable existing floors.
Our Installation Process
Two Installation Routes. One Carefully Planned Result.
The right process depends on whether your project needs a completely new concrete floor or a decorative system over a suitable existing surface. We assess the site first and recommend the appropriate route.
Traditional Concrete
For projects requiring a new concrete floor, we advise the appointed builder or contractor on the specification and become directly involved from the concrete pouring stage.
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01
Survey & Specification
We assess access, levels, loading, intended use and the polished finish required.
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02
Pre-Pour Coordination
We advise the builder or contractor on the base, membranes, insulation, reinforcement and edge details before pouring.
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03
Concrete Pour & Levelling
From the pouring stage, we place and level the concrete to the required depth, falls and surface consistency.
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04
Curing, Grinding & Polishing
Once the concrete has cured sufficiently, we return to diamond grind and progressively polish the floor to the agreed finish.
Decorative Concrete Overlay
For suitable existing concrete where a refined decorative appearance can be achieved without installing a completely new slab.
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01
Surface Assessment
We check the condition, movement, contamination, moisture and suitability of the floor for an overlay.
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02
Repairs & Preparation
Defects are addressed and the surface is mechanically prepared to provide reliable bonding for the overlay.
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03
Overlay Installation
The prepared substrate is primed before the decorative overlay is installed and worked to the required level.
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04
Grinding, Polishing & Sealing
Grinding, Polishing & Sealing
Once the overlay is ready, it is ground, diamond polished and sealed to achieve and protect the specified finish.
Installation Transformations
See Both Concrete Installation Routes
Traditional concrete and decorative overlay systems follow different installation routes. These project stages show how each suitable surface progresses towards its specified finish.
From a New Concrete Floor to the Finished Surface
Traditional concrete is poured and levelled before being allowed to cure sufficiently. We then return to diamond grind and progressively polish the surface to the agreed finish.
Before
Before Installation
The project area before the new concrete floor is poured.
Placement & Finishing
Concrete Placed & Power-Floated
The freshly poured concrete is levelled and mechanically power-floated before being allowed to cure.
After
Finished Concrete Floor
The cured floor after diamond grinding and progressive polishing.
Transforming a Suitable Existing Surface
A decorative concrete overlay can be installed over a suitable existing substrate. Once ready, it is ground, diamond polished and sealed to create and protect the specified finish.
Before
Existing Substrate
The suitable existing floor before the decorative overlay system is installed.
After
Finished Decorative Overlay
The installed overlay after grinding, diamond polishing and sealing.
Where Our Concrete Floors Are Installed
The installation route is selected around the existing substrate, intended use, required floor levels and the finish you want to achieve.
Suitable Applications
Traditional concrete and decorative overlay systems can support a wide range of residential, commercial and practical-use environments when the correct system is specified for the site.
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Residential Interiors and Extensions
Contemporary concrete floors for suitable living spaces, kitchens and extensions.
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Retail and Hospitality Spaces
Durable floor finishes for shops, cafés, restaurants and customer-facing spaces.
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Offices and Commercial Premises
Professional concrete finishes for offices, shared areas and commercial interiors.
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Showrooms and Reception Areas
Refined decorative surfaces for visually important entrance and display areas.
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Workshops and Practical-Use Areas
Concrete installations specified around access, loading and operational requirements.
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Warehouses and Industrial Projects
New concrete floors planned around levels, durability and the intended working environment.
Why Choose Us
Installation Planned Around Your Project
We assess the site, intended use and required finish before recommending either traditional concrete installation or a decorative overlay system.
Book a Free Site SurveySite Requirements Assessed
We assess access, floor levels, substrate condition, intended use and performance requirements before planning the installation.
The Right Installation Route
We identify whether the project requires traditional concrete installation or a decorative overlay applied over a suitable existing substrate.
Levels and Finish Specified
Installation depth, floor levels, transitions and the required finished appearance are considered before the work begins.
Controlled Installation
The selected system is installed, levelled and allowed to cure according to the agreed route and final floor specification.
Areas We Cover
Concrete Floor Installation Across the Midlands
Based in Studley, we install concrete floors for residential, commercial and industrial projects across the Midlands. Larger planned installations can also be assessed in London and further afield.
Call 07564 299605and selected UK projects
West Midlands
Including Birmingham, Solihull and surrounding residential, commercial and industrial locations.
Worcestershire
Including Worcester, Redditch, Bromsgrove and surrounding towns, villages and business locations.
Warwickshire
Covering Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, Studley and nearby residential and commercial projects.
Gloucestershire
Installation projects assessed according to project scale, site access and programme requirements.
Not sure whether we cover your location? Send your postcode and project details for confirmation.
Concrete Floor Installation FAQs
Answers to common questions about traditional concrete, decorative polished overlays, thickness, substrates, colour choices and polished finish options.
Still have a question? 07564 299605What is the difference between traditional concrete and a decorative polished overlay?
Traditional concrete is a new structural floor installation, generally requiring a minimum thickness of approximately 100mm. A decorative polished overlay is a much thinner system, typically around 10mm, installed over a suitable existing substrate.
What finishes are available with traditional polished concrete?
Traditional concrete can have a cream (power-floated) finish with no aggregate exposure, be lightly ground for a salt-and-pepper appearance, or be more deeply ground to reveal fuller aggregate exposure.
Do I need to choose the concrete colour before installation?
Yes, if a specific colour is required it should be agreed before the concrete is installed so the appropriate colour can be incorporated into the mix. Without added colour, the polished floor will naturally follow the tones of the mix, particularly the sand, and will commonly appear beige or brown.
Can a decorative overlay be installed over tiles or screed?
A decorative overlay can be suitable over existing concrete, new or old screeds and some tiled floors. Tiles must be securely bonded and stable, and every substrate needs to be assessed before repairs, mechanical preparation and priming are carried out.
Which option gives the more consistent polished finish?
Decorative polished overlays generally provide greater control over colour, texture and aggregate appearance because the material and installation process are more controlled. Traditional concrete has more natural variation, including slight differences around levels, edges, colour and aggregate exposure.
How do I know which installation system my floor needs?
If the project requires a completely new structural concrete floor, traditional installation will normally be the appropriate route. Where a suitable existing concrete, screed or tiled floor can be retained, a decorative overlay may offer a thinner and more controlled solution. A site assessment confirms which approach is suitable.
New concrete floor
or decorative overlay?
Tell us about your space and the existing floor. We’ll assess whether traditional concrete installation or a decorative overlay is the right route, then advise on preparation, finish and programme.