The cost to polish concrete floors ranges from $1,000 to $8,000, with an average of $4,500, depending on the condition and size of the floor, type, and add-ons.
Professional concrete floor polishing costs between $2 and $16 per square foot on average.
Polish level (matte to high-gloss) and floor size affect pricing.
Surface repairs, staining, or intricate designs add to the cost.
Regional labor rates and ease of access to the space also affect pricing.
Concrete polishing often costs less than new flooring because it uses an existing slab.
The cost to polish concrete floors averages $4,500, but it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000. Concrete finishing contractors often bid jobs based on time or materials, and costs depend on the size, location, and complexity of the job. Then again, polished concrete floors can save money by giving you a beautiful, durable flooring option you won’t need to repair or replace.
The cost to polish concrete floors depends on several key factors, from the size of the job to the finish you choose. Here’s a closer look at what determines how much you can expect to spend.
Most local concrete contractors charge by the square foot for concrete polishing. On average, that runs between $2 and $16 per square foot, depending on a variety of factors. One of those factors is the shape and layout of the area. Bigger and more open areas may cost more overall but less per square foot than smaller, tighter areas.
Floor Size (sq. ft.) | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
200 | $400–$3,200 |
500 | $1,000–$8,000 |
1,000 | $2,000–$16,000 |
2,000 | $4,000–$32,000 |
The polish level on concrete floors can range from basic to showroom-grade, and each step bumps up labor and material costs.
Polish or Finish Type | Description | Cost Per Square Foot |
---|---|---|
Matte | Low sheen, minimal sanding | $7–$9 |
Satin | Medium gloss, more sanding | $8–$12 |
High gloss | Mirror-like finish, multiple polish steps | $11–$15 |
Stained or dyed | Adds pigment | $2–$10 |
Custom finish | Basic designs to advanced colors and patterns | $2–$15 |
Wood-look concrete | Stained and finished to look like real wood | $3–6 |
Sealed concrete | Added sealant protects underlying concrete | $0.85–$1.60 |
Painted and sealed concrete | Painted surface topped with a protective coating | $1.50–$3 |
If your concrete is smooth, level, and crack-free, the project will be faster, easier, and less costly. If it’s not, you’ll pay more for added prep work. Expect to pay extra for these services:
Crack repairs or patching
Removing old adhesives, paint, tile, or other surface debris
Leveling uneven concrete
Most prep work adds $1 to $3 per square foot, but it can be more, depending on the issue and repairs needed. If your floor isn’t in good enough condition to polish it but you still want polished concrete floors, you’ll need to resurface it or pour a new slab. Concrete resurfacing is adding a fresh layer on top of an existing floor and costs $3 to $5 per square foot. Installing a new concrete slab costs between $4 and $8 per square foot, on top of concrete removal costs.
Like with most home improvement projects, labor accounts for a big part of the bill. This is especially true with polished concrete floors, since you’re usually fixing up an existing floor. Remember, the cost of labor can fluctuate widely, depending on the difficulty of the job. You’ll need to call local concrete polishing pros for specific quotes.
Polishing your concrete floor is one thing. But if you want to add a little extra flair or function, you should expect to pay more.
Type of Add-On | Average Cost (sq. ft.) |
---|---|
Concrete stain or dye | $2–$5 |
Patterns and scoring | $3–$10 |
Epoxy top coat | $2–$3 |
Slip-resistant additives | $1–$2 |
Moisture mitigation | $1–$3 |
Location impacts the cost of labor, especially in high-cost-of-living areas. So where you live, the cost of living, the cost of contractor rates, your proximity to your contractor, and the ease of getting tools and supplies in your area all influence the price of the work. Since it varies so widely by location, call local concrete polishing pros near you for quotes.
Polished concrete is famously low maintenance, but it’s not zero-maintenance. Here’s how to keep your floors shiny and in good condition for years to come.
Routine cleaning: Use pH-neutral cleaners, and avoid harsh chemicals
Resealing: For added protection, reseal floors every 3–5 years. Not all floors need it, depending on your floor, polish level, and preferences.
Burnishing: This optional service refreshes shine. It can be a slick move to keep high-polish floors and high-traffic areas looking their best.
Ongoing Maintenance | Average Cost |
---|---|
pH-neutral cleansers | $5–$65 per bottle |
Resealing | $1–$2 per square foot |
Burnishing | $1–$2 per square foot |
Yes, you can rent a concrete polisher and DIY your own polished concrete floors. But should you? More on that below, but first, here’s a look at what DIYing will cost you.
Item | Average DIY Cost |
---|---|
Concrete polisher rental | $200–$300 per day |
Densifiers and sealers | $100–$200 |
Safety gear and supplies | $75–$150 |
Even for a small space, you can expect to spend $500 to $1,000 on tools and supplies—and that’s before the investment of elbow grease. Plus, without experience, it’s easy to unevenly grind the floor or miss critical steps in the process. If you make a mistake, you could end up spending far more to have a pro fix it. So, unless you already know how to polish concrete floors, or you’re a very handy DIYer, you may be better off hiring a pro.
If you want polished concrete floors without polishing off your home improvement budget, try these smart strategies:
Stick to basic finishes. Decorative scoring and concrete staining costs can double the overall price of your job. Sticking to matte or satin looks will still give you a great finish at a much lower cost.
Combine spaces. Polish multiple rooms at the same time to reduce per-square-foot labor costs. Some contractors offer discounts for bundled jobs.
Prep the space yourself. Even if you’re not DIYing the whole job, do what you can. Clear furniture and other items, sweep the floor, and ask your contractor what else you can do to reduce their on-the-job time.
Schedule off-season. Some concrete contractors offer lower rates in slower months, like winter.
Get multiple quotes. Prices vary by contractor, so compare a handful of quotes before signing a contract. Beware, though, of going with a low bid that’s far below the others. You often get what you pay for, so make sure you’re hiring a licensed, experienced company.
Polishing a concrete floor isn’t as expensive as it sounds—it’s actually one of the more budget-friendly upscale flooring options out there. On average, it costs $4,500, with most projects falling between $1,000 and $8,000 . When you’re working with an existing slab of concrete, you skip material costs entirely, so it’s even more affordable. If you want a glossy, durable floor without paying hardwood or tile prices, polished concrete delivers serious shine without the sticker shock.
Yes, polished concrete floors are worth it for homeowners who want durability, style, and low maintenance in one sleek flooring surface. You get the modern visual appeal of stone or tile with far less upkeep and far less cost. Polished concrete flooring is tough enough for high-traffic areas, it’s a great choice for people with allergies, and it’s easy to clean. If your existing concrete is in good shape, polishing it can give you solid value that shines on for years.
Yes, you can polish an existing concrete floor—as long as the slab is structurally sound and in good shape. In fact, that’s what makes this type of flooring upgrade so appealing. Polishing works best on bare concrete with minimal surface damage, although you can usually repair cracks and stains before the grinding and buffing begins. Instead of ripping out your existing concrete floor, polishing it can turn it into a high-shine showpiece that’s both practical and sleek.