Discover 6 Types of Polished Concrete Floors

Polished concrete floors aren’t just practical—they’re also highly customizable. This means your choices range from neutral and modern choices to a floor that’s a showstopper. From the grind level, polish, to different colors, it’s possible to achieve the look you’re dreaming of with the right combination. There are six types: cream, salt and pepper, rock-cut, large aggregate, colored, and glossy.

1. Cream Polished Concrete

Cream polished concrete, also called Class A, most closely preserves the original appearance of poured concrete and has a matte look. Unlike Classes B through D, this type doesn’t have any exposed aggregate.

Aggregate is the sand and rock mixed into the concrete. It can range in color and type, including granite, river rock, recycled glass, and more. For cream-polished floors, you’ll see the circular trowel marks instead of exposed aggregate. A concrete flooring pro can help you choose the level of aggregate you need. 

Best for: Those who want to maximize their budget

2. Salt-and-Pepper Polished Concrete

Salt-and-pepper polished concrete flooring, also called the Class B concrete finish, is ground down 1/16 of an inch to reveal some of the aggregate. Just like the name suggests, you can see enough of the aggregate that the look is reminiscent of salt and pepper. It has a more luxurious appearance than Class A and is more durable against wear and tear.

Best for: Modern spaces like lofts and living rooms

3. Rock-Cut Polished Concrete

Rock-cut polished concrete, or Class C, is known as medium aggregate. The surface is ground down to 1/8 of an inch, revealing an intricate pattern that adds a subtle pop to a space. It’s the perfect medium between the salt-and-pepper and the large aggregate option.

Best for: High-end spaces

4. Large Aggregate Polished Concrete

Large aggregate polished concrete, or Class D, offers the most dramatic option of all, closely mimicking terrazzo. The concrete is ground down 1/4 of an inch, exposing all of the aggregate for a mosaic-looking floor. In many cases, the aggregate is customized to achieve a specific look. It’s best for new construction as it requires slabs to be in good condition.

If you’re unsure if your existing slab will work for large aggregate polished flooring, contact a concrete flooring pro near you and schedule a consultation.

Best for: Sleek spaces that lack a focal point

5. Colored Polished Concrete

Although gray is likely the first color that comes to mind when you think about concrete, there are various color options. Most installers can accommodate a wide range of colors, including shades of gold, red, brown, pink, purple, blue, green, and more. Several methods exist to add color to polished concrete flooring, including adding color during the pour and polishing process with penetrating dyes and stains. Another option is using a color-penetrating sealer. On average, stained concrete floors cost $3,000 to $18,500 to add a splash of color to a room.

Just keep in mind that you won’t be getting a floor with a solid color. Rather, the concrete flooring's color will have an organic look, with areas that naturally fade from light to dark. The result can be reminiscent of the varied colors you see on slabs of natural stone. 

Best for: Minimalist spaces that need a pop of color

6. Glossy Polished Concrete

Four different levels of gloss are available to bring a new dimension to your concrete floors. Level 1 is matte and flat, with a hazy appearance and little to no reflection. Level 2, or satin polish, is a low-sheen option that has low luster. This is a popular option for many installations.

Level 3 has a high-sheen look that reflects objects and light, while Level 4 has a high gloss and offers the highest amount of polish. Due to their glossiness, Level 4 floors can have a wet appearance, but they’re also highly reflective. 

Best for: Adding shine and a touch of luxury