How much does it cost to grind concrete diamonds?

Concrete Grinding and Polishing Explained by Gap Power

Edco Grinder Lineup
The Difference Between Concrete Grinding and Concrete Polishing

Concrete grinding is primarily used for the removal of existing coatings or features on concrete surfaces. It's often a preparatory step to make the surface ready for the next layer, such as tile, paint, epoxy, linoleum, or even for concrete polishing. The main goal is to restore the concrete surface to its initial state after troweling and pouring.

Concrete polishing, on the other hand, aims to give the concrete a shiny, aesthetically pleasing finish. This is accomplished using increasingly finer diamond abrasives until the desired sheen is achieved, followed by the application of densifiers and sealers. Sometimes, staining is added for artistic designs, patterns, or logos.

Is It Possible to Use One Machine for Both Grinding and Polishing?
Absolutely. A single machine can be equipped with grinding attachments for the initial phase and then swapped for polishing attachments for the finishing touches. This transition is straightforward and can be done with basic tools in a few minutes.

Handling Small Floors
For areas between 1000-1500 sq ft or less, the Edco single and double head concrete grinders are quite efficient in floor preparation at a budget-friendly cost. These grinders use diamond dots suited to the type of concrete for effective removal of old coatings and preparation for paint or epoxy.

Tackling Large Floors
For larger spaces over 1500 sq ft, the Lavina Propane 25GX Planetary Grinder with an electric Ermator Vacuum Kit in a 5x10 enclosed trailer is ideal. The right choice of bonding for diamond tooling, dictated by the concrete’s hardness (measured by the Mohs Hardness test), ensures optimal results. For instance, a standard grind for a coating might use 30 Grit diamonds, with 14 Grit for more industrial profiles.

Removing Oil Stains from Concrete Floors
The Oil Remediation System from Ameripolish can be crucial for floor prep, effectively removing oils to ensure coating adhesion. For some workshop floors, a simple 30 Grit grind and seal without any paint or epoxy can restore the durability and ease of maintenance of the concrete.

Estimated Costs of Grinding Concrete Floors
Basic diamond grinding typically costs around $0.30 per sq ft for areas of 3000 sq ft, dropping to $0.23 per sq ft for 4000 sq ft. For specific tasks like a shop floor using the Oil Remediation system, heavy-duty sealers, expect around $0.87 per sq ft for 3000 sq ft, reducing to $0.52 per sq ft for 5000 sq ft.

Capabilities of the Lavina Grinding Package
The Lavina machine is also adept at polishing, starting typically at 30 Grit, then progressing to 70, 120 Grit diamonds before transitioning to finer polishing stages of 200, 400, 800, up to 3000 Grit. The critical stages in the 30-120 Grit range often demand the most time, emphasizing thorough cleaning between steps and a slow, methodical approach.

Densifying Concrete Surfaces
Applying a densifier around the 200 Grit stage is essential for hardening and maintaining the finish. After cleaning, apply the densifier with a sprayer and allow it to dry for about 15 minutes.

Sealing Concrete After Polishing
Post polishing and densifying, a high-gloss sealer can be applied for added shine and durability, finishing off with a burnisher for an even more impressive effect.

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The costs provided encompass grinding, polishing, and applying decorative elements to existing concrete. Note that installing new concrete will incur additional costs.
For a more budget-friendly finish, consider burnished concrete, which provides a similar look at a lower cost.
Cost Influencing Factors:

• Gloss/shininess level: Higher gloss levels require more polishing steps, increasing the cost.
• Total area: Larger areas often result in lower costs per sq ft.
• Number of rooms: More rooms mean more edges and doorways, raising labor costs.
• Current floor condition: Removing existing flooring and preparing surfaces adds to costs. For instance, removing carpet glue or grinding thinset under tiles.
• Surface repair: Extensive repairs (cracks, stains) can add $2 per sq ft. Sometimes, an overlay might be needed before polishing.
• Design complexity: More elaborate designs significantly increase costs.
• Floors above grade: Additional $2-$3 per sq ft for waterproofing and cement underlayment.

Commercial vs. Residential Costs

Grinding and polishing concrete tends to be more cost-effective in commercial spaces like warehouses due to their larger, open areas. Residential jobs usually cost more due to the need for smaller equipment and working in confined spaces.

Polished Concrete Compared to Other Flooring Materials

Generally, polished concrete is cheaper than other flooring options and offers significant savings in maintenance and replacement costs. It requires minimal upkeep and has a longa lifespan, unlike carpet or wood flooring which require more intensive maintenance and more frequent replacements.

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Polished Concrete vs. Tile

While ceramic tiles offer diverse design options and are relatively durable, their initial cost can be significantly higher than that of polished concrete.

Polished Concrete vs. Hardwood

Polished concrete costs less than hardwood, which is also susceptible to scratches, dents, and water damage.

Polished Concrete vs. Epoxy

Epoxy coatings are similar to mid-range polished finishes in both cost and durability, but polished concrete might be easier to maintain.

Learn more about how polished concrete compares to other flooring options by contacting us.

DIY Polished Concrete: Is It Worth It?

While DIY concrete polishing is gaining popularity, it's not recommended due to:

• Surface Preparation: Ensuring the surface is structurally sound and well-prepped is crucial.
• Equipment: Grinding/polishing equipment is costly to rent and requires skill to use effectively.
• Design Options: Achieving non-plain designs is complex and best handled by professionals.

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