Polished concrete flooring is a sleek and modern choice for those seeking a durable and low-maintenance flooring option for the indoors and outdoors. Installing polished concrete floors costs, on average, $6 to $11 per square foot.
The process of polishing concrete involves grinding and honing the surface to reveal the material’s natural beauty, creating a glossy and smooth finish. So why settle for the ordinary when you can have stunning polished concrete floors for $1,200 to $2,200 in a 200-square-foot area?
This pricing guide compiles data from busy urban areas and quieter small towns across the U.S., giving you a better sense of what it might cost to install polished concrete floors in your home, whether you’re thinking of pouring concrete over your patio or installing new flooring in your bedrooms, kitchen, or bathroom.
Cost by Location
The cost of polished concrete floors may be higher in areas with high demand for concrete and limited local supplies. Transportation costs to bring concrete from distant suppliers can also affect the price on a local level.
In addition, urban areas often have higher labor costs, which can further impact the total costs of polished concrete floor installation.
The table below offers a snapshot of the costs to install polished concrete floors across the country:
| City | Cost per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $5.90 – $10.90 |
| New York, NY | $6.20 – $12 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $5.80 – $10.30 |
| Orlando, FL | $5.80 – $10.50 |
| Atlanta, GA | $5.90 – $10.60 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $6 – $11.10 |
| Chicago, IL | $6 – $11.30 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $5.90 – $11.20 |
| Seattle, WA | $6 – $11.20 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $5.80 – $10.50 |
| Roswell, NM | $5.90 – $10.60 |
| San Diego, CA | $6 – $11.10 |
Pro Tip: Regions that are more susceptible to moisture, like Florida, are especially fond of polished concrete floors.
Cost by Complexity of Design
Polished concrete floor installation costs vary depending on the complexity of the design. Basic designs are more common and cost the least. The more complex the design, the more it will cost you:
| Level of Complexity | Average Cost per Square Foot |
| Basic | $2 – $7 |
| Mid-range | $5 – $10 |
| High-end | $8 – $16 |
- Basic polished concrete: Typically features a single layer of stain applied in a simple design with basic colors. The finishes tend to be straightforward, and the overall appearance is more matte or with a moderate shine, achieved through concrete polishing and grinding.
- Mid-range polished concrete: Undergo a more in-depth grinding to create a smoother surface, followed by the application of two colors of stain to add depth and dimension. Scoring adds an extra design layer, while sealing provides protection and durability. The final touch is a higher sheen that gives the floor a glossy finish.
- High-end polished concrete: Techniques like stencil work, staining, scoring, and faux finishes are used to create floors that look almost like a work of art, with intricate patterns and customization. In addition, they have a highly glossed finish that adds value and style to the space.
Cost by Concrete Finishes
Polished concrete floors come in various finishes, each offering a unique look and feel. The cost of these finishes can vary, so it’s essential to consider both budget and personal preference when deciding.
| Type of Finish | Average Cost per Square Foot |
| Sealing | $1 – $2 |
| Scoring | $1 – $2 |
| Stenciling | $1 – $10 |
| Painting | $2 – $3 |
| Stamping | $3 – $9 |
| Staining | $3 – $13 |
- Sealing: This is not a mandatory step in the polishing process, but it can give your floors extra protection against stains, acids, and chemicals.
- Scoring: Refers to the process of cutting shallow lines into the surface of a concrete slab using a saw or angle grinder to mimic a mortared joint.
- Stenciling: A stencil is a thin, flexible material that can be cut into intricate patterns and designs and then used to imprint those designs onto concrete surfaces.
- Painting: Panting concrete is an easy and affordable way to update its appearance quickly. The surface can be painted using a roller or brush. However, it can be prone to chipping or wear and tear over time.
- Stamping: Concrete floors can be stamped with various textures. This decorative technique involves imprinting patterns into the surface to create the illusion of other flooring materials. Wood-look stamping usually costs less than stone or tile stamping.
- Staining: Might be a good option if you’re looking to add color and character to your concrete floors. The cost of stained concrete varies based on the number of layers of stain applied. The more layers, the higher the cost.
Cost Estimator by Area Size
The size of the area is a major factor in determining the cost of polished concrete installation. As the area increases, the amount of materials and manpower needed also rises, leading to a higher overall cost.
Installing polished concrete costs $6 to $11 per square foot, including materials and labor. Use the table below to estimate your project’s cost based on the size:
| Project Size | Average Overall Cost |
| 50 square feet | $300 – $550 |
| 100 square feet | $600 – $1,100 |
| 200 square feet | $1,200 – $2,200 |
| 300 square feet | $1,800 – $3,300 |
| 400 square feet | $2,400 – $4,400 |
| 500 square feet | $3,000 – $5,500 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
In the next section, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the factors that can affect the costs of polished concrete floor installation:
Labor
The majority of the cost to install polished concrete — typically $6 to $11 per square foot — goes toward labor. This accounts for roughly two-thirds of the total expense, as concrete itself is relatively inexpensive. The higher labor costs reflects the specialized equipment and expertise required to achieve a durable and smooth look.
The more customization you add to the concrete, such as painting, stenciling, or other decorative elements, the higher the labor costs will be.
Grade Level
The cost of polished concrete installation is impacted by the grade level of the floor or story in which it is being installed. Below-grade installations, such as in a basement, are typically less expensive compared to above-grade installations, such as in a second-story bedroom.
That happens because above-grade installations typically require additional structural reinforcement or a cement-board underlayment for support. Installing a cement underlayment costs $2 to $4 per square foot.
Polish Level
The polish level is an important aspect of polished concrete floors, as it determines the level of shine in your flooring. This shine is achieved by grinding the concrete, and the more the concrete is ground, the higher the gloss level.
A more glossy floor requires more time and is more labor intensive, which will increase costs. On average, the cost to grind concrete floors ranges between $1 to $4 per square foot, but prices could be higher depending on the number of passes.
Existing Concrete Floor
You can also achieve a glossy look on your floors by polishing existing concrete.
The preparation work can involve several steps, including repairing cracks or damage to the existing concrete, adding a screed or concrete overlay to resurface it, and grinding it to the desired level of shine. As such, it’s important to contact a professional to assess the concrete accurately and provide a fair estimate for the job.
Concrete Repairs
Suppose your existing concrete slab has suffered from wear and tear over time. In that case, you may need to budget for additional repair work before it can be polished. Such damage can come in the form of cracks, chips, discoloration, and uneven surfaces, which can detract from the beauty of your concrete floor.
Minor repairs, such as filling in cracks or patching chips, can cost between $1 and $3 per square foot. However, complete resurfacing may be necessary if the damage is extensive, costing between $3 to $7 per square foot.
Understandably, these unexpected repairs can be frustrating. Still, they are necessary to ensure the long-lasting durability and beauty of your finished polished concrete floor.
Remove Old Flooring
The cost of removing your old flooring can vary depending on the type of flooring, the size of your space, and the complexity of the removal process. Still, it is typically estimated to be between $1 to $4 per square foot.
FAQ
Can you Install Polished Concrete Floors DIY?
Installing polished concrete floors as a DIY project is not recommended. Pouring concrete has strict timing requirements, and achieving the desired level of polish through grinding is a task that demands both skill and time.
Moreover, renting the grinder equipment could easily match the cost of hiring a professional, so it’s not cost-effective. For these reasons, it is recommended to entrust the task to a professional.
What are the Pros and Cons of Polished Concrete Floors?
Before deciding on polished concrete floors, there is a list of pros and cons you should consider:
Pros:
- Works well with radiant heating systems
- Long-lasting when properly installed
- Sustainable
- Low-maintenance
- VOC-free
- Mold and mildew-resistant
Cons:
- Slippery (but it can be sealed with an epoxy coating to make it slip-resistant)
- Cold and hard to stand on
- Susceptible to moisture damage if not properly finished with densifier, hardener, or sealant.
- Loud
Give Your Home a Sleek and Durable Flooring
Polished concrete floors can give your home a modern and sleek look paired with durability. With options for customization, such as stenciling or staining, you can create a unique style that complements your space, whether you’re looking for a cost-effective upgrade or a bold design statement. So, don’t waste any more time and hire a flooring pro. Home Gnome connects you to the best flooring installers near you.
Costs in this article are derived from national and local sources and are accurate at the time of reporting and writing.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with flooring installers in your area.
See Related:
- Marmoleum Flooring Cost Guide
- Bamboo Flooring Cost Guide
- Linoleum Flooring Cost Guide
- Laminate Flooring Cost Guide
- Cork Flooring Cost Guide
- Terrazzo Flooring Cost Guide
Main Image Credit: bignai / Adobe Stock Free / License
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