Honed Concrete Polishing Explained

Honed concrete is becoming increasingly popular among homeowners and builders alike. This versatile finish is not only durable and low maintenance, but it also offers a sleek and modern look that can complement any design style.

In this article, we will explore what honed concrete is, where it is used, and how it differs from mechanically polished concrete. We will also delve into the process of honing concrete and the various benefits it offers.

What is honed concrete & where it is used?

Honed concrete is a type of concrete floor finish and a great alternative to conventional surfaces such as tiles, pavers, stamped or stencilled concrete and exposed aggregate. Honed concrete is also commonly recommended for outdoor areas such as driveways, footpaths, porches, and pool surrounds. It is available in a matte finish and has a penetrating sealer applied to protect the concrete and prevent staining.

Unlike a grind and seal, when honing the concrete, the sealer is absorbed into the material, making it a longer-lasting option. It is easy to walk on, easy to maintain and clean, and anti-slip product can be added to the sealer to improve slip resistance. It is also suitable for indoor applications and is more economical compared to mechanically polished concrete floors.

The process for honed concrete

The first step is the initial grinding phase, which is used to level and smooth the concrete surface. After this, the concrete surface can be processed to reveal varying degrees of exposed aggregate, which can range from zero exposure to full exposure. This step allows homeowners and builders to choose the level of stone exposure that they prefer.

After the concrete surface has been exposed, the next step is to seal it for protection. The sealer is a topical coating that acts as a barrier, which will over time start to wear and eventually need to be sanded back and re-applied. The sealer is applied to the concrete surface in order to protect it from stains, mould, and other types of damage. The sheen of honed concrete floors is directly affected by the sealer that is selected. There are several types of sealers available, including matt, satin and gloss sealers. These sealers will generally last between 2-7 years, depending on the level of wear and tear.

The difference between honed concrete and mechanically polished concrete

Honed concrete and mechanically polished concrete are similar in that they both involve the process of grinding and polishing the surface of the concrete. However, there are some key differences between the two types of finishes.

One of the main differences is the level of shine or gloss achieved on the surface. Honed concrete has a matte or satin finish, while mechanically polished concrete has a high gloss finish. The level of gloss is achieved by using different diamond abrasives during the polishing process. Honed concrete uses a lower grit abrasive, while mechanically polished concrete uses a higher grit abrasive.

Another difference between the two types of finishes is the level of aggregate exposure. As mentioned before, honed concrete can have varying degrees of aggregate, mechanically polished concrete on the other hand, typically has little to no aggregate exposure. The process of honing concrete is less aggressive and less time-consuming compared to mechanically polished concrete. Honing concrete is a one-step process that involves only grinding and polishing the surface, making it more affordable than mechanically polished concrete which involves grinding, polishing and buffing the surface to achieve a high gloss finish.

Benefits of honed concrete

Honed concrete offers many benefits when compared to other types of flooring and surface finishes. One of the main benefits is the ability to customise the look of the surface. With honed concrete, homeowners can not only choose the level of aggregate exposure but also decide to add grout to achieve a more refined surface. This level of customisation allows for a unique and personalised look that can complement any design style.

Other benefits include:

Great for slip-hazard prone areas: treated with anti-slip product to improve slip resistance.
Durable: hard-wearing and resistant to heavy traffic, staining and mould.
Affordable: less time-consuming and less expensive to install than other types of flooring and surface finishes, low maintenance costs over time.
Low maintenance: easy to clean and maintain.
Health benefits: concrete is naturally resistant to bacteria and mould, honing process refines the concrete further.
Visually appealing: both practical and visually appealing, complementing any design or existing décor.
Usage: Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Honed concrete floors in the Brisbane & Gold Coast area

If you're seeking a long-lasting and low-maintenance flooring solution in Brisbane and the Gold Coast area, consider polished concrete. By working with a reputable supplier and installer, and implementing a proper maintenance plan, polished concrete floors can last for up to two decades.

At Signature Substrates, we are experts in concrete floor polishing and are the top choice for polished concrete contractors in Brisbane. Contact us at 0423 080 270 or send an enquiry to schedule a consultation and get started on your project.

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“Signature Substrates have played a vital role in our ability to open numerous retail stores in multiple states during 2017 and will continue to do so in 2018.

Trent and his team carry out all works in a professional manner and offer great advice. With very tight timelines to complete our projects, we rely heavily on Trent to get us off on the right start and he hasn’t let us down!”

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“We are extremely pleased with the reliable and professional service received from Signature Substrates. The resurfacing of our aircraft hangar floor was completed promptly and of very good quality”

- M & S. Marks – Central Coast, NSW

“Trent and his team are not just contractors to us, they became temporary pieces of furniture in our home (even joining us for breakfast!) The overall experience in the delivery of our new polished concrete floors was very refreshing. We would highly recommend this company!!”

- Morena Family – Ormeau, QLD

"Trent was very professional, knowledgeable and detail oriented. He developed a plan for our floor, provided quotes and completed the work on time. He listened to our concerns, was always available to answer questions and kept us up to date throughout the project.

His team of Alex and Haydon were equally professional and communicative and did an outstanding job. The resulting work was impeccable and exceeded our expectations as the epoxy concrete floor looked better then when we first built the house. My family was over the moon to have the missing piece of their home back --- better than ever!

We would not hesitate in recommending Trent and his team!"

- Chess Ritchie - Brisbane

"We just had Trent and Aaron come to prepare our outdoor area for tiling. It had an ancient covercrete coating that was in terrible repair.

We did not know what would be the best option for us to update this surface.From the very beginning and through to finalising the transaction, Trents attention was faultless. He listened to our ideas and made suggestions based on his experience that were helpful for us to make a decision on what to do with our outdoor surface.

He gave us detailed and accurate quotes that included exactly what we would receive in several options for the project. This helped us come to the best solution for our outdoor area. Once we booked with Signature Substrates the execution of the work was excellent. They were on time, tidy, helpful, courteous and professional. The price was competitive.

The work once completed was impeccable. The concrete underneath was so beautiful we actually regret not polishing the concrete and having decided on tiling the area, but the tiles were already purchased! We would strongly recommend using Signature Substrates for you concrete renovations and enjoying your stress free transaction and excellent results in your renovation project. They also offer a test patch service to help you decide what to do.

We will definitely be contacting Trent when we are ready to look at options for the interior surface of our home. Thank you Trent and Aaron."

- Elizabeth Flanigan - Brisbane