People often use these terms interchangeably, but polished concrete and grind & seal are two different finishes. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right one — and budget for it.
Polished concrete
True polished concrete is a mechanical process: the slab is ground and progressively honed with finer and finer diamonds until it shines. There’s no coating on top — the shine comes from the densified concrete itself. The result is a seamless, incredibly durable, low-maintenance floor that never peels because there’s nothing to peel.
Grind & seal
Grind & seal also starts with grinding, but instead of polishing, the surface is sealed with a protective coating (in gloss, satin or matte). It’s a cost-effective way to get a contemporary concrete look, it’s great indoors and out, and the sealer can be re-applied down the track.
How to choose
- Want the premium, no-coating, lifetime finish? Polished concrete.
- Want the concrete look for less, or an outdoor area? Grind & seal.
- Exposed aggregate look? Both can expose aggregate — it depends how deep we grind.
Get the right advice
The best finish depends on your slab, your space and your budget. We’ll assess your concrete and tell you honestly which option gives you the best result for the money. Request a free quote.
