Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors in Las Vegas - Durability and Customizable Aesthetic

The Benefits of Polished Concrete Flooring in Las Vegas

Installing polished concrete floors is an increasingly popular choice for Las Vegas homeowners and business owners alike. The natural gray concrete surface is ground and polished to a smooth, shiny finish that looks elegant while still being durable and low-maintenance.

Unmatched Durability

Polished concrete is well-suited for high-traffic areas and wet environments. The dense surface resists moisture, stains, and wear and tear. It doesn't chip, peel, or need replacing like other flooring options. Polished concrete lasts for decades with proper care and maintenance.

Energy Efficiency

Unlike wood or carpet, polished concrete doesn't absorb heat. Its reflective surface helps reduce cooling costs in the hot Las Vegas climate. Going with a lighter color concrete mix can further boost the floor's solar reflectance.

Customizable Aesthetic

Concrete can be customized with stains, dyes, scoring, and engraving to achieve different looks. From a modern, industrial vibe to a natural, stone-like appearance, polished concrete allows you to match your interior design vision.

Considerations for Polished Concrete in Las Vegas

While durable and attractive, polished concrete has some considerations to factor in when deciding if it's the right fit for your home or business:

Sensitivity to UV Rays

Sunlight and heat can cause discoloration, fading, cracking, and dusting over time. Ensure polished concrete installed outdoors, near large windows/doors has proper protective sealants applied.

Prone to Cracking

Minor hairline cracks may form in concrete over years of shrinkage and settlement. These are largely an aesthetic concern but proper prep work like control joints helps minimize cracks.

Dusting from Surface Wear

Foot traffic and dragging furniture can wear down the polished layer leading to dusting. Routine re-polishing maintains the floor's sheen and prevents extensive dusting/pitting.

Best Uses for Polished Concrete Flooring

Thanks to its durability and design flexibility, polished concrete thrives in many residential and commercial spaces:

Kitchens

Liquid spills, dropped dishes, and heavy appliance movement are no match for polished concrete's resilience. Its seamless, non-porous surface also resists staining.

Basements

Polished concrete is right at home in basements prone to flooding/leakage during heavy Las Vegas rains. The water-resistant concrete prevents water damage better than carpet or wood.

Patios & Outdoor Areas

Exposed to the elements, outdoor spaces benefit greatly from polished concrete's minimal maintenance needs and tolerance of sun, rain, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles.

Cost to Install Polished Concrete Flooring in Las Vegas

On average, expect to pay $4-$8 per square foot for polished concrete installation. The overall cost depends on factors like:

Concrete Condition

Floors requiring extensive repairs like crack filling/patching prior to polishing cost more upfront. The smoother the starting surface, the better the finished gloss.

Staining/Dyeing

Coloring options like acid stains, dyes, or specialty aggregate mixes increase material expenses. More intricate staining patterns also take more labor hours.

Level of Gloss

The number of polishing steps determines the gloss level. Higher-gloss finishes have more polishing stages requiring specialized equipment and skills that increase project costs.

Maintaining Polished Concrete Floors

To maximize the longevity of your polished concrete and retain its sleek appearance:

Sweep & Mop Routinely

Regular sweeping or dust mopping followed by damp mopping removes abrasive dirt/debris before it damages the surface.

Use Proper Cleaning Products

Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners which break down concrete over time. Use mild pH neutral options safe for polished concrete instead.

Re-apply Sealants

Renew protective penetrating sealers every 2-3 years per manufacturer instructions. This prevents staining and simplifies cleaning.

With proper maintenance, polished concrete floors will retain their beauty and function for many years. Contact Las Vegas concrete polishing companies to learn more about this durable, stylish flooring solution.

FAQs

Does polished concrete get slippery when wet?

When freshly installed, polished concrete can be slippery until the cream from the polishing process wears off the top layer. Once worn in properly, the concrete has traction comparable to other hard floors when maintained. Applying slip-resistant sealers also improves wet traction.

Can you install polished concrete over existing floors?

In most cases, existing floor coverings like carpet, wood, or tile need complete removal before polishing the raw concrete underneath. However, epoxy terrazzo, old vinyl asbestos tile, and some thin coatings can potentially be polished over.

What's better - polished concrete or epoxy floors?

Epoxy coatings provide a wider array of color options but chip, fade, require recoating over time. Polished concrete lasts longer, needs less maintenance, and costs less upfront. Epoxy has better chemical resistance while concrete resists impact, heat better.

Can polished concrete crack from dropping something heavy?

Unlike more brittle finishes, concrete's elasticity allows it to flex without cracking under typical impacts like dropping dishes or appliances. Minor chips along edges may occur from sharp/focused impacts. But the surface won't crack across like wood, tile, or laminate.