AK4 Portfolio: Polished

After years of doing beautiful stained and sealed concrete floors,We discoverd that after a few years our floors were scratched,scuffed and in some case the sealers were walked through to the point where there was no stain left. We found that Acrylic sealers and urethane required to much maintenance for most of our customers. So around 6 years ago,we discontinued this service until we could find a better system. POLISHED AND DENSIFIED CONCRETE is the answer! We can fianlly give you a permanant coating free, No wax floor with the look and feel of stone. Polished concrete is truly the perfect low cost, low maintenance floor system available today.

What is Polished Concrete?

Polished and Densified Concrete was first introduced 1n 1998. With great success, Big box stores like Ikea and Home depot are some of the first to use this process . The process involves grinding machines that grind the concrete using diamond segmented disks that are used to grind down and then polish up the concrete, using progressively finer disk. The finer the disk, the higher the sheen. The disk are numbered 16 grit for an agressive grind, and continue through each step 50 - 100 - 200 - 400 - 800 - 1500 and 3500 grit . After acid stain or dyes, Densifiers are usually applied at the 400 grit level, and then we continue to polish to the desired level of sheen.We use both wet and dry polishing methods and have different sized machines to handle both large and small areas. Other trades can usually work along side of us during most of the process.

Architectural Elements

Old existing or new concrete can be stained or dyed, Both with or without resist to create a beautiful mottled time worn Granite look and feel. New concrete pours can be integrally colored with colorful rock embedded to enhance the finish. Color hardeners are also a great choice for decorative polished concrete. The design possibilities are only limited to ones imagination!

Graphics

Decorative saw cuts with or without grout for unlimited patterns

Detail or stripping tape is also used for graphic and pattern effects

Stencils for intricate detail – custom logos and art design see www.modelloconcrete.com

Metal forms for intricate detail may be used see http://www.cec-waterjet.com/Terrazzo/insert-system/index.htm

Semi precious stones and glass aggregate chips. http://www.trivitro.com/vitrohue_agg/colors_sizes.html for example of glass & stone aggregate chips

Why or Benefits of Polished Concrete?

Lowest lifecycle cost
Unlimited design possibilities
Ultra low maintenance free – dust mop water and neutral cleaner
Light reflectivity up to 30% greater
Abrasion resistance up to 400 % greater
Impact strength up to 20% greater
ASR SAFE based on lithium, and will not trigger or contribute to damaging surface ASR (alkali-silica reactivity).
Non Toxic, Green friendly
Elimates the ongoing cost of coating and floor covering failures and replacement
Improved indoor air quality.
Polished concrete can qualify for (LEED) Platnium, Gold and Silver on many projects.

Comparative Installation and Maintenance Costs for Polished Concrete Floors

Based on a survey conducted by the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, the information below compares the cost per square foot of commonly used commercial flooring materials and polished concrete floors. This recent examination of flooring costs over a 20 year life span illustrates, not only some of the hidden costs involved in the purchase and installation of various materials, but also illustrates the dramatic difference in the cost of these materials.

Cost per Square Foot	Installed Cost	Annual Maint.	Years Av. Life	Replacement Cost	Total Ex. 20 Years	Cost PSF/Year
Vinyl Sheet Flooring	$2.72	$1.39	9	$3.43	$38.14	$1.91
Vinyl Tile Flooring	$1.23	$1.47	15	$1.60	$32.76	$1.64
Ceramic Mosaic Tile	$6.48	$1.22	20	----	$30.88	$1.54
Quarry Tile	$5.78	$0.58	20	----	$30.18	$1.51
Cement Terrazzo	$8.50	$0.46	20	----	$20.10	$0.79
Granite-Glaze	$6.50	$0.46	20	----	$15.70	$0.79
Polished Concrete	$6.00	$0.00	20	----	$6.00	$.030