But how can you achieve a polished concrete floor in your home and what are the key considerations for a smooth installation? We take a look. What Are the Benefits of Polished Concrete Floors? My weapon of choice is research,” says Burry. “ It’s critical for me to understand a company’s value before laying down a dime. I find out-of-favour industries a particularly fertile ground for best-of-breed shares at steep discounts.”

Clay Retreat by PAD Studio features polished concrete floors stretching throughout the whole open-plan downstairs. The natural, dappled look was key to the design of the home, harmonising with the exposed plaster and timber clad walls. Photo: Jim Stephenson It’s not so much the concrete we love, but the absence of joints. You just wouldn’t get the same look with tiles, so I’m pleased with our decision.”However, a retrofitting scenario is also possible. When applying concrete retrospectively you will need to consider whether the floor structure can take the extra weight (around 200kg per m2). You should also allow for the fact that the ceiling height within an existing property will be reduced by a least 100mm. Polished concrete floors make a durable, cost-effective and safe flooring option for your home. Some see polished concrete floors and are alarmed by their slippery-looking surface. However the majority of floors are finished to ensure a non-slip texture that’s still comfortable on bare feet. Polished concrete floors were originally found in factories for their low-maintenance and durable qualities, but have become a popular solution for those looking to create a wow-factor interior. Treatment should start when the concrete is hard enough to hold the weight of the machine and operator. However, it should not be so dry that the power floater cannot trim the high spots or fill the lows effectively.

We could have gone for a slightly cheaper covering, but we didn’t want to compromise on materials in this area of the house,” says Stephen. As well as the striking aesthetic this seamless surface creates, the flooring is an excellent partner for the underfloor heating that has been laid throughout the house. It’s highly-efficient in terms of its thermal mass. Depending on your desired finish, a plain or coloured hardener (known as a dry shaker) is added to the concrete’s surface. This is smoothed using a power float machine featuring a large, round flat disc for rough grinding the concrete. The job can be repeated between four to eight times to achieve the desired effect until you have perfect polished concrete floors.It’s crucial to look at the world now, find good companies that are out of favour, and buy and hold until the story turns around. We have taken reasonable steps to ensure that any information provided by The Motley Fool Ltd, is accurate at the time of publishing. Any opinions expressed are the opinions of the authors only. The content provided has not taken into account the particular circumstances of any specific individual or group of individuals and does not constitute personal advice or a personal recommendation. No content should be relied upon as constituting personal advice or a personal recommendation, when making your decisions. If you require any personal advice or recommendations, please speak to an independent qualified financial adviser. No liability is accepted by the author, The Motley Fool Ltd or Richdale Brokers and Financial Services Ltd for any loss or detriment experienced by any individual from any decision, whether consequent to, or in any way related to the content provided by The Motley Fool Ltd; the provision of which is an unregulated activity. Polished concrete floors are a versatile flooring option that can add a sleek, contemporary feel to any renovation or self build project. Their smooth, seamless look and texture will add an industrial style to a home, enhancing both modern interiors and traditional, period schemes. Read More: Choosing Heating Systems: Radiators or Underfloor Heating? Case study: Modern Renovation & Extension of a Victorian Home Considering wood floors for your new home? Read more: Wood Flooring: Your Complete Guide to Choosing & Installing Timber Floors Where Can Polished Concrete Be Used?