When planning a flooring upgrade, time is just as important as the material itself. Businesses can’t afford unnecessary downtime—so knowing how long it takes to complete a polished concrete floor is key to keeping operations running smoothly.
CustomCrete has helped businesses across Chicago navigate commercial flooring projects with efficiency and precision. Thanks to our experience with polished concrete installations, we’re able to provide clear expectations around scheduling, project flow, and how long the work will actually take.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key factors that affect the timeline of concrete polishing so you can better plan for your facility’s needs.
What Is Polished Concrete?
Polished concrete is a flooring finish created by grinding a concrete slab with a series of progressively finer diamond abrasives, then applying a densifier to harden the surface. The final product is a smooth, reflective floor that’s durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing.
It’s commonly used in warehouses, offices, schools, retail spaces, and manufacturing facilities due to its long lifespan and easy upkeep. The process can be customized to produce matte, satin, or high-gloss finishes depending on your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements.
Typical Project Duration: What to Expect
Most polished concrete projects take anywhere from 2 to 7 days, depending on several variables. For average-sized commercial spaces (5,000–10,000 square feet), a timeline of 3 to 5 days is common. However, smaller projects may be completed in just 1–2 days, while larger or more complex installations can take a full week or more.
Factors That Influence the Polishing Timeline
Several variables can affect how long it takes to complete a polished concrete project, from the condition of the existing floor to the complexity of the desired finish.
1. Size of the Space
Naturally, the larger the area being polished, the more time the process will take. Large industrial spaces often need to be sectioned off and done in phases to minimize disruption to operations.
2. Condition of the Existing Floor
If the concrete is in good shape with minimal repairs needed, the process moves quickly. However, if there are cracks, spalling, or coatings that need to be removed, additional prep time is required.
3. Desired Gloss Level
Higher-gloss finishes require more grinding and polishing steps. For example, a basic matte finish might only need three or four passes, while a mirror-like finish may require up to eight grinding stages.
4. Decorative Additions
Staining or scoring the surface before polishing adds time to the project. Color dyes, custom patterns, and logos also require extra steps and attention to detail.
5. Access and Project Logistics
If the space is cluttered, hard to access, or located in a busy facility that must remain operational, additional time may be needed to coordinate work zones and ensure safety.
Phases of a Typical Polished Concrete Job
Here’s a general breakdown of the key stages:
- Surface Preparation (0.5–1 day): Includes cleaning, coating removal, and repairs.
- Initial Grinding (1 day): Uses coarse diamond abrasives to remove imperfections.
- Densification (0.5 day): Chemical hardener is applied to increase strength and dust resistance.
- Polishing Steps (1–3 days): Multiple passes with finer grit levels create the desired finish.
- Optional Staining or Guard Application (0.5–1 day): Color enhancement or protective treatment.
Tips to Stay on Schedule
- Plan Ahead: Schedule polishing during off-hours or slower periods if possible.
- Clear the Work Area: Empty furniture, equipment, and debris to reduce delays.
- Communicate with Your Contractor: A reliable contractor will provide a schedule and updates along the way.
CustomCrete’s Approach to Project Efficiency
At CustomCrete, we take a proactive approach to scheduling. Before any project begins, our team conducts a thorough site evaluation and creates a step-by-step plan to minimize downtime while achieving high-quality results.
Our expertise in polished concrete allows us to tailor the process based on your facility’s needs—whether that means working overnight, coordinating around other contractors, or phasing work to avoid operational disruption.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering polished concrete for your business, understanding the timeline helps you prepare and avoid unexpected delays. While most jobs can be completed in under a week, the actual duration will depend on your space, design goals, and site conditions.
Ready to take the next step? Request a quote today to learn more about your polished concrete options.
