Polished Concrete Floors

Your Polished Concrete Floor will be treated and sealed with a high-performance coating of an acrylic curing and sealing solution. This sealant has been praised by concrete artisans as one of the most advanced sealing systems currently in use throughout the industry. This professional grade solvent sealant offers supreme wear resistance and scratch resistances even in heavily trafficked areas.

FAQs

Woody’s team have a combined 25 years working with concrete and continue to enjoy collaborating with renowned architects and interior designers to create beautiful spaces that stand the test of time.

Below we have summarised some of our most frequently asked questions. If you’re still in doubt, please connect with us.

Q. Can I use underfloor heating with my Polished Concrete Floor?

Yes. Our flooring system pairs perfectly with both water and electric UFH systems. The UFH pipes will usually sit at around 20mm high off the damp-proof membrane (DPM) - this is included in the overall floor depth of 100mm below finished floor height. Concrete reacts to changes in temperature through natural expansion and contraction so, if you’re using UFH, we will advise you to slowly increase the temperature (1°C per day) and not exceed 20°C to avoid shocking the concrete.

Q. What floor depth do i need for a polished concrete floor?

Woody’s Concrete recommend a minimum floor depth of 100mm below finished floor height. The minimum depth we could lay a floor is 85mm but additional reinforcement to protect against unwanted curling and cracking will be required.

Q. Are there a range of colours available?

Woody’s are pleased to offer our clients a choice of over 20 colours. We have samples available (50mm diameter) alongside a colour chart. We have a number of projects we would be happy to arrange access to if you wanted a closer look.

Q. Is Polished Concrete flooring sustainable?

It is the lifespan of your concrete floor that will give it the ‘green light’ for sustainability. Moreover, due to its large thermal mass, concrete is a tremendous conductor of heat acting as the central heat store in your home and therefore reducing your need for alternative heating methods. 

Q. What are the basic requirements on site for a Polished Concrete Floor installation?

Woody’s advise its clients to allow for 100mm depth below FFH (finished floor height). Your main contractor will be responsible for ensuring the necessary substrate preparations are fulfilled ahead of the installation. These preparations include a specific buildup of hardcore, concrete, DPM, and insulation before the UFH pipes can be laid.

Q. Will my floor crack?

All concrete is liable to cracking. Woody’s is committed to best practice when it comes to mitigating the risk of cracking in the finished slab. Movement within the substrate is arguably one of the biggest contributors to cracking. Woody’s will provide a detailed overview of substrate preparations and will attend a site survey to ensure the bay is fit to receive the concrete ahead of the scheduled installation. In addition, by including a blend of specialist admixtures and additional reinforcement during the installation the risk is also greatly reduced. 

Our team are always on hand to repair any cracks that may occur overtime.

Q. What are Crack Inducement Joints and why do I have to have them?

Crack Inducement Joints are hand-made saw cuts placed at specific angles throughout the floor penetrating up to 35mm into the slab. CIJ’s are necessary to reduce the risk of cracking in the floor and should be cut every 5 metres in a floor of 100mm depth and every 3 meters in a floor of 75mm depth. These joints are an inherent characteristic of classic Polished Concrete Floors and can be filled with a complementary silicone.

Q. At what stage of my build should the floor be laid? 

Woody’s strongly suggest making the site watertight ahead of installation. Where this is not possible, sufficient weather protection will need to be supplied by your main contractor. Internal walls should be installed after the floor has been laid to allow for an easy ‘flooded bay’ application. Your floor will be unsealed but protected for a minimum period of 28 days following installation during which time ongoing works can continue. 

Q. Do I have to arrange a parking suspension for the install?

You will know the parking situation in your borough or location best so we do ask that you arrange any necessary parking suspensions or permits in advance of our installation. On the day of the pour, Woody’s require five parking bays directly outside the property/site entrance. These bays will accommodate the concrete lorry, pump and skip. If you are unable to provide access to a skip on the day of the installation, please let us know so we can arrange alternative waste disposal.

Q. I’m considering a diamond polished (exposed aggregate) concrete floor, can I specify the aggregate and colour?

Woody’s Concrete will use a local supplier to provide the concrete. The aggregate will therefore be determined by your geographical location. Most UK suppliers use a 10mm gravel, 10-20mm limestone or a granite. It is possible to hand-sew (seed) your aggregate of choice but you will still reveal the pre-existing matrix of aggregate during the grinding process.

Your Diamond Polished Concrete Floor will require an integral colour in our custom mix. Some suppliers will charge a one-off wash-out fee for this service.

Q. How does the process for a diamond polished Concrete floor differ to a classic polished concrete floor?

Your floor will be cut and covered in the same way as a classic finish but our team will return to site fourteen days later to carry out the grinding to expose the aggregate. Your floor will then be protected for a further 14 days before the clean and seal takes place.

Q. Can you lay polished concrete flooring outside?

Yes, absolutely. Woody’s Polished Concrete Flooring can be installed seamlessly throughout internal and external applications; installed and finished in the same way. Woody’s include an additive in our external sealer to promote a higher skid resistance value to protect against slipping when wet.

Have a question thats not been answered? Connect with us to learn more.