Our process
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If you’re considering a Polished Concrete Floor for an upcoming renovation or commercial project, you’re on track to making a great investment. Polished Concrete appears at the top of many of our clients ‘wish lists’ and for good reason. Polished Concrete is a great choice for both residential and commercial applications. Praised for its ultra-durability, Polished Concrete is extremely hard-wearing and offers an unrivalled lifespan compared to other hard flooring systems; a great choice if you’re conscious about the eco-footprint of your build.
Woody’s team, with a combined 25 years in the industry, have completed installations throughout the UK. With extensive experience in all aspects of the design and build process, Woody’s will guide you through the preparation of your substrate and coordinate with your main contractor to ensure the timely execution of the steps involved in our expert installation.
Polished Concrete Floor Colour Chart.
Site survey
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Woody’s will stay in touch during the substrate preparations, carried out by your main contractor, remaining on hand to answer any questions that may arise and will take an active role in advising on the timeline for third party installations, such as windows and doors.
Approximately ten days before your scheduled pour date, a member of our team will attend the site to survey the substrate preparations. In our experience, this time allows for ample opportunity to carry out any essential snagging within the preparations.
During the survey, final measurements for the installation bay will be taken. You will also be provided with the opportunity to discuss the placement of crack inducement joints within the finished slab and establish the desired finish throughout your floor.
Installation
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Upon completion of the substrate, 100mm below finished floor height, Woody’s require access to site for 2-3 days ahead of the scheduled pour date to receive delivery of materials and begin site preparations. Depending on the scale of your project, the pour should ideally take place over one day to ensure best results in colour throughout the finished slab.
Woody’s use the ‘flooded bay’ method to evenly distribute the concrete mix throughout the shuttered area. Additional reinforcement in the form of steel mesh and a custom blend of fibres within the concrete mix ensure your floor, when cured, is as strong and resistant to cracking as is possible. Once laid, your floor will be finished with a series of power-floats and hand-trowels to densify the slab.
The floor should remain vacant of all footfall and activity for at least 24hrs following which time Woody’s will return to cut the necessary crack inducement joints into the floor. Your floor will then be covered to protect it from ongoing works which may resume 48hrs following the cut and cover.
Aftercare
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Your floor will need to remain protected for a minimum period of 28 days following the cut and cover. Woody’s will return to remove the protection and carry out the clean and seal.
Where you are using an underfloor heating system, Woody’s advise gradually increasing the temperature setting by 1°C a day to avoid shocking the concrete, which may result in hairline cracking. Woody’s offer a full maintenance and repair service in this instance.
Your Polished Concrete Floor will be finished with a specialist concrete sealant. This professional-grade sealant has been used in large-scale, industrial settings and offers excellent resilience against unwanted staining and everyday traffic.
Polished Concrete Floors are low maintenance and Woody’s are confident in supplying our clients with tested and approved cleaning products. Top Tip: wipe up spills as soon as is practical and avoid the use of abrasives or bleach based cleaners.
Still not sure? Visit our FAQs.