Timeline
How long polished concrete takes
A new slab cures for at least 28 days before it can be polished (PMAC). Then the grinding, the densifier, the polishing passes and the sealer (PMAC). A reseal later on takes a day, with the furniture out (PMAC).
- €90 to €150 a m²PMAC's published range for a polished concrete floor
- €20,000two quotes for 190 m² of mid-range polished concrete in a city new build, about €105 a m² (Selfbuild Ireland)
- 28 daysthe least time a new slab cures before it can be polished (PMAC)
- from €55a m² for a standard finish on floors over 100 m² (Selfbuild Ireland)
FreeNo obligationOne contractor rings you, not fiveNothing agreed until you accept a written price
New slab
On a new slab
| Stage | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Pour and power float | The day of the pour | PMAC |
| Curing | At least 28 days | PMAC |
| Most polishers start | When it's a month old | PMAC |
| Drying out completely | Years | PMAC |
| A reseal later | About a day | PMAC |
The days on site for the grinding and polishing depend on the area, the finish and the number of passes. No Irish firm we checked publishes a figure. Ask for it in writing.
Plan it
Fitting it into the build
- Pour early, so the 28 days run while the house is being built (PMAC).
- Finish the heavy work first: PMAC asks for it before the grinding starts.
- Book the polisher when the slab is booked, not when the kitchen is.
- Agree who protects the floor between the polish and moving in.
Existing floor
On an existing floor
No curing wait. The time is in taking up what's on it, the test grind, the repairs and the passes. The room has to be empty, and the dust and noise are real for the days it takes.
See it first
Polished concrete in your own room
Take a photo of the room, pick a finish and a sheen, and see the floor polished before anyone quotes. Free, in under a minute.
- Upload a photo, or answer 4 questions.
- We pass it to one contractor that covers your county.
- They ring you with a written price.
Preview of your photo, not a guarantee. Your photo goes to Google's Gemini service to make the picture and isn't kept.
A photo that works
- Daylight, lights on if it's dull.
- From the doorway, so most of the floor is in the shot.
- A building site is fine: the slab, the plaster, the lot.
- Hold the phone level, not pointed at your feet.
Free quote
Get a price in 4 taps
Tap what you need and leave your number. It goes to one polished concrete contractor that covers your county, and they ring you back to look at the floor and give you a written price.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How long after pouring can you polish concrete?
At least 28 days (PMAC).
Can you walk on it straight after?
PMAC says polished floors can be used immediately after polishing. Give any sealer the time the maker says.
How long does a reseal take?
In a day, with all the furniture out (PMAC).