Selection guide · interior floors
Concrete look describes an appearance; polished concrete is a specific concrete floor execution. Two floors can look alike in a photo yet be constructed very differently. If you want to know what suits your home, first compare the available build-up height, substrate and daily use.
What do we mean by a concrete look floor?
Concrete look is not a fixed product name. The term is used for, among other things, microcement, decorative poured floors, coatings and tiles with a concrete appearance. Even concrete look paint appears under the same search term, while paint for a wall is not automatically suitable for a walkable floor.
Therefore, always ask with a proposal which system is meant. Which layers are applied? On what substrate? What final protection is included? Without that information, terms like strong, water-resistant or low-maintenance say little about the floor you will actually get.
What is a polished concrete floor?
With polished concrete, a concrete layer is cast on site and finished during hardening. The top surface of the concrete forms the visible floor. So it is not just a thin decorative layer that imitates the impression of concrete. The slab construction, any reinforcement, joints and connections are part of the design.
Polishing fresh power-trowelled concrete is also something different from grinding an existing hardened floor afterwards with diamond tools. Those finishes can produce a different surface and different material appearance. When collecting examples, it is useful to know exactly which technique you find attractive.
| Choice | Polished concrete | Concrete look system |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | A cast concrete layer with a finished top surface. | Depending on the product: a thin finish, screed or tile. |
| Renovation | Requires appropriate height, load-bearing capacity and access for execution. | Can be interesting with limited height; existing substrate remains decisive. |
| Look | Natural nuances and traces of the finishing. | Appearance depends on material, technique and pattern. |
| Joints | Joints are matched to the concrete slab and space. | Substrate joints and system specifications remain important. |
| Maintenance | Coordinate with concrete and applied protection. | Coordinate with the top layer and the system's specifications. |
Cement-bound or synthetic resin: ask about the material
A cement-bound screed is not the same as a PU or epoxy floor. Names such as béton lissé, microcement and béton ciré are also used for different products. The technical product description clarifies what you are being offered.
| Description | What are you comparing? |
|---|---|
| Polished concrete floor | The on-site cast concrete layer itself forms the visible floor. The entire construction, reinforcement, joints and finishing are part of the design. |
| Cement-bound poured floor | Ask about the binder, the layer build-up and the required substrate. The word cement-bound alone does not say anything about the exact layer thickness or finish. |
| Concrete stucco or microcement | A decorative finishing system on an existing or prepared substrate. Check the required preparation and protection, especially in wet rooms. |
| PU or epoxy floor | A synthetic resin-bound system. Compare the properties of the chosen product and all layers; the appearance can be concrete-like without it being a solid concrete floor. |
Also specify who prepares the substrate and who carries out connections, joints and final protection. A thin system does not automatically solve problems in the substrate. Read more about epoxy, polyurethane and surface protection when those terms appear in your quote.
New construction or renovation: start with the substrate
With new construction, you can include the floor from the design phase. The architect can coordinate height, insulation, connections and any underfloor heating. This provides room to plan a visible concrete floor as a whole.
In an existing home, part of that choice is already determined. Doors, stairs and kitchen heights sometimes limit how much material you can add. A thin concrete look system may then be worth considering. That does not mean you can apply it without preparation on any floor: adhesion, cracks, moisture and stability of the substrate must be compatible with the chosen system.
Stains, water and daily maintenance
Neither term guarantees a stain-free floor by itself. For polished concrete, protection and maintenance are chosen according to use. A kitchen encounters different contamination than a storage room. Grease, acids and spilled drinks require attention; timely cleaning remains sensible.
With concrete look, the performance of the top layer can be decisive. Ask how that layer is cleaned and possibly renewed. For wet rooms, the entire build-up must be suitable, including connections and any waterproofing. A water-repellent surface is not the same as a waterproof bathroom construction.
Read more about the protection of concrete floors and daily maintenanceThis way, you include the maintenance in your choice, instead of discussing it only after installation.
What about cracks and underfloor heating?
With a concrete floor, design, execution and joints help to control movements. A promise of an always crack-free surface is not realistic. Even with a thin finishing system, movements in the substrate can be important. Ask how the contractor deals with this and which joints remain visible.
Underfloor heating must fit the entire construction. Discuss insulation, pipes, layer thicknesses and commissioning with the involved contractors. Only looking at the appearance of the top layer is not enough to predict the comfort or the response of the heating.
Compare quotes on the same components
A separate price per square metre often makes the choice less clear. Check whether preparation, removal of an existing floor, skirting boards, connections, protection and any repairs are included. Also consider accessibility and the period during which the rooms cannot be used.
Ask for a description of the expected appearance and maintenance. Glansbeton focuses on genuine polished concrete floors for homesBased on your plans, we can assess whether that execution is suitable. If your starting point is an existing floor with hardly any additional height, that must be addressed immediately in the discussion.
Frequently asked questions
Is concrete look the same as béton ciré?
Not always. Béton ciré and microcement are terms you encounter with certain decorative systems. Concrete look is broader and can also refer to tiles, paint or screed floors. Ask for the exact product and construction.
Which floor is the cheapest?
That depends on the substrate, surface, preparation and finishing. Compare complete quotes for the same space; the name of the material does not determine the total price.
Can I tell from a photo if it is real concrete?
Not reliable. Ask about the applied system and, where possible, view a reference or material sample.
Is concrete look always suitable for a bathroom?
No. Suitability depends on the specific system and the complete waterproof construction. Have this confirmed in advance by the contractor.
Can concrete look be applied on a wooden substrate?
This must be evident from the specifications of the chosen system. A decorative paint for wood is not automatically suitable for a wooden floor that will be walked on. Therefore, specify whether it concerns a wall, furniture or floor and have the existing substrate assessed. Ask what preparation, primer and finishing layer are necessary and how the system handles movement in the substrate.
How long does a concrete look finish need to dry?
There is no fixed drying time for everything called concrete look. Touch dry, paintable, walkable and fully loadable are different moments. Follow the technical data sheet of the chosen product and the agreements with the contractor. Also include preparation and waiting time between layers in the planning; only the application time does not indicate when you can use the room again.
Concrete look or polished concrete floor: which suits your home?