Advice required on Polished concrete floor alternatives

[Jakekibb]

As title suggests, I’m after advice re polished concrete floors, the cost/practicalities and alternatives.

 

project is a barn conversion, we’ve already got a 200mm structural slab which is 220m2 and have allowed for 150mm further flooring but this must include UFH, insulation etc.

 

We would like something resembling polished concrete (mid shine) but are fully open to any other suggestions that don’t cost £100 m2 plus.

 

My contractor is very practical but has limits.

 

any help and advice would be appreciated 

[JohnMo]

4 hours ago, Jakekibb said:

have allowed for 150mm further flooring but this must include UFH, insulation etc.

150mm allowed for insulation and screed?

 

4 hours ago, Jakekibb said:

200mm structural slab

Insulation below and around the structural slab?

 

Where are you in the project - just planning or kart way through build?

[saveasteading]

4 hours ago, Jakekibb said:

already got a 200mm structural slab which is 220m2 

So a very heavy warehouse for forklifts and racking? You can do almost anything over that.

 

Your internal walls and even steel columns could go straight on your floor with SE input.

 

Above that I would have minimum 150 pir then a screed with ufh.

 

As prev discussed I don't see the attraction of a polished slab in a house, perhaps because I've built hundreds and see them as functional. I'll find a photo to emphasise this.

 

 

[-rick-]

17 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

As prev discussed I don't see the attraction of a polished slab in a house, perhaps because I've built hundreds and see them as functional. I'll find a photo to emphasise this.

 

Concrete can work with the right design. Does need careful thought though and I certainly don't think it's worth a premium price.

 

 

[-rick-]

5 hours ago, Jakekibb said:

We would like something resembling polished concrete (mid shine) but are fully open to any other suggestions that don’t cost £100 m2 plus.

 

@IanR did a poured resin floor that might be an alternative:

 

 

Microcement exists but isn't cheap. The only other suggestion that comes to mind is exploring commercial concrete contractors rather than 'polished concrete' specialists. I've no real-world experience, just researching for a future build but if you haven't already looked, have a look at https://concria.com/dry-shake-floor/ and their polishing system. Would only work on a large floor area without obstructions, but if thats what you have then might be a lot cheaper than conventional polished concrete.

[saveasteading]

I've posted a real floor after 15 + years as a separate post.

 

Dryshake I've used once. It makes the surface harder and can add colour, but it still crazes. 

 

If a domestic client wanted a concrete look I'd recommend large porcelain with that effect ( very realistic,  as concrete tiles really could be made crack free). £50/m2.

 

Resin does not, of course, look like concrete. 

 

If budget is of interest, you don't need concrete over concrete at all.