In photos they look identical. In real life, and over ten years, they're not even close. Here's the difference between polished concrete and grind-and-seal, and how to pick the right one for your Melbourne project.
What is polished concrete?
True polished concrete is mechanically polished. We grind the surface with progressively finer diamond pads, from 30 grit (heavy cut) up through 3000 grit (mirror polish). The shine comes from the concrete itself, the way polished marble's shine comes from the marble. We chemically densify the slab in the middle of the process to harden it. The result is a floor that is part of the structure, not coated on top of it.
What is grind-and-seal?
Grind-and-seal is a mid-tier alternative. We grind the concrete (sometimes only one or two passes), then apply a topical sealer (often epoxy or polyurethane) for the gloss. It looks similar at install but it's a coating on top, not part of the slab.
Cost
Grind-and-seal is cheaper, often by 30–50%. Less labour, fewer passes, less product. If budget is the priority, it's a sensible choice for the right space.
Durability
Polished concrete is the more durable option by a long way. The diamond polish doesn't peel, scratch, or yellow because the gloss is the concrete itself. A good polished floor lasts 30+ years with basic maintenance.
Grind-and-seal coatings will need re-coating every 5–10 years depending on wear. They can also peel, blister, or yellow under UV. If you scratch the topcoat, you see it.
Look
Polished concrete has a deep, "wet look" gloss when polished to high grit. The aggregate is sharp and clear because the polish goes through the surface. Grind-and-seal looks glossier in some cases but the aggregate clarity is muddier.
When to pick each
Pick polished concrete for forever floors. Your home, a flagship retail space, anywhere you want it to outlast the building. Higher upfront, much cheaper over time.
Pick grind-and-seal for budget-sensitive jobs, rentals, warehouses, and garages where you want a clean look without the polish premium.
We do both. We'll always tell you honestly which one suits your project. There's no upsell here.