Polished Concrete Versus Terrazzo: Which Is Best For You?

There are a lot of different flooring options to choose from, and it can be tough to decide which is the best one for your needs. Polished concrete and terrazzo are two popular options that often get compared against each other. Both polished concrete and terrazzo can be beneficial options for your property. However, not all materials and designs are usable on the same projects. Therefore, you will want to think about some ideas before deciding on either.

So, which one should you choose? We will examine what polished concrete and terrazzo flooring systems are and if they are right for you. Please continue reading to learn more.

What is a Polished Concrete Floor?

A polished concrete floor is a type of concrete floor that has been treated with a chemical densifier and then ground down with progressively finer grinding tools. The grinding tools are usually diamond-tipped particles on a rotating disc.

As the disc spins, it grinds down the surface of the concrete, revealing a smooth, shiny finish. Polished concrete floors are popular in both commercial and residential settings because they are durable, low-maintenance, and easy to clean. In addition, polished concrete is customizable with a variety of colors and patterns.

What is a Terrazzo Floor?

Terrazzo is a flooring material that has been used for centuries, dating back to the days of the Roman Empire. Manufacturers make it by mixing different colored chips of stone or marble. Then, they set it in place and polish it to create a smooth, hard surface.

Furthermore, terrazzo floors are extremely durable and easy to maintain. So, this makes them a popular choice for high-traffic areas such as commercial buildings and public transportation hubs. In addition to its practical advantages, terrazzo also has a distinctive look that can add an elegant touch to any space.

Whether looking for a classic or modern look, terrazzo can provide the perfect finishing touch for your next project.

Where are Polished Concrete Floors Best For?

Polished concrete floors offer several advantages for both residential and commercial applications. They are durable, easy to maintain, and resist staining and scratching. Polished concrete floors also have excellent thermal properties, which can help to keep a space cool in summer and warm in winter. In addition, polished concrete floors can look very stylish and modern.

Polished concrete floors are gaining in popularity due to their low maintenance and durability. However, they are not always the best option for every situation. For example, polished concrete floors can be slippery when wet, so they may not be suitable for areas with a risk of slipping or falling.

Polished concrete is ideal for high-traffic areas such as entryways, halls, kitchens, and bathrooms. Additionally, you can install them in living rooms, dens, and bedrooms. However, they are not recommended for outdoor use or in areas subject to heavy moisture or humidity. Polished concrete is also a good choice for people with allergies because it does not harbor dust or pollen like carpet or wood floors.

Where are Terrazzo Floors Best For?

Terrazzo floors are a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties. Moreover, terrazzo floors are best suited for high-traffic areas that require an easy-to-clean and durable floor surface. Typically, common areas for terrazzo floors include schools, hospitals, office buildings, and retail stores. Furthermore, terrazzo can also be used in residential settings, although it is not as common.

Additionally, they are durable and easy to maintain, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Terrazzo floors are also slip-resistant and fireproof, making them a safe option for both homes and businesses. In addition, terrazzo floors are customizable to suit any style, from sleek and modern to traditional and rustic.

Whether you are looking for a durable floor for your home or a stylish floor for your business, terrazzo floors may be the perfect solution.

Armor Coating Can Help You

Armor Coatings provides high-quality concrete coatings and flooring solutions for residents and businesses in Northern Wisconsin, Northern Minnesota, and the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Our team has years of experience in the industry, and we’re proud to offer our services to businesses and homeowners across the country.

So, whether you need a new coating for your garage floor or want to update your patio, we have the perfect solution for you.

Additionally, we provide commercial coatings, concrete repair, garage floor coatings, concrete floor coating, metallic epoxy flooring, patio coatings, and steps/porch coatings. Also, we service the areas of Cloquet, Duluth, Eau Claire, Hayward, and Rice Lake.

Get a Free Quote

Armor Coatings is a leading industrial coatings company that offers concrete solutions for various industries. Our coatings protect your concrete from weathering, abrasion, and chemical damage. We also offer a wide range of colors and textures so that you can find the perfect solution for your project.

Visit our website or call us at (715) 934-9037.

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How Much Do Your Concrete Floor Coatings Cost?

Each project is customized to your particular concrete flooring needs. Every job we do is different, because we offer different types of coatings and finishes. We will work with you to develop a free estimate keeping your budget in mind.

How Long Will The Concrete Coating Last?

We use the highest quality materials in our polyaspartic floor coatings and we’ve perfected our application process to make the concrete coating permanent. Once completely cured and adhered, the concrete coating is meant to last as long as the substrate it’s adhered to.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Over Epoxy Floor Coatings?

Polyaspartic Floor Coatings dry more quickly than Epoxy Floor Coatings, and the finish is also more durable. Our floor concrete coating finishes are also more slip-resistant and will not discolor like some Epoxy Floor Coatings.

How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My Concrete Floor Coating After It Is Installed?

Our flooring cures within a few hours, however our team of professionals recommends waiting at least 4-6 hours before walking on your brand new concrete coated flooring. After 12 hours, you can begin moving lightweight objects onto the flooring, like light patio furniture. We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before moving anything heavy back into the area where we’ve applied the coating (your car, heavy equipment or furniture etc.).

Will My New Concrete Floor Coating Turn Yellow?

It sure won’t! Our concrete floor coverings will not yellow or discolor, because they are UV stable. This one of the many benefits of using Polyurea or Polyaspartic floor coatings.

Will I Need To Reseal My Concrete Floor Coating?

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

How Long Does It Take You To Apply Concrete Floor Coatings?

We’ve perfected our 6-step application process, so most typical projects take between 5-10 hours depending on the square footage. We pride ourselves in a one-day application, and will do everything possible to stay within that time frame. Rainy weather can delay the project, but it is rare.

How Do I Care For My Concrete Floor Coating?

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping, mopping or steaming, and hoses. We offer maintenance services should your concrete flooring ever need cleaning, however you can also use non-abrasive cleaners, like CLR, to remove grease or other stains.

Will Oil Stain My Concrete Floor Coating?

Armor coatings are oil resistant as well as moisture resistant.

Who Invented Polyaspartic Coatings?

Bayer Material Science first developed Polyaspartic coatings in the 1990’s to protect steel bridges and infrastructure from rusting and corrosion. It has since been modified for different applications, once being durable concrete flooring coatings.

What Are Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings?

Polyaspartic Concrete coating is another name for Aliphatic Polyurea, which is a hybrid material consisting of ester and other materials. It was originally developed to coat metal bridges. It was later used to coat concrete flooring due to its durability and moisture resistance. Polyurea is also used to coat truck bed liners.

Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used Outside?

They sure can! We offer wonderful solutions for driveways, patios, and even the area around the pool. Our coatings are all UV stable, which will help prevent discoloration or flaking.

What Types Of Environments Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used?

Polyaspartic flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments. The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts, patios, or even driveways or garages.

How Are Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Applied?

We have perfected a six step process for applying Polyaspartic Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, basecoating, applying chips, scraping the chips, and applying the clear UV protective clear coat.

Can I Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coatings In Cold Temperatures?

You can! Polyaspartic floor coatings are safe to apply in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees.

How Long Do Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Take To Dry?

Our Polyaspartic Floor Coatings are engineered to rapidly cure, and can be dry in a matter of a few hours! However, we recommend waiting at least 5-6 hours before walking on newly applied coating and 24 hours before moving heavy objects back onto the flooring.

Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

Installing Polyaspartic Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring. Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! Our team at Armor Coatings is certified in Polyaspartic Floor Coating installation and have many years of experience.

Is It Possible To Cover Existing Epoxy Floor Coating With Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

It is! Polyaspartic floor coatings are specially formulated for their incredible adhesion properties. If you have existing patches of epoxy coating, our team can sand it down, vacuum, and wipe down the area with a solvent. Once prepped, we will apply your new, superior, Polyaspartic Floor Coating