Let's separate fact from fiction!
Polished concrete has become the undisputed star of our contemporary interiors. Aesthetic, minimalist, and versatile, it's equally appealing for renovating a living room as it is for designing a walk-in shower. Yet, many misconceptions still circulate about it: Is it fragile? Slippery? Financially inaccessible?
At Le Jardin des Matières, we believe transparency is the key to a successful project. Let's look at 3 widespread opinions to shed light on this exceptional coating.
1. "Polished concrete requires a lot of maintenance": FALSE
This is undoubtedly the most persistent misconception, yet the reality is quite different. Polished concrete is a monolithic coating, meaning it has no joints. Unlike tiling, where joints eventually get dirty and blacken, concrete offers a continuous, very clean surface.
How to maintain it daily?
In reality, maintenance is surprisingly simple:
- Routine cleaning: A simple rinse with clear water or the use of a mild, pH-neutral cleaner (like black soap or Marseille soap) is enough to remove stains and dust.
- What to avoid: To preserve the protective layer (the varnish), avoid aggressive or acidic products. Say goodbye to bleach, pure white vinegar, strong descalers, or solvents that could dull the finish.
Expert advice: To ensure maximum longevity, we recommend renewing the topcoat (protective varnish) approximately every three to five years, depending on wear. This restores shine and completely re-waterproofs your surface.
2. "Polished concrete is slippery in bathrooms": TRUE and FALSE
The question of safety is legitimate, especially when considering polished concrete for a shower tray or bathroom floor. Here, everything depends on the application.
A matter of technicality
Polished concrete is a chameleon material. A professional applicator will not use the same grain or finish for a decorative wall as for a shower floor.
- The danger: Extremely smooth concrete with a glossy varnish can indeed become slippery when wet.
- The solution: At a specialist, we adapt the particle size. By choosing a rougher polished concrete or by applying specific non-slip finishes, you get a safe floor that meets slip resistance standards, even barefoot in water.
Polished concrete allows for the creation of completely fluid bathroom spaces (vanity top, walls, bathtub, and floor), provided that each area receives the appropriate technical treatment.
3. "The price of polished concrete is very high": NEEDS NUANCE
To say that polished concrete is "cheap" would be a lie, but to say it's "too expensive" is an oversimplification. This coating should be seen as a durable and artisanal investment.
Why this price?
The cost is explained by the high technicality of the components (resins, natural pigments, mineral fillers) and especially by the labor time. Each square meter is the result of manual work, from substrate preparation to varnish application, including meticulous sanding.
What budget should you plan for?
To give you an idea of your project costs, here are the average prices observed:
- Troweled polished concrete (approx. €135/m²): Manually applied with a trowel, it's ideal for vertical surfaces (walls, splashbacks) and floors. It offers that nuanced and unique look.
- Poured polished concrete (approx. €200/m²): Thicker, it's preferred for large floor areas for a very smooth and uniform finish.
The profitability tip: Unlike tiling, which sometimes needs to be broken up (incurring removal and demolition costs), polished concrete can often be applied directly over an old coating due to its thinness (2 to 3 mm). This is a considerable saving in time and money for your renovations!
Conclusion: The importance of professional guidance
The success of a polished concrete project rests on three pillars: the quality of raw materials, rigorous substrate preparation, and mastery of technical execution. Calling on a professional ensures a coating that won't crack and will stand the test of time without aging.
Do you have a project for your interior or exterior? Come discover our samples and discuss your vision with our experts from Le Jardin des Matières.
