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Abstract Concrete wins first place in Restoration Contest

05/25/09

I am pleased to announce that Abstract Concrete took first place for Interior in the 2008 Concrete Decor Magazine Restoration Contest.  The project was located at the Detroit Water Building in downtown Detroit.  You can read more about the project by clicking on the project profile located on our homepage. The article can be found... more

 


Don't miss this informative article located in our blog discussing pH and vapor transmission as it relates to floor covering failures over concrete.  This very real and costly problem can be prevented.   Don't have a floor installed before knowing all the facts!  Read it here...


Abstract Concrete featured at World of Concrete

Abstract Concrete was selected to demonstrate cutting edge decorative concrete techniques at the World of Concrete Artistry in Concrete event in Las Vegas.  Our creative designs and innovative techniques as a leading installation company was recognized by, and led to our selection by Concrete Construction Magazine, the event sponser. To read the article visit Concrete Construction Magazine



Polished Concrete

Stained and Polished concrete floorConcrete polishing is without a doubt the most significant flooring alternative of the last 30 years. It is a process by which the surface of the concrete is ground and polished using a penetrating hardener to yield a surface that exhibits reflectivity and increased abrasion resistance. The maintenance and aesthetic benefits of polished concrete make it an ideal replacement for conventional flooring options.  Floors that used to be covered in VCT, epoxy and decorative sealed concrete can now be replaced with a flooring finish that not only looks good, but is easier and less costly to maintain; this means the floor will serve the owners needs on the basis of functionality and a lower operating cost.  The durability and economical aspects aside, a polished concrete surface can be enhanced using decorative dyes, stains, stencils, scoring, etc. to make each floor a unique expression of the business that uses the floor.

Applications:stained and polished concrete floor
  • Manufacturing/Distribution Facilities
  • Retail Space – Big Box/Specialty Retailers
  • Airports/Hangars
  • Food Preparation/Processing
  • Schools
  • Multi-Purpose/Community Centers
  • Offices
  • Museums
  • Convention Halls
  • Stadiums
  • Modern/Contemporary Homes
Based on a survey conducted by the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, the information below compares the cost per square foot of commonly used commercial flooring materials and polished concrete floors. This recent examination of flooring costs over a 20 year span illustrates not only some of the hidden costs involved in the purchase and installation of various materials, it also illustrates the dramatic difference in the cost of these materials.



Costs per Square Foot Installed
Cost		 Annual Maintainence Average Life in Years Replacement Cost Total Expense 20 years Cost PSF/Year
Vinyl Sheet Flooring  $2.72 $1.39 9 $3.43 $38.14 $1.91
Vinyl Tile Flooring $1.23 $1.47 15 $1.60 $32.76 $1.64
Ceramic Mosaic Tile $6.48 $1.22 20 $30.88 $1.54
Quarry Tile $5.78 $0.58 20 $30.18 $1.51
Cement Terrazzo $8.50 $0.46 20 $20.10 $1.01
Granit-Glaze  $6.50 $0.46 20 $15.70 $0.79
Polished Concrete $3.98* $0.00 20 $3.98 $0.19

 

*Comparative costs based on 10,000 square feet. Your costs may vary based on square footage, preparation needs, coloring, etc.

The choice to install a polished concrete floor holds many benefits for the owner, but usually the most important benefit is what it costs to maintain.  Most polished concrete floors save an owner an average of over a $1 per square foot per year in maintenance.  This cost savings is realized in less wear and tear on cleaning equipment, costly chemicals, and periodic dyed stained polished concrete floorpatching/replacement of traditional flooring.  Lastly, polished concrete is a permanent finish; the owner realizes the cost savings of a polished concrete floor when the floor is at an age that traditional finishes would have to be replaced. Another benefit of polished concrete is its decorative versatility.  Polished concrete can be combined with integral colored concrete and/or decorative dyes to yield an appearance that compliments or establishes any color scheme.  This benefit allows polished concrete to be entertained by architects and designers for use in retail sales areas and anywhere else the aesthetics of the floor finish outweigh it's maintenance requirements.

 Another advantage of concrete polishing is the fact that its installation does not create noxious odors or require a minimum cure time before it can be put back into service.  With the advent of dustless grinding systems and odorless, non-toxic chemicals, the polishing process can be completed with minimal interruption to business.  This means the process can be completed while adjacent business operations or construction build-out takes place. 



dyed stained concrete polishing floor