Difference Between Honed And Polished Concrete: Explained

Choosing the right concrete finish is about more than ticking an aesthetic box—it’s about ensuring longevity, slip resistance and seamless integration with your design vision. Yet honed and polished concrete often get lumped together, leaving Perth homeowners and builders unsure which surface will deliver the style and performance their residential or commercial project demands.

In this guide, we’ll define each finish, compare installation processes, performance characteristics, maintenance requirements, cost considerations and compliance standards, guiding you to the best choice for your durable and decorative concrete solution. Let’s begin by examining what honed concrete is and how it’s achieved.

What is Honed Concrete?

Honed concrete is a mechanically refined surface that reveals the character of the underlying aggregate while offering a smooth, matte-to-satin finish. By grinding the top layer of a concrete slab with progressively finer diamond tooling, installers achieve a subtle sheen and earthy colour palette that suits both contemporary and traditional designs. Optional anti-slip additives can be blended into the final seal, making honed concrete a practical choice for wet or high-traffic areas.

Key characteristics include:

• Visible aggregate patterns
• Matte-to-satin sheen
• Earthy, natural tones
• Customisable anti-slip seal

For a deeper look at Terrastone’s approach and available swatches, see our Terrastone honed concrete page.

Definition and Grinding Process

The honing process begins with heavy-duty diamond cup wheels to remove surface imperfections and flatten high spots. Subsequent passes use silicon carbide pads in a typical grit progression—30 → 50 → 100 → 200–400—to refine texture and expose the desired amount of aggregate. Before grinding, the slab is thoroughly prepared: cracks are patched, moisture readings taken, and the surface cleaned of debris. Temperature and humidity are controlled to ensure optimal sealant adhesion and performance.

Benefits of Honed Concrete

• Durability: When installed correctly and maintained, honed concrete can have a lifetime of up to 50 years.
• Low maintenance: Occasional dust- or damp-mopping keeps the surface clean, with resealing recommended every 5–7 years.
• Enhanced slip resistance: Incorporating anti-slip beads into the sealant ensures safer footing around pools and alfresco areas.
• Aesthetic appeal: Grinding highlights mosaic-like aggregate patterns that add warmth and visual interest to any space.

Common Applications for Honed Concrete

Indoor settings such as bathrooms, kitchens and feature walls benefit from honed concrete’s blend of smooth finish and subtle texture. Outdoors, it excels on pool surrounds, driveways and alfresco areas where durability and slip resistance are essential. For example, a honed pool deck treated with anti-slip additive provides a safe, stylish surface, while a honed driveway withstands vehicle wear without losing its refined look.

What is Polished Concrete?

Polished concrete is a mechanically refined surface that transforms an ordinary slab into a sleek, low-maintenance feature with anywhere from a subtle sheen to a mirror-like gloss. Through a combination of coarse grinding, chemical densification and fine polishing with resin-bond diamonds, this finish not only looks stunning but also reuses an existing floor, reducing the need for new materials. If you’re after a contemporary floor that shines under ambient light and stands up to heavy use, explore Terrastone polished concrete for inspiration.

Definition and Multi-Step Process

The journey to a polished finish begins with coarse grinding—typically using 40–80 grit diamond tooling—to level the surface and remove any blemishes. Next comes a liquid silicate or sodium-based densifier, which reacts chemically with the cement paste to fill capillaries and dramatically increase hardness. Once the slab is hardened, the surface is polished through progressively finer grits—150, 300, 600 and up to 800 or higher—using resin-bond diamonds. At the final stage, a topical guard or stain can be applied for extra colour or protection.

Benefits of Polished Concrete

• Longevity: “By hiring the right contractor for your application and if maintained properly, you can expect your polished concrete to last a minimum 20 years to a lifetime.”
• Hypoallergenic: A dust-free, sealed surface that doesn’t trap pollen or pet hair.
• Stain and scratch resistance: Increased surface density repels liquid spills and resists abrasive wear.
• Low upkeep: Routine dust mopping and an occasional damp wipe keep the floor gleaming, with no resealing required.

Ideal Applications for Polished Concrete

Polished concrete shines in areas where a refined, hygienic floor is required:

• Residential: open-plan living rooms, kitchens and hallways benefit from its reflective quality and ease of cleaning.
• Commercial: offices, retail shops and showrooms look larger and brighter under polished floors.
• Note: polished concrete can become slippery when wet, so it’s best suited to indoor environments with controlled moisture levels.

Key Differences at a Glance

Choosing between honed and polished concrete becomes simple when you see how they contrast across key factors. Here’s a snapshot of their differences—followed by deeper dives into process, finish and maintenance. For a full breakdown of all decorative options, visit our decorative concrete finishes page.

• Process Complexity and Equipment
  • Honed: Mechanical grinding to 200–400 grit, topped with a single seal.
  • Polished: Multi-stage grinding to 800+ grit, including chemical densifier and resin-bond diamonds.
• Finish and Sheen Levels
  • Honed: Matte to satin, with subtle aggregate revelation.
  • Polished: Semi-gloss to high-gloss, reflective and light-amplifying.
• Maintenance and Lifecycle
  • Honed: Reseal every 5–7 years; lifespan up to 50 years.
  • Polished: No resealing; weekly dust mops and occasional wet mops; lifespan 20+ years.
• Slip Resistance
  • Honed: Excellent with anti-slip additives—ideal for wet areas.
  • Polished: More slippery when wet; best suited to controlled indoor environments.
• Cost
  • Honed: Lower upfront cost, moderate ongoing upkeep.
  • Polished: Higher installation cost, minimal maintenance costs.
• Ideal Applications
  • Honed: Pool surrounds, driveways, alfresco areas and wet interior zones.
  • Polished: Living rooms, hallways, offices and retail showrooms.

Process Complexity and Equipment

Honed concrete requires a straightforward sequence of grinding with progressively finer diamond tooling—up to around 400 grit—then sealing with an acrylic or polyurethane product. Polished concrete, by comparison, demands a multi-step treatment: coarse grinding, application of a silicate densifier to harden the surface, and successive polishing stages using resin-bond diamonds at 150, 300, 600 and 800 grit or higher. The addition of chemical hardeners and high-speed planetary grinders makes this process more equipment-intensive.

Finish and Sheen Levels

A honed surface produces a subdued, matte-to-satin appearance that highlights aggregate in an understated way. Polished concrete ranges from a subtle sheen to a brilliant mirror-like finish; higher grit levels increase reflectivity, making interiors feel airier and more spacious.

Maintenance and Lifecycle

Honed concrete floors call for pH-neutral cleaning and resealing every 5–7 years, which can keep them looking fresh for up to 50 years. Polished floors require only regular dust mopping and an occasional damp mop; no sealant is needed, and they can maintain their polish for 20 years or more with proper care—often lasting the life of the building.

The Grinding and Finishing Processes Compared

Although both honed and polished concrete start with mechanical grinding, the path each takes from there varies considerably. Honed concrete stops after fine-grit abrasion and sealing, while polished concrete continues through densification and high-grit polishing. Below, we break down the critical stages—tooling, chemical treatments and final finishing—that distinguish these two surfaces within Terrastone’s full decorative concrete portfolio.

Grinding Stages and Tooling

1. Coarse Grinding

   • Honed: Begin with 30–50 grit diamond cup wheels on a low-speed floor grinder to remove surface blemishes.
   • Polished: Use 40–80 grit resin-bond diamonds on a high-speed planetary grinder to level the slab and knock down trowel marks.

2. Intermediate Refinement

   • Honed: Switch to 100 grit, then 200 grit, and finish with a 400 grit pad to achieve a smooth, matte surface.
   • Polished: After densification (see next section), step through 150, 300 and 600 grit resin-bond abrasives for gradual refinement.

3. Final Polishing (Polished Concrete Only)

   • Progress to 800 grit (or higher, up to 1500 grit) to impart the desired gloss level.
   • Employ a high-speed burnishing machine with diamond-impregnated pads for that mirror-like shine.

Low-speed grinders offer control and torque for honed surfaces, while planetary machines generate the RPMs and consistent pressure needed for high-grit polishing. Choosing the right abrasives and equipment at each stage ensures an even texture and prevents gouges or chatter marks.

Sealing vs Densifying

After grinding, honed and polished concrete diverge in their chemical treatments:

• Honed Concrete Sealants

  • Topical barriers such as acrylic, polyurethane or epoxy sealers are applied to lock in the matte finish.
  • These films wear over time and typically require resealing every 5–7 years.

• Polished Concrete Hardeners

  • Liquid silicate or sodium/lithium-based densifiers penetrate the capillaries and react with calcium hydroxide to create a harder, dust-free surface.
  • This reaction is permanent: no further sealant is needed, and the slab remains maintenance-light.

The choice between a surface film and an in-slab hardener affects durability, chemical resistance and slip performance. Sealants offer added stain protection but need periodic renewal, whereas densifiers strengthen the concrete itself for a more resilient finish.

Achieving the Desired Sheen

Your target sheen determines both the grinding progression and the final tooling:

• 200–300 grit → Satin finish (soft sheen, light reflection)
• 400–600 grit → Semi-gloss (moderate shine, enhanced clarity)
• 800+ grit → High-gloss (mirror-like reflection, deep aggregate visibility)

To avoid haze and swirl marks at these later stages:

• Maintain a consistent machine speed and pressure.
• Keep tooling clean—replace any worn or clogged pads before each pass.
• Overlap each grinding track by 50% to ensure uniform coverage.

By following these steps—selecting the right grinder, pads and treatments—you’ll achieve the precise texture and shine you need, whether it’s the understated elegance of a honed patio or the showroom polish of a glossy living area floor. Explore more Terrastone cool concrete finishes for design ideas.

Durability and Maintenance Lifecycle

Selecting between honed and polished concrete isn’t just about the initial look—it’s about how each finish performs over years of foot traffic, weather exposure and routine care. Below, we break down what to expect from both surfaces in terms of lifespan, ongoing upkeep and eventual restoration.

Expected Lifespan

Honed and polished concrete both deliver impressive longevity, but their service lives and maintenance intervals differ:

• Honed Concrete

  • Lifespan: Up to 50 years when properly maintained
  • Ideal for areas that demand a balance of texture, slip resistance and durability

• Polished Concrete

  • Lifespan: Minimum 20 years; often lasts the lifetime of the building
  • Suited to controlled indoor environments where a high-gloss, low-maintenance finish is prized

These figures assume normal residential or light commercial traffic. Heavy industrial use may shorten service life, while careful upkeep can extend it.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Both finishes require simple, scheduled care to stay at their best:

• Honed Concrete

  • Daily/weekly: Dust mop or sweep to remove grit and debris
  • Monthly: Damp-mop with a pH-neutral cleaner (avoid harsh acids or abrasives)
  • Every 5–7 years: Reapply a fresh coat of sealant (acrylic or polyurethane) to restore stain protection and sheen

• Polished Concrete

  • Daily: Microfibre dust mop to clear fine particles and prevent scratching
  • Quarterly (or as needed): Auto-scrub with a neutral, non-foaming cleaner
  • No sealant required—chemical densification performed during installation remains effective, though a topical guard can be added for extra stain resistance

By sticking to these routines, you’ll preserve both the aesthetic and functional benefits of your concrete floor for decades.

Repair and Restoration Options

Even with great care, surfaces eventually show wear. Both honed and polished concrete can be refreshed:

• Honed Concrete

  1. Light regrind to remove surface scratches or stains
  2. Patch any small cracks or chips
  3. Recoat with sealant—typically a one-day turnaround per area
  4. Cost considerations: Moderate (grinding and resealing labour plus materials)

• Polished Concrete

  1. Identify dull or worn zones
  2. Burnish with high-speed polishing pads (200–400 grit) to reinvigorate gloss
  3. If deeper scratches exist, revisit higher grit stages and apply a topical guard if required
  4. Cost considerations: Generally lower than full reseal, as no chemical densifier is re-applied

Restoration frequency depends on traffic intensity and environmental factors. Poolside honed decks may need resealing sooner, while a polished showroom floor might go 15–20 years before any touch-ups.

Keeping a simple maintenance log—recording cleanings, reseal dates and any repair work—ensures you can plan budgets and avoid surprises. With the right care and timely interventions, both honed and polished concrete remain stylish, safe and serviceable for generations.

Aesthetic Considerations and Design Flexibility

Choosing between honed and polished concrete isn’t just a matter of texture and performance—it’s an opportunity to personalise your space and make a lasting design statement. Both finishes can be tailored to your taste, whether you prefer a minimalist backdrop or a bold, attention-grabbing floor. The interplay of aggregate, colour and custom detailing ensures your concrete surface complements your décor and even becomes the focal point of the room.

Beyond the choice of honed or polished, three core factors shape the final look: how much aggregate shows through, what colours or stains you apply and the inclusion of patterns or inlays. Below, we explore each of these elements so you can decide on the right combination for your Perth home or commercial project.

Aggregate Exposure Levels

Aggregate exposure determines how much of the stone beneath the surface is revealed and directly influences the surface’s character. Common exposure levels are:

• Nil exposure: a smooth, uniform finish with the aggregate fully concealed—ideal for a clean, contemporary look.
• Light exposure: tiny flecks of aggregate peek through, adding subtle texture without overwhelming.
• Medium exposure: a balanced mosaic of stone and cement creates a tactile, organic feel.
• Full exposure: the aggregate sits almost flush with the surface, showcasing the raw beauty of pebbles and quartz.

Each level has visual and practical implications. Full exposure lends an earthy, tactile quality and offers extra grip—perfect for driveways or pool surrounds—while nil exposure gives polished concrete its sleek, gallery-style appeal. For a deeper dive into exposure options and their visual impact, see our aggregate exposure levels guide.

Colouring and Staining Options

Concrete’s natural grey is a versatile canvas, but integral pigments and topical stains unlock a broader palette. Integral colouring mixes pigment directly into the wet concrete, ensuring even tone throughout the slab. It’s built to last and resists fading, making it ideal for large-format areas like warehouse floors or open plan living rooms.

Topical stains, by contrast, are applied to the cured surface and react chemically with the cement matrix. They offer rich, variegated effects—from deep terra cotta reds to soft ocean-blue washes—but require a protective sealer to lock in the colour and guard against wear. Bear in mind that topical stains can produce unpredictable results: subtle colour bleed and irregular patterns can add character, but if you need absolute consistency, integral pigments are the safer bet.

Custom Patterns, Inlays, and Borders

If you’re after a truly bespoke floor, decorative details can elevate your concrete from simply functional to artful. Consider:

• Saw-cut control joints arranged in geometric grids or free-form layouts to introduce subtle linework.
• Metal or coloured stone inlays set flush within the slab—think brass accents that gleam against a dark polished background.
• Contrasting borders or banding around rooms, gardens or pathways to define zones and add visual interest.
• Decorative stamping overlays that mimic natural stone, timber or tile textures without the joints and grout.

These techniques let you tie your floor into other design elements, whether it’s echoing the linear look of cabinetry or mirroring the curves of an alfresco barbecue. With honed or polished concrete as your base, the sky’s the limit when it comes to custom detailing.

By understanding how aggregate exposure, colouring methods and customised patterns work together, you can refine your concrete finish to suit any aesthetic vision—be it subtle and sophisticated or bold and expressive. Whether you’re renovating a bathroom with a soft-satin honed floor or installing a high-gloss polished surface in an open-plan kitchen, Terrastone has the expertise and creative solutions to bring your design dreams to life.

Application Environments and Suitability

Choosing the right concrete finish often comes down to where it will live and how it will be used. Both honed and polished surfaces have environments in which they truly shine—and others where their characteristics demand extra consideration. Below, we break down which applications suit each finish and how traffic, moisture and exposure influence performance.

Outdoor Environments

Honed concrete takes the lead outdoors. Its matte-to-satin texture and optional anti-slip additives give pool surrounds, pathways and driveways the grip they need under wet or heavy use. Beyond slip resistance, honed surfaces hold up well to UV exposure and temperature swings common in Perth’s climate. A few highlights:

• Pool decks and alfresco areas benefit from safe footing and earthy aggregate visuals.
• Driveways soaked by rain or splashed with mud resist wear and remain easy to clean.
• Patios and garden paths maintain colour and texture under sun and seasonal changes.

Indoor Environments

Polished concrete feels at home inside, where its reflective sheen amplifies natural light and creates a sleek, low-maintenance floor for living rooms, hallways and kitchens. Yet not every indoor zone is a polished candidate—wet areas like bathrooms or laundries call for more traction. Here’s how to match finishes to interior spaces:

• Living and dining areas gain an airy, expansive feel from semi-gloss to high-gloss polish.
• Polished floors in retail or office fitouts pull double duty: they look professional and are dust-free.
• In moisture-prone rooms, honed concrete’s anti-slip seal reigns supreme, preventing slips around showers and washing machines.
• Feature walls or interior courtyards can also be honed for a warm, tactile contrast to polished floors.

Environmental and Traffic Considerations

When selecting a finish, think beyond wet vs dry and consider traffic type and chemical exposure. Vehicle or heavy equipment use demands a finish hard enough to resist abrasion, while certain chemicals may attack topical sealants more quickly than densified slabs. Key factors include:

• Foot vs vehicle traffic: Polished floors stand up to heavy footfall, but driveways need honed grit for tyre traction.
• Moisture and chemicals: Honed surfaces tolerate pool chemicals and garden treatments; polished surfaces resist spills indoors but can become slippery.
• Maintenance preferences: If resealing every few years seems onerous, polished concrete’s densifier-based durability may offer peace of mind in busy common areas.

By matching your concrete finish to the demands of its environment—be it sun-drenched patios or polished showrooms—you’ll ensure both safety and style endure for decades.

Safety, Health, and Compliance

Concrete finishing isn’t just about looks and performance – it’s also a matter of protecting anyone who walks, swims or works on the surface. From preventing slip-and-fall accidents to controlling harmful dust and meeting building regulations, understanding safety and compliance is vital for any residential or commercial project in Perth.

Slip Resistance Standards and Classifications

Slip resistance varies dramatically between a honed satin finish and a glass-like polish. Australia’s benchmark for pedestrian safety is AS 4586, which sets out slip resistance classifications for wet and dry surfaces. When specifying your finish, consider:

• P-ratings (P0–P5): Focused on barefoot or light footwear in wet areas like pool decks and bathrooms. A minimum of P3 is often required around pools.
• R-ratings (R9–R13): Geared to shod traffic in commercial or vehicular zones. R10 or above is recommended on driveways and alfresco areas.
• Third-party testing: Always request a test report or certificate showing where your chosen finish sits on the scale.

For a detailed breakdown of these requirements, see the AS 4586 slip resistance requirements.

Controlling Silica Dust Exposure

Grinding and polishing concrete releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS), a respirable dust that can cause silicosis and other lung diseases if inhaled. Even short-term exposure during surface preparation must be managed:

• Water suppression: Keep the slab wet during grinding to prevent dust clouds.
• Local exhaust ventilation (LEV): High-efficiency extraction attached to grinders captures RCS at the source.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Respirators rated for silica, eye protection and long-sleeved clothing minimise exposure to stray dust.
• Training and monitoring: Contractors should follow Safe Work Australia’s respirable silica standard and carry out regular air-monitoring when undertaking RCS-generating tasks.

Regulatory Requirements

Building a compliant concrete finish means more than choosing the right grinder or sealant – it also means ticking the boxes in the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards:

• Slip-resisting surfaces: BCA Volume One, D2.10–D2.14, and Volume Two, 3.9.1.4, mandate slip resistance levels for stairs, ramps, landings and wet areas in Class 1 (residential) and Class 3 (commercial) buildings.
• Certification and documentation: Ensure your contractor provides test certificates for slip resistance, evidence of silica dust management and compliance statements for materials used (sealants, densifiers, pigments).
• Local council approvals: Some councils require an engineer’s sign-off or a compliance report before issuing an occupancy permit.

By selecting a provider who understands these requirements – and by keeping records of testing, maintenance and safety procedures – you’ll safeguard both users and your investment. Terrastone’s project management approach ensures every finish meets or exceeds current safety and compliance standards, giving you peace of mind from the first grind to the final inspection.

Cost Comparison and Value Over Time

Understanding both upfront investment and ongoing expenses is key when choosing between honed and polished concrete. Below we outline typical Perth price considerations, maintenance outlays over the years and the value these finishes can add to your property.

Initial Installation Costs

• Honed Concrete: Generally more budget-friendly, Perth homeowners can expect initial rates starting from around $80 per m².
• Polished Concrete: Commands a premium—typical pricing begins in the $120–$200 per m² range due to additional densification and high-grit polishing stages.
• Cost Drivers:
– Slab preparation (crack repairs, moisture mitigation)
– Area size and site accessibility
– Desired exposure level or custom detailing
– Choice of sealant or topical guard

Long-Term Maintenance Costs

• Honed Concrete:
– Reseal every 5–7 years to refresh protection and sheen.
– Occasional pH-neutral cleaning keeps aggregate looking sharp.
– Resealing usually runs at 15–25% of the original installation rate.
• Polished Concrete:
– No sealant renewal required—densifier remains in the slab.
– Routine microfibre dust mopping and an annual auto-scrub with neutral cleaner.
– Optional topical guard can be applied every decade for extra stain resistance (at roughly 10% of installation cost).

Over a 20-year span, polished concrete often emerges as the lower-cost option in total upkeep, despite its higher start-up cost.

ROI and Property Value Impact

Decorative concrete delivers more than a functional floor—it’s an aesthetic upgrade that resonates with buyers and tenants. Polished surfaces amplify natural light, potentially cutting interior lighting needs by up to 15%. Both honed and polished finishes enhance curb appeal, signalling quality craftsmanship and durable design. When it’s time to sell or lease, these premium concrete finishes can translate into stronger market positioning and faster sales, making them a sound long-term investment.

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Project

Every space has its own demands—be it a sun-drenched pool deck, a high-traffic living area or a moisture-prone bathroom—and your choice of concrete finish should reflect those needs. Balancing budget, appearance, safety and upkeep can feel overwhelming, so we’ve distilled the decision into three practical steps: a quick checklist of must-have factors, the key questions to quiz your contractor, and a handful of real-world scenarios to spark ideas for your own project.

Decision Factors Checklist

• Purpose of the space
– Is it indoors or outdoors? Will it see water, vehicles or heavy foot traffic?
• Slip resistance requirements
– Wet areas often call for honed concrete with anti-slip additives; dry, controlled zones suit polished finishes.
• Aesthetic goals
– Do you prefer a matte, earthy look or a high-gloss, reflective sheen? How much aggregate should show through?
• Budget and lifecycle cost
– Honed concrete typically costs less up-front but requires resealing; polished commands a premium but has minimal ongoing outlay.
• Maintenance appetite
– Are you happy to reseal in five-year intervals, or do you want a “set-and-forget” floor that needs only dust-mopping?
• Environmental factors
– Consider UV exposure, pool chemicals, vehicle oils or spill-prone kitchens when choosing sealants or densifiers.

Questions to Ask Your Contractor

1. Can you show examples of previous honed and polished installations?
   Reviewing real projects ensures they understand your aesthetic and performance needs.
2. What grit progression and equipment will you use?
   The quality of tooling (diamond cup wheels, resin-bond pads) directly affects finish and durability.
3. How will you manage silica dust on site?
   Verify wet-grinding methods, extraction systems and PPE to protect workers and occupants.
4. Which sealants or densifiers do you recommend, and what warranties apply?
   Zero-VOC or food-grade products may be important in kitchens or alfresco dining areas.
5. What preparation steps are included in my quote?
   Moisture testing, crack repairs and substrate levelling can make or break the final result.
6. What timeframe and aftercare support can I expect?
   A clear schedule and maintenance plan means fewer surprises once the grinder is packed away.

Hypothetical Project Scenarios

1. Pool Deck Transformation
   A family pool area needs maximum grip underfoot, resistance to chlorine and an earthy style that blends with sandstone coping. Honed concrete with a medium aggregate exposure and anti-slip seal delivers the perfect balance of safety and visual warmth.

2. Open-Plan Living Room
   Natural light floods a large lounge and kitchen. You want a seamless floor that amplifies brightness, hides very fine dust and requires only weekly dust-mopping. Polished concrete at 600–800 grit provides a semi-gloss sheen, low-allergen surface and the “wow” factor you’re after.

3. Bathroom Renovation
   In this moisture-intensive zone, slip resistance is non-negotiable, but you still crave a modern oxide-stained hue. A honed finish with topical stain and anti-slip additive makes the shower threshold and vanity area both safe and striking. If you prefer a glossier look around the vanity, you might combine a small polished zone with the surrounding honed floor.

By weighing these factors, asking the right questions and seeing how finishes perform in real situations, you’ll be well equipped to choose the concrete surface that perfectly suits your Perth home or commercial space.

Comparing Professional Services in Perth

In Perth, selecting the right contractor can make or break your concrete project. While many companies offer surface grinding and sealing, the expertise, equipment and end-to-end support vary widely. To ensure you get the quality finish and longevity you expect, it’s important to know which qualifications and service standards to look for—and why Terrastone Architectural Concrete is a standout choice.

Key Qualifications and Experience to Seek

When evaluating potential contractors, consider:

• Trade certifications and training: Seek teams accredited in decorative concrete and industry-approved practices.
• Proven portfolio: Review examples of both honed and polished installations in indoor and outdoor settings to confirm they match your vision.
• Equipment and technology: Modern low-speed grinders, planetary polishers and dust-extraction systems reflect a commitment to quality and safety.
• Material partnerships: Alignment with leading sealer and densifier suppliers guarantees access to high-performance products and warranties.
• Project management approach: Clear communication, detailed proposals and a single point of contact streamline timelines and minimise surprises.

Request references and recent project photos to gauge a contractor’s consistency and attention to detail on Perth jobs.

Why Terrastone Architectural Concrete Stands Out

Terrastone Architectural Concrete brings decades of decorative concrete expertise together with customer-first project management. Every installation is overseen by Adam Burvill, your dedicated project manager from initial consultation through to handover. This ensures:

• Consistent quality control: One manager tracks workmanship, materials and schedules, so nothing is overlooked.
• Access to display centres across Perth: View actual swatches and completed installations before committing.
• Local supplier partnerships: Terrastone sources diamond tooling, sealers and densifiers from trusted Australian suppliers, ensuring performance and compliance.
• End-to-end service: From substrate preparation and moisture testing to final honing or polishing, the Terrastone team handles every phase in-house.

By choosing Terrastone Architectural Concrete, you’re not just hiring a contractor—you’re partnering with a team dedicated to bringing your vision to life with precision and care.

How to Request a Quote and Next Steps

Ready to explore which finish suits your space? Terrastone’s quoting process is straightforward:

1. Site visit and assessment: Schedule a free consultation to inspect your slab, discuss aggregate exposure and plan any preparation work.
2. Sample selection: Visit a display centre or request on-site swatches to compare sheen, aggregate and colour options.
3. Detailed proposal: Receive a tailored quote outlining scope, timeline and materials—no hidden fees.
4. Project scheduling: Once approved, a start date is confirmed and Terrastone manages permits, safety compliance and the entire workflow.
5. Completion and handover: After final inspection, you’ll receive care instructions and a maintenance plan to protect your investment.

To kick off your project, contact Terrastone today or book a consultation through the Terrastone homepage. Their team is ready to answer your questions and help you choose between honed or polished concrete—so you can move forward with confidence.

Time to Transform Your Space

Choosing between honed and polished concrete isn’t just a finishing touch—it’s the difference between a space that simply wears well and one that truly shines. With the right surface, you’ll achieve a balance of style, safety and long-term value tailored to Perth’s unique climate and lifestyle.

At Terrastone Architectural Concrete, we bring together local expertise, premium tooling and a dedicated project manager to guide you through every stage—from moisture testing and substrate repair to the final seal or high-gloss polish. Whether you’re dreaming of a textured honed pool deck or a luminous polished living area, our decorative concrete solutions will bring your vision to life.

Ready to elevate your home or commercial project? Visit the Terrastone homepage to explore our full range of finishes, browse real-world projects and book your complimentary site assessment. Your ideal concrete surface is just a click away—let’s start transforming your space today.