What is honed polished concrete and where would you use it
Honed polished concrete is a practical and stylish flooring option that has the ability to add long-term value and versatility to your Melbourne home.
Whether you’re upgrading your outdoor living areas or creating a contemporary finish for your Melbourne home, honed polished concrete delivers the strength, safety and design appeal to match what you are looking for.
If honed, polished concrete is on your list of things to get done around your home, you have come to the right place. Eco Grind is here to discuss all things honed polished concrete, how it can benefit your home and the best spots to use it.
What is honed polished concrete?
Honed polished concrete is created by grinding back the surface layer of concrete to reveal the aggregate underneath (those small stones and materials within the mix). It’s then smoothed out with finer abrasives to give a matte or satin finish that’s sleek without being too shiny. Unlike traditional polished concrete, which is typically used indoors and finished to a glossy shine, honed concrete has a more subtle sheen and a textured feel, making it safer and more practical for external use or areas exposed to moisture.
A penetrating sealer is often applied to honed concrete, enhancing the colour, protecting the surface and increasing slip resistance. This is especially important in outdoor settings or near wet areas.
Where to use honed polished concrete
Honed polished concrete is a sleek, sophisticated finish that offers the perfect balance between durability and visual appeal, making it a popular choice for Melbourne homes. It’s a variation of polished concrete designed specifically for areas that require a smoother, non-slip surface without compromising on style.
Here are some of the areas it is best suited:
- Entryways:From front door spaces to the back door or even side entry points, honed concrete is a great option because it handles dirt, moisture and traffic well.
- Outdoor living/entertainment areas:Perfect for patios, courtyards or alfresco zones. It’s comfortable underfoot and easy to keep clean.
- Driveways and walkways/garden paths:Strong enough for vehicles, resistant to oil and dirt, and looks great with a wide range of home styles.
- Pool surrounds:The textured finish offers added grip, making it a safe and attractive choice around water.
Benefits of honed concrete for Melbourne homes
- Slip resistance
Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and cold weather. Honed polished concrete is ideal for outdoor surfaces like patios and pathways because it offers better grip underfoot. The lightly textured surface offers extra grip, reducing the risk of slips in high-traffic or wet areas.
- It can handle Melbourne’s extreme weather
Honed concrete holds up well in all kinds of conditions, from hot summers to wet, chilly winters. With the right sealer, it resists UV damage, moisture and general wear.
- A durable choice
It’s built tough. Concrete is known for its strength and honing enhances its ability to withstand wear and tear. In high-traffic outdoor areas or entryways, honed concrete handles it all without fuss.
- Easy to maintain
Unlike some surfaces, honed concrete is easy to look after. A quick sweep or rinse now and then keeps it looking fresh. Occasional resealing helps maintain its appearance and protection.
Natural Textures
Concrete has a very natural feel and appearance that can be adapted to bring texture. It brings a unique and organic element to your polished concrete kitchens Melbourne design and is a fantastic way to infuse character into your culinary space.
Artistic Flair
Whether it’s area zoning or creative artistic appeal, planning ahead of your concrete pour will allow you to design creative patterns or artwork that you can embed directly into your kitchen floor or bench which will reveal through the polishing process. It’s quite remarkable!
If you’ve underestimated the versatility of polished concrete, it’s time to reconsider, especially for your kitchen. Contact us to explore how polished concrete can redefine the allure of your kitchen, creating a space that seamlessly combines style and functionality.