Can You Use Polished Concrete Outdoors?
Polished concrete is often looked at as a choice for internal flooring, but did you know it can also be used outside your Melbourne home or workplace?
At Eco Grind, we know that installing polished concrete outside your home or business is a great choice for a low maintenance, yet stylish look that adds extra appeal to driveways, pathways, patios and even around gardens or pools.
If you’re considering a long-lasting and practical solution for your outdoor areas, polished concrete is a solid contender. Just make sure to choose an outdoor-appropriate finish and a professional Melbourne contractor (like Eco Grind) experienced in this type of application. Here are a few reasons and benefits about why having polished concrete outdoors might be the best choice for you.
Using polished concrete outdoors
Choosing the right concrete for your external spaces is all about the finish. You want a finish that looks great, lasts a long time and isn’t going to have you feeling like you’re on a slip and slide. While the beautiful high-gloss finish of polished concrete looks amazing indoors, it’s not necessarily a great idea to use it outside, because the surface can become slippery, especially if it’s wet.
However, there are outdoor-appropriate alternatives, such as grind and seal or honed concrete. These finishes give you a similar smooth, stylish appearance without the slick, mirror-like finish. A grind and seal process includes grinding the surface down to reveal the aggregate and then sealing it with a UV-stable, slip-resistant coating suitable for outdoor conditions. Melbourne’s climate, with cold, wet winters and hot summers also means any outdoor surface needs to handle temperature extremes, rain and sun exposure.
Benefits of having polished concrete outdoors
Not only is this a highly durable choice for the great outdoors, but it’s also a low-maintenance and eco-friendly option that’s bound to last a long time. It doesn’t matter whether it’s pouring with rain, the sun is bearing down or it’s as cold as ice outside, your outdoor concrete features will remain strong and sturdy. As weeds are unable to grow through the surface, it offers an effective alternative to pavers and wooden decking in patio areas. It’s also a great choice for driveways and pathways as it is able to endure ongoing tyre tread as well as high levels of foot traffic.
Outdoor polished concrete delivers a clean, minimalist look that works beautifully with a variety of home and office styles—from contemporary to industrial and even modern heritage looks. You can customise the finish with exposed aggregates, coloured oxides or decorative cuts to suit your design preferences.
If polished concrete is a look you want for the outside of your home or business, Eco Grind is here to help. Contact us today.