Ground and polished concrete is becoming a very popular domestic flooring choice as it has a myriad of benefits and is very adaptable. It has had commercial following for a while as it is durable enough in a warehouse for foot traffic to heavy forklifts and yet shiny, clean, and professional enough for office buildings, hotels, and restaurants. It is the perfect domestic canvas - looks equally good in a classical European setting as it does in an ultra minimalist setting.  It can give a very informal feel – but then can be finished as smooth and hard as marble, and be dressed up to suit.        

Each ground and polished floor is totally unique.  It can be ground down differing amounts depending on the desired amount of aggregate you want exposed. If you are building a new house or extension you can plan for the many variables which a ground floor throws up – you can vary the colour of the cement as a basic measure, and if that doesn’t give enough base colour choice an oxide can be added to the cement to develop your own colour.  The type and size of the aggregate to be exposed through the grinding process can be co-ordinated with your builder for further choice options - glass can be thrown in for extra interest and colour.        

If you have underfloor (in-slab) heating, it is more efficient as the warmth does not have to travel any further through any other mediums and is an efficient holder of heat (as are ceramic tiles – but ground concrete is much more contemporary). It is also a very popular choice for those who are energy aware. It’s thermal mass properties allows it to absorb heat during the day (creating a cooling effect) and in a north facing house the winter sun it absorbs will be re-radiated at night.        

Another major advantage it that is very forgiving and low maintenance - it can be finished with a variety of gloss levels and coating finishes which are extremely durable.