Residential and Commercial

Expert Concrete Polishing in Charlotte, NC

50 Years of Excellence

Your Trusted Experts in Concrete Polishing

Unparalleled Beauty with SUNDEK of Charlotte

Discover the unparalleled beauty and durability of polished concrete with Sundek of Charlotte. Polished concrete is an advanced, multi-step process where a concrete floor is mechanically ground, honed, and polished with bonded abrasives to achieve a stunning, high-performance finish. As a SASE trained and certified team, we deliver sophisticated and durable flooring solutions for commercial and residential spaces throughout the Charlotte area. From warehouses and retail stores to homes and restaurants, a polished concrete floor offers a unique combination of modern aesthetics, longevity, and value.

For high-gloss finishes, we perform a crucial grouting step to fill microscopic surface pores and imperfections. This creates a more uniform surface, which significantly improves the floor’s clarity and DOI.

We always perform a mock-up on the actual slab to be polished. This allows you to approve the final look and ensures the result matches your vision, as aggregate and color can vary.

We verify our work using calibrated meters according to ASTM standards for DOI, gloss, and haze. We follow a strict testing protocol to ensure every square foot of your floor meets the specified quality level.

The Sundek of Charlotte Difference

A Commitment to Quality

A superior polished concrete floor is the result of a precise, technical process. We are committed to the highest industry standards to ensure a flawless and lasting result.

Understanding the Finish

Aggregate Exposure Classes

The first step in defining your floor’s appearance is selecting the Aggregate Exposure Class. This determines how much of the natural stone (aggregate) within the concrete is visible after the initial grinding stages. The final look is influenced by the original concrete mix design and finishing techniques.

Class A:
Cream Finish

This finish exposes very little aggregate, creating a smooth, consistent, and uniform appearance. The surface consists of 85-95% cement fines with only 5-15% fine aggregate visible.

Class B:
Fine Aggregate(Salt & Pepper)

The most common choice, this finish reveals a light scattering of fine aggregate, creating a “salt and pepper” look. The surface is composed of 85-95% fine aggregate with a small blend of cement fines and coarse aggregate.

Class C:
Coarse Aggregate Exposure

This class involves grinding deeper into the concrete to reveal the largest aggregates. The result is a bold, terrazzo-like finish with 80-90% full aggregate exposure.

Achieving the Perfect Shine

Levels of Polish

After selecting the aggregate exposure, the next choice is the level of sheen. The gloss is achieved through a mechanical polishing process using progressively finer diamond abrasives. We measure the quality of the shine using the Distinctness-of-Image (DOI) value, which measures the sharpness of reflections on the surface.

Level 1

Exposed/Flat (Ground)

This produces a matte finish with a soft, hazy appearance and minimal reflection. It has a DOI value between 0 and 9.

Level 2

Exposed/Satin (Honed)

Our most popular finish, this level provides a low-luster, satin sheen. You can begin to see slight overhead reflections from a distance. It has a DOI value between 10 and 39.

Level 3

Polished (Medium Gloss)

A medium-gloss finish that clearly reflects objects and provides good light reflectivity. This is a popular choice for retail spaces, restaurants, and showrooms. It has a DOI value between 40 and 69.

Level 4

Highly Polished (High Gloss)

This is the highest level of shine, producing a sharp, crisp, near-mirror-like reflection. The floor often appears wet. This level may require a grouting process to fill in tiny surface imperfections for ultimate clarity. It has a DOI value of 70 or greater.

What's the Difference?

Polished Concrete vs. Grind and Sealed Concrete

While they can appear similar, polished concrete and grind-and-seal concrete are fundamentally different systems. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right solution for your space.

The shine is achieved through a mechanical process of refining the concrete itself with diamond abrasives. This hardens and densifies the surface, creating an intrinsic, breathable, and long-lasting sheen.

This system offers superior long-term durability. It is highly resistant to scratches and abrasion, making it ideal for high-traffic environments. With proper maintenance, a polished concrete floor can last for decades.

The shine comes from a topical sealer applied after the concrete is ground. The process is typically faster and involves fewer steps.

While durable, the topical sealer is a wearable surface. Depending on traffic, it may need to be stripped and resealed periodically to maintain its appearance and protective qualities.

This is a more affordable alternative to mechanical polishing, providing a similar look for a lower upfront cost.

Concrete Floor Protection Plan

Protecting Your Floor During Construction

When polished concrete is the final flooring, protecting the slab during the construction process is critical. This protection must happen both after the initial slab is poured and after the polishing is complete. While polishing contractors like us are not on-site during these periods, we can assist your general contractor or construction manager in developing an effective Concrete Floor Protection Plan (CFPP). This ensures that the work of other trades does not damage the finished surface.

Polished Concrete

The Smart, Stylish Choice for Your Home

For years, homeowners have relied on traditional flooring like carpet, tile, or hardwood. Today, a superior option combines elegant aesthetics, incredible resilience, and long-term value: polished concrete. It’s a top flooring trend in residential spaces for a reason. It provides a durable, high-end look perfect for modern living.

Sophisticated Aesthetics

Polished concrete delivers a clean, elegant look that complements any interior design, from industrial chic to warm minimalism. With a wide range of finishes available, you can choose anything from a soft, matte appearance to a high-gloss, glass-like floor that reflects light beautifully.

Incredible Durability

This is a “forever floor.” Mechanically polished concrete is exceptionally durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for high-traffic areas, busy families, and pets. The process of densifying and hardening the concrete creates a scratch-resistant surface that can last for decades with proper care.

Effortless Maintenance

Imagine a floor that never needs to be waxed or stripped. Polished concrete is remarkably easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping are all that’s needed to keep it looking pristine, saving you time and money on specialized cleaning products.

A Cost-Effective Investment

While the initial installation may be more than some flooring choices, polished concrete is a more affordable option in the long run. Its long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements mean you won’t face the recurring costs of repairing, refinishing, or replacing other types of flooring.

Environmentally Friendly

Polished concrete is a sustainable flooring solution. The process utilizes the existing concrete slab of your home, eliminating the need for new materials and reducing waste.

Why Choose Sundek of Charlotte for Your Concrete Polishing Project?

At Sundek of Charlotte, we are passionate about creating beautiful, functional, and long-lasting concrete floors. Our SASE trained and certified technicians have the expertise to guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the right finish to ensuring a flawless execution. We understand the science behind the shine and are committed to delivering a floor that not only looks incredible but also performs for years to come.

Ready to elevate your space with the timeless elegance of polished concrete? Contact the experts at Sundek of Charlotte today for a consultation and free estimate.