Polished Concrete Flooring vs. Traditional Residential Flooring

When it comes to upgrading the concrete floors in your home or residential property, there are many options to choose from that promise long-lasting results at a great price.

However, in many circles, there seem to be misconceptions regarding the differences between residential polished concrete flooring and the more traditional options available. Whether due to the price comparison, the time it takes to properly install the flooring, or the long-term impacts, many homeowners continue to pass up a high-quality polished concrete flooring solution for the traditional, more common methods.

Fortunately, a closer inspection will reveal that polished concrete floors in residential homes are not only more effective at bringing a high-quality look and feel that lasts, but the price to implement a floor polishing service is surprisingly affordable! In many cases, polished floors are more price-effective than many of the other readily-available flooring options.

When it comes to renovating your concrete flooring in your home or residential property, polished concrete offers a solution that can’t be beat. Need more brook? Check out an example price breakdown for an average 700-square-foot basement in the midwestern United States. (Note, prices shown below are based on averages, and are subject to variability based on market price and contractor services.)

Breaking Down Polished Concrete Flooring vs. Other Options


Price per Square Foot:

Breaking down the price per square foot of your flooring renovation will give you a good idea as to the general cost of the installation project. Here are the averages for a 700 square foot basement.


Polished Concrete: $4.50

Coated Concrete: $6.75

Carpet & Pad Installation: $6.00

Ceramic Tile Installation: $12.00

Wood or Laminate: $8.00



Total Installation Cost:

The total installation cost will help determine how much money you should have budgeted for your entire project.


Polished Concrete: $3,150

Coated Concrete: $4,725

Carpet & Pad Installation: $4,200

Ceramic Tile Installation: $8,400

Wood or Laminate: $5,600


Durability Factors:

You will want your residential floors to be durable for many years - keeping you from having to replace the floors consistently. 


Polished Concrete: High 

Coated Concrete: High

Carpet & Pad Installation: Very Low

Ceramic Tile Installation: Moderate

Wood or Laminate: Moderate


Maintenance Required:

When it comes to keeping your floors clean - especially those that are apt to receive high foot traffic and contact with liquids - the costs of maintenance can run high. For polished concrete, these costs are minimal if non-existant.


Polished Concrete: None

Coated Concrete: None

Carpet & Pad Installation: Periodic Cleaning & Restoration

Ceramic Tile Installation: None

Wood or Laminate: Periodic Cleaning & Restoration


Total Lifecycle Costs:

Not only are there installation costs involved with a flooring option, but there will be costs involved with ensuring that the floors remain strong and durable over the lifetime of the flooring solution. When taken together, here are the overall lifecycle costs of a flooring solution:


Polished Concrete: Very Low

Coated Concrete: Low

Carpet & Pad Installation: High

Ceramic Tile Installation: Moderate

Wood or Laminate: Moderate


The Winner? Residential Polished Concrete Floors

When it comes to straight comparisons, it is easy to see that residential concrete flooring is the winner across the board. As a homeowner looking to bring a high-quality flooring solution to your concrete floors at a cost that is affordable, look no further than polished concrete.


Polished concrete floors offer many benefits that help this option stand out against competitors, making it the perfect option for your home. Want to learn more about how to bring high-quality polished concrete flooring to your home? Contact the team at Zone Garage OKC today to discover how to get started!


At Zone Garage OKC, our team of experienced flooring contractors are ready to help you create a personalized polished concrete plan that will bring long-lasting results at an unbeatable price. Learn more with a free consultation today!

Mitch Raybelle