As part of a major renovation at One Queen Street in Auckland CBD, large areas of concrete required coating and adhesive removal. The floor was prepared through concrete grinding for future redevelopment.

Large-scale concrete grinding and strip out at One Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Graphic design of a grid that resembles grids of polished concrete
Client

LT McGuiness

Location
Surface Area

10000m2

Date

April 2022

The Challenge

The scale of the building and strict safety requirements required close coordination with other trades. At 10,000m2, this was a significant concrete preparation project in one of Auckland's most prominent commercial buildings.

Job Process

What we did

We strip-ground the 10,000m2 floor using 50-grit steel grinding to remove old coatings, adhesives, and surface contamination. The heavy aggregate exposure prepared the slab for future flooring installation. Dust extraction and safety protocols were maintained throughout to meet the building's strict commercial standards.

Standard pump mix concrete surface with natural texture.

Standard pump mix

Standard pump mix in concrete grinding refers to a concrete mixture that is designed for ease of pumping and placement using concrete pumps. This mix typically has a specified design strength and consistency that allows it to be efficiently pumped to the desired location for grinding and other finishing processes. The aggregate is typically between 10-19mm and the cement is a standard light grey colour.
Heavy grind polished concrete garage floor with full aggregate exposure

Heavy Grind

A heavy grind removes 3 to 5 millimeters or more of the concrete surface, fully exposing the aggregate underneath. This deep cut reveals the stone and character of the slab, producing a bold terrazzo-style finish with maximum visual impact.
Concrete surface undergoing PCD preparation grinding.

PCD prep grind

A PCD (polycrystalline diamond) grind in concrete grinding is a specialized process that uses PCD tools with diamond segments to aggressively remove coatings, adhesives, and other surface materials. This method is highly effective for preparing the concrete surface for further treatments or to restore it to a clean, bare state.
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Still got questions? Find quick answers to common questions about our polished concrete services.

How do I prepare my home before concrete polishing begins?

For the best result, clear all furniture and belongings from the rooms being polished. If you are removing carpet yourself, you can also pull up the tack strips - this saves time on site. We handle all dust extraction and floor protection, but removing breakables and covering nearby surfaces helps keep things running smoothly. For new builds, polishing should happen after gib and plaster but before skirtings and cabinetry are installed.

Can I get a similar result on my floor?

Every concrete slab is unique. The final look depends on factors like the age of the slab, the aggregate mix used when it was poured, and the condition of the surface. Older slabs often reveal beautiful stone once ground back, while newer slabs tend to have a more uniform appearance. We assess your specific slab during a free site visit and can show you examples of similar floors we have completed. This gives you a realistic idea of what your floor will look like before any work begins.

What is the difference between honed and polished concrete?

Polished concrete is ground and refined to a high sheen using progressively finer diamond tooling, resulting in a glossy, reflective surface. Honed concrete follows the same grinding process but stops at a lower grit level, leaving a smooth, matte finish with little to no reflectivity. Honed is popular for residential interiors and bathrooms where a warmer, less industrial look is preferred. Both are durable and low-maintenance.

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes. We offer free site visits and quotes across Auckland. We prefer to see the floor in person before quoting - this lets us assess the concrete condition, recommend the right finish, and give you an accurate price with no surprises. Get in touch to book yours.

How long does polished concrete last compared to other flooring options?

Mechanically polished concrete can last 20+ years with good maintenance. Because there is no coating to peel or replace, it outlasts most alternatives. It will dull over time with regular use - similar to timber or tiles - but a periodic rebuff restores the finish.

Comparatively, some other flooring options have different lifespans:

  • Carpet: Typically lasts 5-15 years, depending on quality and maintenance.
  • Vinyl: Can last 10-20 years, but may need replacing sooner in high-traffic areas.
  • Hardwood: With proper care, hardwood floors can last 25 years or more.
  • Tile: Durable and can last 20 years or more, but may require regrouting or repairs over time.
  • Laminate: Generally lasts 10-20 years, depending on quality and wear.
How much does polished concrete cost?

The cost of polished concrete in Auckland depends on floor size, slab condition, and finish type. Most jobs fall between $60 and $130 per m2 + GST. Larger open areas (200m2+) can come in around $60 per m2, while detailed work in finished homes can reach $120-$130 per m2. We have a minimum charge of $2,250 + GST for small areas under 20m2. For a full breakdown by floor size and finish type, see our polished concrete pricing guide. Contact us for a free site assessment and accurate quote.

How long does it take to polish concrete?

The time it takes to polish concrete can vary depending on the size and complexity of the area, the level of polishing desired, and the condition of the concrete. In general, the process can take anywhere from a few days to a week or more.

Can any concrete be polished?

In general, most concrete can be polished. However, the quality of the final result can depend on factors such as the quality of the concrete mix, the level of aggregate exposure desired, and the condition of the existing concrete surface.

What are the benefits of polished concrete?

Some benefits of polished concrete include its durability, low maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal. It is also environmentally friendly and can help improve indoor air quality.

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