St Heliers Cork Floor Removal

Old cork tiles were removed to reveal the concrete beneath in this Central Auckland home. The slab was then ground and polished to expose the natural aggregate in a beautiful polished concrete floor.

Polished concrete floor revealed after cork tile removal in St Heliers home
Graphic design of a grid that resembles grids of polished concrete
Location

St Heliers

Surface Area

40m2

Date

November 2025

The Challenge

Removing cork tiles and adhesive was extremely slow and labour intensive. The adhesive had bonded deeply to the concrete surface, requiring careful removal to avoid damaging the slab before grinding.

Job Process

What we did

We removed all cork tiles and adhesive residue, then ground the 40m2 floor using the 800-grit Hiperfloor system to a heavy aggregate exposure. The old concrete beneath the cork revealed a rich, characterful surface once polished - a result the homeowner had hoped for but was not guaranteed until the tiles were removed.

Polished old concrete floor at Auckland Museum showing exposed aggregate

Old Concrete

Old concrete slabs from pre-1990 builds often contain heavier aggregate and unique character not found in modern mixes. Grinding and polishing these surfaces reveals decades of patina and produces floors with a one-of-a-kind look that new concrete simply cannot replicate.
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.
Polished concrete with a semi-gloss finish reflecting indoor lighting.

Semi Gloss Finish

A semi-gloss sheen in polished concrete is a finish that offers a moderate level of shine, falling between a matte and a high-gloss finish. It provides a subtle, reflective surface that is less shiny than a high-gloss finish but more so than a matte finish.
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.