One of the most common questions we hear is "how much does polished concrete cost?" The honest answer is that it depends on the floor size, the condition of the concrete, and how detailed the space is. No two slabs are the same, so pricing shifts from job to job.
That said, after years of polishing floors across Auckland, we know exactly where most projects land. Here is a straight breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2026 - no vague ranges, no "it depends" without numbers.
Polished Concrete Cost Per m2 in Auckland
Minimum Charge - Small Areas
For very small areas, we have a minimum charge of $2,250 + GST. This typically applies to floors under about 20m2.
Even a small job still requires transporting heavy machinery, setting up dust extraction, and running through multiple grinding stages. There is a base cost involved regardless of the floor size. If your area is under 20m2 - a single room, a hallway, or a small entranceway - this minimum applies.
Average Residential Jobs (50-70m2)
Most typical residential projects sit around $100 per m2 + GST.
This covers the common range for Auckland homes - open-plan living areas, kitchens, or a couple of connected rooms. The floor is large enough to be efficient, but still needs normal detailing around edges, doorways, and transitions.
For a 60m2 living area, that works out to roughly $6,000 + GST - comparable to mid-range tiles installed, but without the grout lines, replacements, or ongoing maintenance.
Larger Areas (70-200m2)
Once floors get bigger, the price per square metre drops. The machines run more continuously and setup time is spread across a larger area.
For floors between 70m2 and 200m2, pricing usually falls in the range of $80-$100 per m2 + GST, depending on the layout and slab condition.
A 120m2 floor at $90 per m2 would come in around $10,800 + GST.
Large Open Spaces (200m2+)
Large open areas are the most efficient to polish. If the floor is clean and open with minimal obstacles, projects over 200-300m2 can be completed for around $60 per m2 + GST.
Warehouses, large studios, workshops, and retail spaces typically fall into this bracket. The fewer obstacles and tight corners, the faster the machines can work.
Finished Homes - Expect to Pay More
Finished homes take significantly longer because of the care required. This includes working around cabinetry, walls, and tight spaces, plus protecting painted surfaces, plaster, and skirting boards from dust and contact.
Because of the extra labour, detailed residential jobs in finished homes can reach $120-$130 per m2 + GST.
If you are building a new home and planning to polish the slab, getting the polishing done before the kitchen and joinery go in will save you money. Talk to your builder about timing - we cover this in detail in our guide on when to polish during a build.
Outdoor Concrete
Outdoor areas - patios, paths, pool surrounds - are generally simpler and usually cost around half the price of indoor polished concrete.
Outdoor work can still increase if there are challenges like poor concrete quality, difficult access, or stairs. But for a standard outdoor grind and seal, you are looking at roughly $40-$60 per m2 + GST.
Quick Price Reference
| Floor type | Size range | Price per m2 (+ GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Small areas (minimum charge) | Under 20m2 | $2,250 flat rate |
| Average residential | 50-70m2 | ~$100 |
| Larger residential / small commercial | 70-200m2 | $80-$100 |
| Large open spaces | 200m2+ | ~$60 |
| Finished homes (detailed work) | Any | $120-$130 |
| Outdoor (grind and seal) | Any | ~$40-$60 |
All prices are + GST. These are guide ranges - every slab is different.
How Does Polished Concrete Compare to Other Flooring?
The upfront cost of polished concrete is comparable to mid-range tiles and higher than carpet. Where it pulls ahead is the long-term cost.
| Flooring type | Installed cost per m2 | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polished concrete | $60-$130 + GST | 20+ years with good maintenance | Minimal - mop and periodic rebuff |
| Mid-range tiles | $80-$150 | 15-25 years | Grout cleaning, cracked tile replacement |
| Engineered timber | $100-$200 | 10-20 years | Re-sanding, re-oiling every 3-5 years |
| Carpet | $40-$80 | 5-10 years | Professional cleaning, full replacement |
Over 10-15 years, polished concrete typically costs less than any comparable alternative because there is nothing to replace, re-coat, or deep clean. A mechanically polished floor has no coating to peel or wear off - the finish is the concrete itself. It will dull over time with use, similar to timber or tiles, but a periodic rebuff restores the shine.
What Affects the Price?
Not every floor costs the same. Here is what moves the quote up or down.
Floor size - Larger floors cost less per m2. The machines run more efficiently on open areas with fewer edges and corners.
Slab condition - A clean, well-poured new build slab is straightforward. An old slab with cracks, adhesive residue, paint, or uneven patches needs more preparation time before polishing can start.
Crack and joint repairs - If the slab has significant cracking or damaged control joints, these need to be filled and repaired before grinding. More repairs mean more time on site.
Access - Ground floor with a wide door? Easy. Third-floor apartment with a narrow hallway? The machines still need to get in, and that takes longer.
Empty vs finished - An empty shell is faster and cheaper. A finished home with cabinetry, walls, and surfaces to protect takes considerably more time and care.
Finish type - A basic grind and seal is the most affordable option. A full mechanical polish with multiple diamond stages and densifier applications costs more but lasts decades with good maintenance. The finish you choose has a direct impact on the price.
Gloss level - Higher gloss levels require more polishing stages. A matte or satin finish needs fewer passes than a high-gloss mirror finish.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Because every slab is different, the best way to get an accurate price is through a free site visit. We will look at the floor condition, measure the area, discuss the finish you want, and give you a firm quote with no hidden costs.
If you are not ready for a site visit, you can send through photos and measurements and we will give you a ballpark over the phone.
We also offer a 10% price beat guarantee - find a lower written quote from a licensed Auckland concrete polisher and we will beat it by 10%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does polished concrete cost per m2 in NZ?
Most residential polished concrete jobs in Auckland fall between $80 and $130 per m2 + GST, depending on floor size, slab condition, and finish type. The national average is similar, though rates vary slightly between regions. Our average residential job sits around $100 per m2 + GST.
Is there a minimum charge for small areas?
Yes. We have a minimum charge of $2,250 + GST for floors under about 20m2. Even a small floor requires the same machinery, dust extraction setup, and multi-stage grinding process.
Is polished concrete cheaper than tiles?
Upfront, polished concrete is comparable to mid-range tiles. Long-term, it is significantly cheaper because there is no grout to maintain, no tiles to replace, and no periodic deep cleaning required. A mechanically polished concrete floor can last 20+ years with good maintenance - outlasting most alternative flooring options.
How much does it cost to restore an existing polished floor?
Restoration jobs - regrinding and repolishing an existing floor - are generally less expensive than polishing a raw slab. Most restoration work falls between $60 and $100 per m2, depending on the condition of the existing floor.
Does the quote include GST?
All our quotes are presented as + GST, which is standard practice for trade services in New Zealand. GST (15%) is added on top of the quoted price.
Can I save money by polishing before the kitchen goes in?
Yes. Polishing a slab in an empty shell is significantly faster and cheaper than working around finished cabinetry and walls. If you are building new, talk to your builder about scheduling the floor polish before the kitchen and joinery installation.