+What is the difference between cream, salt and pepper, and full aggregate?
It comes down to how deep the grinding goes. Cream only lightly grinds the surface, leaving the smooth cement layer visible. Salt and pepper grinds slightly deeper to expose small aggregate flecks. Full aggregate goes deepest, revealing the stone throughout, similar to terrazzo.
+Can you polish my existing floor, or does it need to be new?
Both work. An existing structurally sound floor can be ground and polished, provided it has enough thickness and strength. A new floor can also be poured specifically to be polished later, giving more control over the final aggregate look.
+Is it cold underfoot?
Concrete takes on the temperature of the room rather than feeling naturally warm. With good northern glazing it absorbs sun through the day and releases warmth in the evening, and it pairs particularly well with underfloor heating.
+How do you clean a polished floor?
Regular sweeping or a dry dust mop, with an occasional damp mop and a pH neutral cleaner. A properly sealed floor does not need waxing, which is a big part of the appeal.
+Does it work with underfloor heating?
Yes, concrete is excellent thermal mass for underfloor heating, absorbing and releasing heat evenly across the whole floor rather than in hot and cold spots, which is why the two are commonly specified together.
+Can you polish a garage floor?
Yes, a polished garage floor is durable, resists oil staining once sealed, and is much easier to keep clean than raw concrete. Salt and pepper or full aggregate finishes hide minor marks better than cream.
+How long does it take?
A standard residential floor typically takes two to four days depending on size and how many grinding stages are needed for the chosen finish, plus time for sealer to cure before full use.
+Is it slippery?
A high gloss finish has less texture than a matte one, and slip resistance can be adjusted through the finish level and the sealer or guard used, worth discussing for a kitchen, bathroom or entry.
