Polished concrete floor cost is one of the most common questions we’re asked — and for good reason. It’s a significant investment, and the pricing can seem confusing when you see figures ranging from £55 to £150+ per square metre online.
This guide cuts through the noise. As specialist polished concrete floor installers based in London, we’ve priced and installed hundreds of projects across the capital and surrounding counties. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay — and why.
Polished Concrete Floor Cost: 2026 Price Guide
The cost of a polished concrete floor in the UK ranges from £55 to £130 per m² depending on the system used, finish level, and location. In London, expect to pay towards the upper end of this range due to labour and logistics.
| System / Finish | Price Per m² | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Polished concrete overlay — standard (matte/satin) | £65–£80/m² | Residential living rooms, open-plan kitchens |
| Polished concrete overlay — premium (high gloss) | £80–£100/m² | Hallways, statement spaces, retail |
| Microcement floor system | £70–£90/m² | Bathrooms, wet rooms, stairs, curved surfaces |
| Structural slab — grind and polish (new build) | £45–£65/m² | New builds with exposed concrete subfloor |
| Structural slab — full refurbishment | £100–£130/m² | Existing slabs with heavy contamination or repairs |
| Commercial overlay (warehouse, office, retail) | £55–£85/m² | Commercial spaces 100m²+ |
Free site survey included — all LFS quotes are based on an in-person survey, not guesswork. Book yours here.
Total Project Cost Examples
To give you a real-world sense of polished concrete floor prices, here are typical project costs based on room size:
| Room Size | System | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 25m² kitchen | Standard overlay, matte finish | £1,625–£2,000 |
| 35m² open-plan kitchen/living | Standard overlay, satin finish | £2,275–£2,800 |
| 50m² ground floor | Premium overlay, high gloss | £4,000–£5,000 |
| 80m² full house ground floor | Premium overlay + pigmentation | £6,400–£8,000 |
| 200m² commercial unit | Commercial overlay, satin | £11,000–£17,000 |
| Bathroom/wet room (10m²) | Microcement | £700–£900 |
What Affects the Cost of Polished Concrete?
Seven key factors determine where your project lands on the price scale:
1. Your Existing Floor Type
Most London properties have timber joisted floors — not a concrete slab. A polished concrete overlay (5–8mm) can be applied directly over existing floorboards, tiles, or screed without rip-out. This is the most cost-effective solution for period properties and the vast majority of London homes.
If you have a concrete subfloor in good condition, a grind-and-polish approach is cheaper but requires the slab to be structurally sound and level.
2. Floor Area
Polished concrete benefits from economies of scale. Smaller rooms (under 20m²) often cost slightly more per m² due to setup costs being spread over less area. Large commercial floors (200m²+) attract the lowest per-m² rates.
3. Finish Level (Sheen/Gloss)
Polished concrete comes in four standard finish levels:
- Matte: Light grind, topcoat sealer. Lowest cost. Industrial aesthetic.
- Satin: Medium polish, semi-gloss topcoat. Most popular for residential.
- High gloss: Full multi-stage polish. Maximum reflection. Premium cost.
- Mirror: Highest-spec finish, multiple grinding stages. Commercial showrooms and luxury residential.
4. Pigmentation & Colour
Natural grey concrete (aggregate visible) is the standard and most affordable option. Adding integral pigments or surface dyes to create coloured floors adds £5–£15/m² to the overall cost. Custom colours or multi-tone designs cost more.
5. Subfloor Condition & Prep Work
If the existing floor has significant cracks, contamination (oil, adhesive residue), or major level differences, additional preparation is needed. Subfloor repairs and levelling can add £10–£30/m² to the total. This is assessed during the site survey.
6. Location (London vs Outside London)
London labour rates are 15–25% higher than the national average. Central London (Zone 1–2) tends to attract slightly higher rates than outer zones, partly due to parking, access, and logistics. Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Kent fall between London and national rates.
7. Access & Site Conditions
Ground floor projects in houses with good vehicle access are straightforward. Upper floors (e.g. flat renovations), basement access, or tight urban sites may require additional time and equipment, which is reflected in the quote.
Polished Concrete Floor Cost vs Alternatives
How does polished concrete compare to other popular flooring options?
| Flooring Type | Supply & Install Cost (per m²) | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polished concrete overlay | £65–£100 | 20–30 years | Very low |
| Engineered wood / oak | £60–£120 | 15–25 years | Medium (re-oiling, refinishing) |
| Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | £25–£55 | 10–20 years | Low |
| Porcelain tile (large format) | £60–£110 | 20–30 years | Medium (grout maintenance) |
| Natural stone (marble/limestone) | £80–£200+ | 30+ years | High (sealing, polishing) |
| Microcement | £70–£90 | 15–25 years | Low (periodic resealing) |
Polished concrete’s total lifetime cost is significantly lower than most alternatives when you factor in minimal maintenance, no replacement cycles, and compatibility with underfloor heating (which reduces ongoing energy costs).
Does Polished Concrete Add Value to a Property?
Yes — and increasingly so in London’s market. Estate agents and developers regularly cite polished concrete floors as a desirable finish that accelerates sales and supports higher asking prices, particularly in:
- Open-plan kitchen/living conversions
- Rear extensions and basement renovations
- Converted industrial and warehouse properties
- High-end new-builds and developer projects
While it’s difficult to quantify exactly, a premium finish in a London property — particularly in sought-after areas like Kensington, Clapham, or Central London — is rarely a liability at resale.
Does the Cost Include VAT?
All LFS prices quoted are exclusive of VAT (20%). The prices shown on this page are supply-and-install net figures. Your written quote will clearly show the net amount and VAT separately.
For certain residential renovation projects, VAT may be reduced to 5% — speak to us at the survey stage and we’ll advise on your specific situation.
Is There a Minimum Project Size?
We work on projects from approximately 15m² upwards for residential installations. Smaller areas (bathrooms, utility rooms) are often done as part of a larger project or quoted on a day-rate basis. Commercial projects typically start from 50m².
What’s Included in an LFS Polished Concrete Quote?
Every LFS quote includes:
- Full site survey (free, no obligation)
- Detailed written specification
- Material supply and installation labour
- All grinding, polishing, and sealing stages
- Floor preparation to our specification standard
- Post-installation care guide
- Warranty on workmanship
We do not quote online without seeing the job. Every polished concrete floor is different, and an accurate price requires seeing your subfloor, access conditions, and room layout in person.
How to Get an Accurate Polished Concrete Floor Cost
The only way to get a reliable price is a site survey. We offer free, no-obligation surveys across London and the surrounding counties including Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Kent.
During the survey, we’ll:
- Assess your existing floor and subfloor condition
- Confirm which system is best suited to your project
- Discuss finish options, colours, and sheen levels
- Provide a fixed written quote within 48 hours
Call us on 020 3582 7011, email info@lfspolishedconcrete.co.uk, or use our contact form to request a survey.
Frequently Asked Questions: Polished Concrete Floor Cost
How much does polished concrete flooring cost per m²?
Polished concrete flooring costs between £65 and £130 per m² in the UK, with London projects typically ranging from £65 to £100/m² for an overlay system. The price depends on the finish level, floor condition, and project size. Structural slab grinds on new builds can be lower (£45–£65/m²) while complex refurbishments or premium decorative finishes sit at the top of the range.
How much does a polished concrete floor cost for a typical London home?
For a typical London open-plan ground floor of 40–60m², expect to pay £2,600–£6,000 for a polished concrete overlay including supply, installation, grinding, and sealing. This assumes a standard matte or satin finish on a prepared subfloor with good access.
Is polished concrete cheaper than tiles?
Polished concrete overlay costs a similar amount to large-format porcelain tiles when you factor in supply and professional installation. However, polished concrete has no grout lines (easier to maintain) and typically a longer maintenance-free lifespan. Over 20 years, it’s usually the better value option.
How much does a polished concrete overlay cost compared to a full slab?
A polished concrete overlay (5–8mm applied over existing floor) costs £65–£100/m². A full structural slab (new pour) involves excavation, concrete supply, and curing time — typically £200–£400/m² all-in including groundworks. Most London properties use the overlay system as it avoids rip-out and disruption.
Does polished concrete cost more to maintain?
No — polished concrete is one of the lowest-maintenance floor finishes available. Routine care is damp-mopping with a pH-neutral cleaner. A topcoat refresh (typically once every 5–10 years depending on traffic) costs £10–£20/m² — much less than refinishing wood or regrouting tiles.
Can I get a polished concrete floor cost estimate online?
Online estimates are a rough guide only. Factors like subfloor condition, access, room complexity, and finish choice significantly affect the final price. We always recommend a free site survey to give you an accurate, fixed written quote — there’s no obligation and no hard sell.
Are there any hidden costs with polished concrete?
Not with LFS. Our quotes cover all materials, labour, preparation, and sealing stages. The only additional costs that can arise are subfloor repairs (if discovered during preparation) — we always flag these before work begins. We never commence remedial work without your approval and a revised price.
How does polished concrete floor cost vary across London?
Central London (Zones 1–2) projects tend to sit at the top of the price range due to parking costs, access restrictions, and logistics. Outer London and commuter counties (Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent) are typically 10–15% lower. All projects receive a site-specific fixed quote regardless of area.