Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is not a coating. The existing slab is ground with progressively finer diamonds, a densifier is applied, and the surface is polished to the sheen you choose, from matte to high gloss. Skilled Trades Ontario lists polished concrete within the Cement (Concrete) Finisher trade.

Because nothing is applied on top, there is no coating to cure and no film to peel. The trade-off is that the finish depends on the slab you already have: cracks, patches and old adhesive stay visible or need repair first, and the level of aggregate exposure (cream, salt-and-pepper or full aggregate) changes the price.

Old vinyl tile and black mastic in older buildings may contain asbestos. Have old flooring and adhesive tested before any grinding starts; under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (s.30) the owner must list designated substances at the project before a contractor is hired.

Floors used by workers must not be given a finish or protective material "likely to make the surface slippery" (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s.11). Ask how the chosen sheen performs wet.

The City of Ottawa lists "New flooring" and "Painting and decorating" among projects that do not need a building permit. The page does not say whether that list is meant for commercial buildings as well as houses, so confirm with the City for a commercial building. Designated heritage buildings are not exempt, and a floor job that is part of a change of use that increases hazard needs a permit first (Building Code Act, s.10).

Published 2025-2026 contractor ranges put polished concrete on an existing slab at about $3 to $15 per square foot, with most commercial jobs about $5 to $12.