Cost of Concrete Grinding

Understand the key aspects that influence the cost per square meter of concrete grinding. From material costs to labor expenses, we break it all down for you.

Clarification of terminology: concrete grinding vs concrete polishing

In the UK, terms like “concrete grinding” and “concrete polishing” are often used interchangeably, even though they refer to different stages of floor treatment.

Concrete grinding price

Concrete grinding involves using abrasive tools to remove imperfections and prepare the surface, resulting in a smooth, matte finish.

Polished cost

Industrial factory flooring must be hard-wearing. Robust materials (like treated concrete) resist abrasion from forklift wheels and impact from dropped toolConcrete polishing, on the other hand, takes the process further, refining the surface to achieve a glossy, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

For the purposes of this content, while we use the term “concrete grinding”, we are referring to the BECOSAN® concrete polishing treatment, which delivers a high-performance, long-lasting, and dust-proof finish.

Concrete grinding is an essential process for improving the durability, smoothness, and aesthetics of concrete floors. Whether you’re looking to level an uneven surface, prepare a floor for a new coating, or simply enhance its finish, knowing the cost of concrete grinding is crucial.

Before diving into pricing, let’s clarify the different scenarios in which concrete grinding is used:

New concrete floor preparation – Grinding to smooth and level a freshly poured floor.
Existing concrete floor refinishing – Grinding to remove imperfections and create a polished effect.
Complete floor restoration – Grinding as part of a comprehensive renovation, including repair work.

How much does concrete grinding cost per square metre?

The cost of concrete grinding typically ranges from £8 to £22 per m² for industrial floors. For decorative finishes or small areas, prices can go up to £60-70 per m².

If a new concrete slab installation is required, costs increase by £25-35 per m², depending on the location and reinforcement materials needed.

Case A

Installing a new concrete floor with surface grinding

Case B

Grinding a new or well-preserved concrete floor

Case C

Complete restoration of a concrete floor with grinding

Key factors affecting concrete grinding cost

Regardless of the project type, several factors influence the final price per square meter:

Total surface area – Larger areas often result in lower cost per m².
Initial condition of the floor – More damaged floors require additional prep work.
Industrial vs. decorative finish – High-end finishes increase costs.
Obstacles and accessibility – Hard-to-reach areas may require more time and specialized tools.
Location and travel costs – The price may vary depending on the work site.
Project deadlines – Urgent jobs may have higher rates.

CASE A

Grinding a new concrete floor

For this scenario, let’s assume an 800 m² industrial warehouse floor that requires surface preparation.

- Cost of installing a 20 cm thick reinforced concrete slab: €25-35/m²
- Surface grinding treatment (to smooth and level the slab): €10-12/m²

Total estimated cost for installing and grinding a new concrete floor: €45/m²

Total cost for an 800 m² area: €36,000

Additional factors that can increase costs:

- Is excavation needed before pouring the concrete?
- Can concrete be poured directly, or is a pump required?
- Does the floor need fiber reinforcement?

CASE B

Grinding an existing concrete floor

This is the ideal scenario, as it requires minimal preparation work.

- Standard industrial concrete grinding cost: €7-10/m²
- Basic surface treatment for dust-proofing and sealing: €5-7/m²

Total cost range: €5-10/m², depending on the floor condition.

What affects pricing?

- Total area size
- Location and accessibility
- Time constraints and scheduling

CASE C

Complete floor restoration with concrete grinding

If the concrete surface is badly deteriorated, the grinding process becomes more complex.

1. Repair work (cracks, joints, delaminations): €4-8/m²
2. Surface preparation (removing epoxy, adhesives, or coatings): €3-9/m²
3. Final grinding and finishing treatment: €7-10/m²

Total cost for full restoration: €14-27/m², depending on damage levels.