FAQ: Grinding Concrete Driveway?

Can you grind down concrete?

Any pre-existing concrete can be ground down and smoothed with the right devices and skills. But, the ease and difficulty of the concrete grinding can vary depending on how old the slab is. In general, older concrete is much easier to grind.

What is the best way to grind down concrete?

For a small job, rent an angle grinder equipped with a diamond grinding wheel ($50 a day or less). It’s the perfect tool for taking down just a few high spots or tough-to-reach areas near walls. Be sure the one you rent comes with a means of attaching a vacuum to suck up the dust.

How much does it cost to grind concrete?

Economical: You can expect to pay between $3 and $12 per square foot for polished concrete, depending on your location and the complexity of the project. Polished concrete pricing is dependent upon how many levels of grinding are needed to get the floor to a smooth surface.

How long after pouring concrete can you grind it?

We have been advised 48 hours should pass after pouring that the slab before it is walked on, as this can alter the aggregate placement (push it further down into the slab), creating for bald patches despite grinding down to the furthest possible exposure level.

Is grinding concrete dangerous?

Grinding and polishing of concrete will release the dangerous silica-bearing dust in to air, exposing construction workers and others. Breathing the silica dust can result in dangerous, irreversible, untreatable diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer (that’s the tragedy).

Can an angle grinder grind concrete?

An angle grinder can be used to level, smooth and polish concrete by grinding it down. They can also be used to remove paint and floor adhesives. To grind concrete with a angle grinder you need a diamond cup wheel, a dust shroud attachment, and a vacuum cleaner.

Why do you grind concrete?

Grinding concrete removes all imperfections and inconsistencies in the concrete, resulting in a smooth and usable surface. Old and damaged concrete surfaces can be restored to their former glory and used for years and years to come.

Can I use sandpaper on concrete?

The good news is that concrete can be sanded with relative ease when the proper equipment is used, such as a good concrete sandpaper (made using diamond instead of sand). There are also three different types of sanded finish you can achieve, depending upon the tools and amount of removed material.

Do you need to seal concrete after grinding?

It is always a good idea to seal your concrete floor after grinding. Grinding your concrete floor will smooth out the surface and bring out the speckled or marbled appearance of the aggregate, which increases the appearance and makes for a more decorative finish.

Can I polish my concrete slab?

Almost any structurally sound concrete floor, whether new or old, can be polished. However there are some exceptions, for example with new floors no special mix design is required to achieve good results – although the floor should be in place at least 28 days before polishing begins to ensure adequate curing.

Is polished concrete cheaper than hardwood?

It is possible for a “fancy” concrete floor to be more expensive than an economical hardwood floor. In general, a tight budget will find concrete floors more budget-friendly, but it depends on the design and finish of the concrete floor.

Does polished concrete crack?

“Polished concrete is more susceptible to cracking.”



Keep in mind that all concrete floors will crack, whether polished, coated, or untreated. Cracks can be somewhat controlled by sawing joints into the surface of the floor, and existing cracks can be filled and sealed to prevent further damage.

Can you have polished concrete in bathrooms?

‘Polished concrete can look nice in bathrooms – there’s no grout so it gives a very clean look. It’s easy to slip on a highly polished floor when wet though, so you need a finish with extra sanding to give it some texture,’ says the renovation specialist.