What types of finishes are available for concrete flooring?

Here are the most common finishes for concrete flooring:

• Trowelled: This is a smooth, functional finish achieved using mechanical trowels. It is the standard solution for warehouses, garages and surfaces that require good flatness and hardness.
• Polished: A subsequent treatment applied to cured concrete. The surface is sanded with diamond discs and hardeners are applied to achieve a high-gloss finish (mirror effect) and completely closed pores. It is used indoors where aesthetics and cleanliness are a priority.
• Semi-polished: A less intensive polish. A satin finish is achieved, with closed pores and easy to clean, but without the shine or cost of a full polish.
• Imprinted: Moulds are used to stamp a texture onto the fresh concrete that imitates stone, cobblestone, wood, etc. It is a very common decorative solution for exteriors.
• Brushed or combed: After initial trowelling, a brush is used to create fine grooves that improve grip. Commonly used on ramps, roads or sloping pedestrian areas.
• Exposed or deactivated aggregate: A product is applied to delay surface setting and then cleaned with pressurised water, leaving the aggregate exposed. The result is a rough, non-slip and decorative surface.