COST GUIDES
How much does a polished concrete floor cost in the UK in 2026?
Updated 04/26
Average cost:
A new polished concrete floor typically costs £120–£150 per m², with an average of £135 per m²
Key cost drivers:
Floor area, excavation depth, condition of the existing floor, structural layers, underfloor heating, and the finish you choose
Good to know:
A polished concrete floor needs a stable, properly prepared base. Good preparation matters just as much as the final finish if you want the floor to last
Polished concrete floors have a very particular look. Clean-lined, modern and quietly striking, they can completely change the feel of a room, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and open-plan living spaces.
They’re also one of those finishes that people tend to think long and hard about before committing. It’s a design choice, but it’s also a practical one. You want it to look right, feel right underfoot, and last well.
This guide explains typical polished concrete floor costs in the UK, what affects the final price, and what to expect if you’re starting from scratch or polishing an existing concrete floor.
How much does a polished concrete floor cost?
In the UK, the average polished concrete floor cost for a newly poured, finished and sealed floor is usually £120–£150 per m². That puts the average at around £135 per m².
If you already have a concrete floor in place and simply want it polished, the cost is much lower, at around £50 per m².
| Type of flooring | Cost + VAT (Range low - high) | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
| Polished concrete floor cost | from £4,800 (40m²) | |
| Polished concrete floor cost per square metre | £120–£150 | £135 |
| Polished concrete floor cost per square foot | £11–£14 | £12.50 |
| Polished concrete garage floor cost | £760–£3,426 | £2,093 |
| Polished concrete bathroom floor cost | £153–£455 | £304 |
| Last updated: April 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||
Get a quote for polished concrete flooring near you
For a more accurate idea of what polished concrete flooring will cost in your home, it’s worth getting quotes from a few checked local specialists.
A written quote should make clear whether the price includes pouring a new slab, polishing an existing one, sealing, and any preparation work needed beforehand.
Enter your postcode to compare polished concrete floor specialists covering your area and get accurate quotes for your project.
Find specialists in polished concrete flooring near you
Polished concrete floor costs at a glance
New polished concrete floor: £120–£150 per m²
Average polished concrete floor cost: £135 per m²
Polishing an existing concrete floor: around £50 per m²
Typical polished concrete floor cost in an average-sized open-plan living space: from £4,800 (40m²)
Polished concrete garage floor cost: average £2,093
Polished concrete bathroom floor cost: average £304
Polished concrete floor cost per square foot: average £12.50
Data verified by our professional estimators
Estimators are CIOB & RICS members
Polished concrete floor costs by job type
Polished concrete floor cost per square metre
This is the pricing format most homeowners are given when getting quotes.
The average polished concrete floor cost per square metre is £135, with most projects falling between £120–£150 per m².
Polished concrete floor cost per square foot
Some installers may price the work by square foot rather than square metre.
As a guide, polished concrete floor cost per square foot ranges from £11–£14, with an average of £12.50.
Polished concrete garage floor cost
Polished concrete works well in garages because it's durable, low-maintenance and gives the space a much smarter, more finished feel.
The average polished concrete garage floor cost is £2,093, with costs ranging from £760–£3,426 depending on the size and specification.
Polished concrete bathroom floor cost
A polished concrete bathroom floor can create a sleek, modern look and works especially well in minimalist or industrial-style spaces.
The average polished concrete bathroom floor cost is £304, with prices typically ranging from £153–£455.
Residential polished concrete floor cost
For larger internal living spaces, a new polished concrete floor tends to start from £4,800 (40m²). This size is typical for an open-plan kitchen/living/dining space in a modern UK home.
That makes it one of those finishes that can look high-end, but may be more affordable than people expect.
What affects the cost of a polished concrete floor?
Several factors can affect the final price you’ll pay for polished concrete floor installation, including:
Size of the room: larger spaces need more material and more labour
Condition of the existing floor: if the current floor is uneven, damaged or unsuitable, extra work may be needed before polishing can begin
Depth of excavation: if a new floor is being installed, excavation may be needed to create a stable base
Structural layers: proper structural layers help create a durable, long-lasting floor and can push costs up
Underfloor heating: this is a popular addition with polished concrete, but it adds to the total budget
Finish: sealers, coatings and other finishing treatments can all affect the final price
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Additional costs to budget for
Also bear in mind there may be several extras to allow for, depending on the scope of your project:
Excavation and preparation work: if the floor needs to be dug out and rebuilt, preparation can add significantly to the final cost
Structural layers: a polished concrete floor needs the right build-up underneath it to stay stable and resist cracking over time
Underfloor heating: many homeowners choose underfloor heating alongside polished concrete because the two work well together
Finishes and sealers: a polished concrete floor may need polishing compounds, coatings or sealers depending on the look and durability you want
Polished concrete often looks simple once it’s finished, but much of the cost sits in the preparation underneath. That’s usually what makes the difference between a floor that lasts and one that causes problems later.
What should be included in a polished concrete flooring quote?
A good quote should explain not just the price, but what the price actually covers. This also makes it easier to compare quotes from different contractors side-by-side.
A typical polished concrete flooring quote should include:
Labour
Materials
Preparation work
Whether the floor is being newly poured or an existing slab is being polished
Any excavation work
Structural layers
Sealing or finishing
Estimated timescale for the project
Confirmation of what is excluded
How long does it take to install a polished concrete floor?
The timescale for installation will depend on whether you’re installing a new concrete floor or polishing one that’s already in place.
Polishing an existing concrete floor is usually simpler and quicker than pouring, preparing and finishing a new one from scratch.
Your contractor should be able to explain the expected timescale once they’ve seen the condition of the floor and understand the finish you want.
We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.
Polished concrete floor cost calculator
If you want a rough starting point before arranging quotes, a simple cost calculation can help.
As an example, the average cost is £135 per m². So, for a room measuring 20m², you might expect to pay around £2,700 for a new polished concrete floor.
That said, as we mentioned earlier, your final price can still vary depending on whether the floor needs excavation, whether underfloor heating is being added, whether you already have a suitable concrete floor in place and the finish you choose.
If you already have a concrete floor and simply want it polished, the average cost is much lower at around £50 per m².
Job Estimate Calculator
These estimates provide a useful starting point. For an accurate figure, it’s always best to ask a local specialist to assess your floor properly and provide a written quote.
Find specialists in polished concrete flooring near you
Why choose polished concrete flooring?
Polished concrete floors appeal for a number of reasons. Not only are they incredibly practical, but they give that modern, design-led aesthetic at the same time. That’s a rare combination.
Some of the main benefits of polished concrete floors include:
Durable and long-lasting
Low maintenance
Works well with modern and contemporary interiors
Versatile in colour and finish
Suitable for underfloor heating
Can reflect light nicely in a room
When sealed, can be waterproof, anti-slip and stain-resistant
For many homeowners, the appeal is that polished concrete feels understated but still quite distinctive.
Can you install a polished concrete floor yourself?
In most cases, installing a polished concrete floor is not a realistic DIY job.
Getting a polished concrete floor right takes skill, experience and very good preparation. The surface needs to be level, smooth and properly finished, and if the installation is poor, the floor may crack later on.
For most homeowners, professional installation is the safer choice.
If you’re trying to save money, one possible compromise is to have the floor installed professionally and then look at whether sealing is something you can take on yourself, but only if you’re confident and the installer is happy with that approach.
How do you maintain a polished concrete floor?
One of the big advantages of polished concrete is that it’s relatively easy to look after. To keep it in good condition:
Sweep up dirt and grit regularly
Mop as needed
Keep on top of crumbs and debris
Use wax or sealant where recommended to protect the surface
Like most floors, it tends to last best when it’s cleaned little and often rather than left until it looks tired.
Polished concrete floor cost checklist
When should you speak to a polished concrete flooring specialist?
If you’re seriously considering polished concrete, a specialist can help you understand:
Whether your existing floor can be polished
Whether a new slab is needed
What finish will suit your space
Whether underfloor heating is practical
What the likely total cost will be
This advice can make the whole project feel much clearer, especially if polished concrete is new territory for you.
Find polished concrete flooring specialists near you
If you’re ready to get quotes, comparing local specialists is the best way to understand what a fair price looks like for polished concrete flooring in your area.
A good contractor should be able to assess your existing floor properly, explain what preparation is needed, and give you a clear written quote covering both the practical work and the final finish.
Search your postcode to browse polished concrete floor specialists in your area.
Find specialists in polished concrete flooring near you
FAQs
How much does a polished concrete floor cost per m²?
A new polished concrete floor usually costs between £120–£150 per m², with an average of £135 per m².
How much does polished concrete flooring cost in the UK?
Polished concrete flooring in the UK starts from £4,800 (40m²). This is the typical size of an open plan kitchen/dining/living space in the UK, although the final cost depends on the size of the room, preparation work and finish.
Is polished concrete cheaper if I already have a concrete floor?
If you already have a concrete floor and simply want it polished, the average cost is much lower at around £50 per m² (compared with an average cost of £135 per m² for a new installation).
How much does a polished concrete garage floor cost?
The average cost of a polished concrete garage floor is £2,093, with prices typically ranging from £760–£3,426.
How much does a polished concrete bathroom floor cost?
The average cost of a polished concrete bathroom floor is £304, with prices typically ranging from £153–£455.
Can polished concrete floors work with underfloor heating?
Polished concrete floors work very well with underfloor heating and are commonly installed together. Concrete holds heat well, so once warmed, it can help keep a room comfortable for longer. Many people choose this setup in kitchens, extensions and open-plan living areas where consistent warmth is important.
Are polished concrete floors slippery?
Polished concrete floors can be finished to help ensure they are non-slip. Installers can adjust the level of polish or apply specialist sealers to improve grip, particularly in areas where floors may get wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms or utility rooms. In everyday use, polished concrete is generally no more slippery than tiles or laminate flooring.
How do you maintain a polished concrete floor?
Polished concrete flooring is a low-maintenance option. Just sweep regularly, mop as needed, and use wax or sealant where recommended to protect the surface.
More Polished Concrete Articles
See the tradespeople we've checked for your job