When it comes to polishing concrete, one of the most significant choices you’ll make is selecting the right level of stone exposure for your floor. Whether you’re after a subtle, minimalist aesthetic or a bold, industrial style, the level of stone exposure will influence the overall appearance and feel of your space. At Precision Polished Concrete, we offer three distinct levels of stone exposure: Nil Exposure, Minimal Exposure, and Full Exposure. Keep reading to find out which finish best suits your project.
Achieving a Nil Exposure finish is no small feat, but it creates a strikingly smooth and polished surface with minimal to no visible stone. This highly sought-after look requires specific conditions during the pouring process to ensure a flawless finish. To get it just right, we work with experienced concreters who can pour the concrete to stringent specifications, avoiding any undulations or imperfections that might cause the aggregate to show through.
After the concrete has been poured, we begin with a gentle grinding process, carefully removing only a minimal amount of material. This ensures the surface remains smooth and even, with minimal exposure of the stone. Any small imperfections, like tiny cracks or pinholes, are expertly filled and grouted to achieve a flawless, seamless finish. The final step involves polishing the floor to the preferred gloss level, creating a sophisticated and sleek concrete surface. This approach is perfect for those seeking a polished, elegant look without the visibility of the aggregate. To explore various gloss levels, click here.
For those who prefer a more subtle, textured appearance, Minimal Exposure offers just that. Also known as the salt and pepper finish, this style reveals only a slight amount of aggregate—just enough to add interest without overwhelming the eye. In this case, we grind off approximately 1-3mm from the surface of the concrete, often only going over the floor once.
Depending on the slab’s consistency and how it was poured, some areas may show more stone, while others might reveal very little. This minimal exposure is commonly used in spaces that embrace a more industrial or rustic look, such as garages, restaurants, or outdoor areas. It’s also a great option for those working within a budget, as it’s more affordable compared to full stone exposure or nil exposure finishes.
Full Exposure is the ultimate choice for those who want to showcase as much of the aggregate as possible. As the most popular and dramatic finish, this option reveals the full beauty of the stone embedded in the concrete, making it ideal for residential homes, showrooms, and other spaces where visual impact is key.
Achieving full exposure requires a more intensive process, as we grind down the concrete 2-3 times to expose the stone completely. Typically, we remove about 4-6mm of the surface, depending on the hardness of the slab. Since this process is more labor-intensive, it does come at a higher cost than minimal exposure. Use our cost calculator here to get an estimate for your project.
Full exposure is particularly effective for those who want a bold, decorative finish that reveals intricate patterns and colors in the stone, providing a truly unique and luxurious look.
Selecting the right level of stone exposure depends on your aesthetic preferences, budget, and the intended use of the space. Each option offers distinct benefits and looks, but no matter which level you choose, you can trust that Precision Polished Concrete will deliver a high-quality finish tailored to your needs.
For further assistance, feel free to reach out to our team in Perth. We’re happy to discuss your project and help you determine the perfect stone exposure level for your floors.
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