Concrete Flooring Terms You Should Know Before Comparing Bids

If you're planning a concrete flooring project in Chapel Hill, NC or anywhere in the Triangle, understanding the terminology used by contractors is key to getting the results you actually want. The polished concrete industry has its own jargon, and some terms—like guard coat and seal coat—are used interchangeably, while others—like grind and polish—are not.

When you're setting specifications or comparing competing bids, having a working definition of a few crucial terms can help you avoid confusion, miscommunication, and costly mistakes.

Let’s break down the most commonly misunderstood terms in concrete floor finishing so you can confidently ask for the floor you want—and avoid being misled.

1. Grind

Grinding concrete is a surface preparation step. It removes imperfections, adhesives, or coatings and opens up the concrete for further refinement or sealing. Grinding is not the same as polishing.

At Crete Coatings, we offer a budget-friendly option called grind and seal, where the concrete is ground and then sealed with a heavy-duty coating like epoxy or urethane. This is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious projects

• Temporary or leased spaces

• Garages, restaurants, and utility areas

⚠️ Important Note: Grind and seal systems are significantly cheaper than true polished concrete. Unfortunately, we’ve seen cases where contractors present grind and seal bids as polished concrete to unsuspecting clients. While the finished look may appear similar at first glance, the performance, durability, and maintenance are very different.

Grind ≠ Polished Concrete

2. Honed Concrete

Honed concrete is the middle ground between grinding and polishing. It’s refined enough to reduce dusting and offer some light reflection, but it doesn’t reach the high-gloss finish of polished concrete.

Honing typically stops between 100 and 200 grit, making it a great choice for:

• Industrial settings

• Spaces where a matte or satin finish is preferred

• Areas where durability is needed without high reflectivity

No heavy coatings are required, and maintenance is similar to polished concrete.

Honed Concrete ≠ Polished Concrete

3. Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is the result of a multi-step mechanical process that includes grinding, honing, and polishing. The final polish can range from 400 grit to 3000 grit, depending on the desired level of shine and refinement.

Be cautious: some contractors may stop at a lower grit and apply a topical sealer to mimic the look of a polished floor. While it may appear shiny, it’s not truly polished and may not perform as expected.

To ensure you get a true polished concrete floor, be specific about:

• Desired grit level (e.g., 800, 1500, or 3000)

• Whether you want a guard coat or densifier

• Maintenance expectations

Polished Concrete = Refined, Durable, and Low-Maintenance

Why This Matters

Not all plain gray concrete that’s been “finished” is polished concrete. There are many durable and economical ways to finish a concrete surface, but knowing the difference between grind, hone, and polish helps you:

• Compare contractor bids accurately

• Avoid being misled by cheaper alternatives

• Set realistic expectations

• Choose the right finish for your space

Whether you're outfitting a warehouse, retail space, restaurant, or garage, understanding these terms will help you get the floor you really want.

About the Author

Colin Mahoney is a second-generation concrete contractor with over two decades of experience in industrial and commercial concrete flooring. As the founder of Crete Coatings, he’s passionate about educating clients and delivering high-performance surfaces that stand the test of time. When he’s not refining concrete, you’ll find him running North Carolina’s trails or playing baseball with friends.

Ready to talk about your next concrete flooring project in Chapel Hill? Contact Crete Coatings for expert advice and transparent estimates.