A high-end concrete floor can completely transform the look and feel of any space. The right concrete finish brings elegance and sophistication, while still being durable and practical for daily use. When selecting a concrete floor finish, it’s important to consider the aesthetic you want to achieve, as well as factors like cost, maintenance and performance.
We’ve rounded up the top 5 concrete floor finishes that offer luxury style at various price points. Read on to discover the best high-end options for your next concrete flooring project.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is achieved by grinding and polishing the concrete surface to a smooth, mirror-like sheen. The concrete is processed through a series of abrasive diamond grits, usually starting with a coarse grit to aggressively cut and level the surface, moving progressively to finer polishing grits.
The polished technique exposes the innate beauty in the concrete, bringing out the natural variations, colors and aggregates. Polished concrete has a glossy appearance that resembles expensive stone floors, but at a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
- Highly reflective surface looks elegant and feels smooth underfoot
- Enhances the natural tones and patterns in the concrete
- Durable and scratch-resistant for high traffic areas
- Seamless installation with no joints or grout lines
- Relatively affordable compared to stone or marble
- Low maintenance with no waxing required
Cons:
- Surface can show tire marks, dirt and imperfections easily
- Requires extensive diamond polishing equipment and expertise
- Floors must be flat and level before polishing
- Not ideal for outdoor spaces or wet areas
- Can be slippery when wet if no traction is added
Polished concrete brings a clean, modern look well-suited for contemporary homes and commercial spaces like stores, offices, museums and more. Proper maintenance and re-polishing over time is required to keep the floor looking pristine.
Stained and Scored Concrete
Combining concrete staining and scoring creates an elegant floor with added visual interest. Concrete stains chemically react with the concrete to produce permanent, variegated colors and translucent effects. Scoring involves cutting shallow lines into the concrete surface to simulate tile or stone.
Popular scoring patterns include large squares, 12” tiles, 16” tiles, random flagstones, running bond brick and parquet. Staining allows for an unlimited palette of rich colors like emerald, navy blue, charcoal black, mustard yellow and more. The stain can be applied uniformly or varied throughout the concrete for a more organic, mottled look.
Pros:
- Artistic, customized look with any coloring and scoring pattern
- Stain penetrates deep for permanent, long-lasting color
- Scoring adds non-slip texture and visual depth
- Economical way to achieve the look of tile or stone
- Low maintenance with no sealing required
- Stain resistant and durable for heavy usage
Cons:
- Textured surface needs vacuuming not sweeping
- Effects are harder to achieve with re-staining
- Precision scoring takes skill and practice
- Stains can fade unevenly over time from UV exposure
- Not recommended for outdoor use
Stained and scored concrete brings artistic flair to indoor floors. It’s ideal for homes, restaurants, retail stores, offices and events spaces that want a stylish, customizable floor.
Micro-Toppings
Micro-toppings consist of thin resurfacing layers applied over existing concrete. They come as cementitious blends containing fine aggregates, color pigments and polymers.
Micro-topping resurfacers can be troweled on smoothly, stamped or textured to create varied looks. Popular options include imitation wood planks, slate tile, limestone, travertine and marbleized finishes. Versatile concrete stamping tools can further enhance realism.
Pros:
- Thin application preserves existing floor height
- Realistically mimics wood, tile, stone and other high-end surfaces
- Available in infinite colors and patterns
- Smooths over cracked or pitted concrete
- Cost-effective resurfacing option
- Decorative and scratch-resistant
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
Cons:
- Existing floor must be prepped and profiled first
- Resurfacing materials and labor add cost
- Gloss degrades over time without sealing
- Not ideal for heavy rolling loads
- Stamped finishes require artistic skill
- Re-surfacing is required if damaged
Micro-toppings bring high-end looks to plain concrete without full replacement. With the right base prep, they perform well in light-duty residential, retail and commercial spaces.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is a mix of marble, quartz, granite and other aggregates bound in a decorative matrix of cement or epoxy. It provides an upscale, timeless look popularized in early 20th century buildings.
Today, modern terrazzo comes in endless color combinations and aggregate blends to deliver one-of-a-kind floors. Epoxy terrazzo has gained popularity for its strength, chemical resistance and fast installation. It can also incorporate glass, mother of pearl and other recycled aggregates.
Pros:
- Classic, high-end aesthetic
- Customizable with any colors and aggregate mix
- Low porosity and moisture absorption
- Excellent durability for heavy commercial use
- Seamless installation without grout lines
- Minimal maintenance required
- Sustainable using recycled aggregate materials
Cons:
- High material and installation costs
- Requires grinding and polishing
- Needs re-sealing over time
- Aggregates can scratch if surface wears
- Skill intensive installation
- Challenging repairs if damaged
Terrazzo endures as a luxury flooring choice. Its unique patterned look and longevity make it ideal for commercial, hospitality, retail, educational and residential spaces.
Radiant Heat Flooring
Radiant heat flooring uses an electric wire or hydronic piping system embedded in the concrete slab to gently warm floors. Systems are automated with smart thermostat controls to provide customized comfort.
Heating elements are poured into the concrete and topped with any floor finish. Common finishes include polished, stained, epoxy and micro-topped concrete.
Pros:
- Even, comforting warmth underfoot
- Energy efficient heating using concrete’s thermal mass
- Allows any concrete floor finish type
- Smart programmable thermostat control
- No visible radiators or vents
- Improves air circulation and reduces dust
- Can supplement main heating system
Cons:
- Higher installation cost for system and concrete pour
- Electric systems can cause EMF interference
- Hydronic systems require water lines and anti-freeze
- Requires professional design and installation
- Underfloor repairs are more complex
- Not recommended on upper levels or above basements
In-floor radiant heating brings luxurious comfort and versatility to choose any concrete floor finish. It works well for virtually any room of the home, as well as commercial spaces.
What to Look for in a High-End Concrete Floor
When examining concrete flooring options, there are several qualities that contribute to a high-end look and performance:
- Reflectivity – Glossy, mirror-like finishes have an elegant appeal. Polished concrete and epoxy terrazzo are most reflective.
- Color – Deep, saturated colors like cobalt blue or emerald green read as ultra luxe. Any finish can incorporate bold concrete stains.
- Clarity – Clear resins in epoxy terrazzo and micro-toppings enable aggregate and pattern details to shine.
- ** Aggregates** – Granites, marbles, glass and mother of pearl embedded in terrazzo create captivating surfaces.
- Score Lines – Scoring concrete to simulate tile or plank shapes adds artisanal texture.
- Seamlessness – Concrete flooring free of grout lines and seams has a smooth, unbroken expanse.
- Sheen Variations – Subtle gloss variations from hand-troweling creates dimension. Some terrazzo offers this.
- Durability – High-end concrete must withstand heavy usage. Industrial-grade epoxy terrazzo or toppings provide this strength.
- Unique Patterning – Customized stains, aggregate mixes and artistic scoring yield one-of-a-kind floors.
5 Best Concrete Floor Finishes That Look High-End: FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about achieving high-end looks with concrete floor finishes:
What is the most elegant concrete floor finish?
Polished concrete and epoxy terrazzo are widely considered the most luxurious concrete floor finishes. Their smooth gloss and seamless installation resemble expensive stone. But any finish can look sophisticated with thoughtful design.
What finish looks most like real wood or tile?
Micro-toppings can closely mimic genuine hardwood planks, tiles and natural stone when stamped or textured appropriately. Staining also adds realistic variations. Epoxy terrazzo can incorporate recycled wood chips for wood-like accents.
Can concrete be finished to look like marble?
Yes, the right techniques can achieve a marbleized finish:
- Micro-toppings troweled and polished to a smooth sheen
- Scattering aggregates like crushed marble or mother of pearl
- Acid-staining concrete followed by a clear epoxy flood coat
- Epoxy terrazzo with marble aggregates
What is the most cost-effective high-end concrete floor?
Stained and scored concrete offer dramatic effects at the lowest cost. But all finishes have wide pricing ranges depending on design intricacy. Simple polished concrete can also be affordable elegance.
How durable are high-end concrete floors?
It depends on the finish. High-performance epoxy terrazzo and industrial micro-toppings offer exceptional resistance to heavy traffic, chemicals and scratches. But even basic stained concrete improves durability versus untreated concrete.
Transform Your Space with High-End Concrete Floors
Achieving a luxurious yet practical floor is possible by tailoring one of these high-end concrete finishes for your unique space and taste.
While upfront costs can be higher for some finishes, this investment pays dividends for years through unmatched aesthetics, easy maintenance and long-term performance.
Consult a professional concrete contractor early when planning a project. They can help select an appropriate high-end finish based on your goals, costs, concrete slab quality and usage needs.
With the right concrete craftsmanship, you can enjoy elegant floors that make your home or business extraordinary. Which of these top finishes would you love to have underfoot?