Smarter care for concrete and terrazzo floors

Maintaining concrete and terrazzo floors is about more than just visual appeal – it’s about protecting longevity, streamlining upkeep and meeting increasingly stringent sustainability expectations. In high-traffic settings like schools, hospitals, retail spaces and commercial buildings, the right maintenance approach safeguards flooring assets while keeping operational costs in check.

In 2025, polished concrete is on the rise across Australia. While raw concrete still has its place, especially in industrial and minimalist interiors, a polished finish offers a more refined, high-shine surface that’s both practical and attractive. Terrazzo is also staging a comeback. This hard-wearing surface – made from stone, glass or other aggregates set in cement or epoxy – is finding favour again in public buildings and commercial projects for its distinctive look and durability.

What’s driving this resurgence isn’t just aesthetics, it’s innovation in floor care technology, which is making it easier than ever to maintain concrete and terrazzo while preserving their strength and sheen. New-generation products are reducing the burden on facilities teams while improving environmental performance – a win-win for asset owners and building managers.

“There’s a real knowledge gap in the industry,” Quipment director Stuart Nicol says. “Most people don’t understand that maintaining the aesthetic of polished floors is about polishing the stone, not the coating.”

Sustainable protection through eco-friendly sealers and densifiers

The shift to greener construction and building maintenance has sparked significant innovation in surface treatments. Today’s eco-conscious densifiers and sealers deliver high-performance protection without the harsh environmental trade-offs. Low-emission formulations help safeguard indoor air quality and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals – essential in settings like schools, aged care and healthcare.

In Australia, sustainability certifications such as GECA and Global GreenTag are increasingly influencing product choice, with many specifiers and facility managers aligning their procurement with Green Star criteria set by the Green Building Council of Australia. International certifications like GREENGUARD and Green Seal are also gaining traction locally, supporting broader environmental compliance goals.

“Polished concrete is designed to be non-coated,” Nicol explains. “It’s hardened during the polishing process and should be maintained using diamond pads and water only – no chemicals needed.”

This approach not only aligns with sustainability goals but also reduces lifecycle costs. Acrylic and urethane coatings, while effective in the short term, demand regular maintenance If that’s neglected, it can lead to costly stripping and resealing.

“Acrylic or urethane coatings can look great at first, but if they’re not maintained properly, you’re facing costly stripping and resealing,” Nicol advises. “That’s why more facilities are moving away from them.”

Cleaning solutions that work harder and smarter

Many conventional cleaning agents contain aggressive solvents and high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can erode flooring over time and harm indoor air quality. Long-term exposure to these chemicals has been linked to respiratory conditions, including asthma and even cancer, according to international health authorities.

New floor cleaning solutions are changing that. Concentrated and multipurpose, these products often include small amounts of densifier and stain-resistant ingredients that lift daily grime without damaging the surface or leaving residue. Some also contain antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for high-traffic spaces where hygiene is critical.

“With diamond pads and water, you’re ticking both boxes – performance and sustainability,” Nicol says. “No harsh chemicals, and the pads are mostly made from recycled materials.

“They do a better job,” he adds. “They clean much better, they reduce bacteria on the floor – studies show they’re actually more effective than disinfectants because they mechanically remove bacteria instead of relying on chemicals.”

Designed for use on polished concrete, terrazzo, epoxy, polyurethane and other resilient flooring, these new-generation cleaners support a more sustainable maintenance strategy – one that reduces chemical exposure, extends floor life and ensures a safe, healthy environment for everyone who walks through the door.

Nicol says there’s a lot of misinformation about diamond pads grinding the floors away but dismisses those claims as untrue. “They’re made for deep cleaning or polishing, not grinding and when used correctly, they enhance the stone itself.”

A version of this article first appeared in CMM.