You're standing in your garage in Doncaster or your warehouse in Footscray, looking at that grey concrete slab, wondering what it would actually cost to make it shine. Polished concrete has become the smart choice for Melbourne businesses and homeowners who want durability without the fuss. But what's the real price tag in 2026?

We've been polishing and coating concrete across Melbourne for seven years. We've done residential garages in Brighton, commercial warehouses in Dandenong, and industrial facilities across the western suburbs. The costs vary wildly depending on what you're starting with and what finish you want. Let's break down what you'll actually pay.

Residential Polished Concrete Pricing

For a typical Melbourne home garage, polished concrete sits between $40 and $80 per square metre in 2026. A double garage of about 40 square metres will run you $1,600 to $3,200 fully finished. The range exists because preparation changes everything. If your slab is relatively flat and clean, you're at the lower end. If it has cracks, oil stains, or uneven sections, your costs rise.

We've noticed a trend across the inner suburbs. Homeowners in Toorak and South Yarra often want higher polish levels (80 to 120 grit) which adds cost but creates that glossy showroom look. Families in the outer areas like Cranbourne or Melton often choose 60 to 80 grit polish, which is more practical for actual garage use and saves money. Both look fantastic. Both perform brilliantly. The choice is yours based on budget and lifestyle.

One thing most homeowners don't know: the real cost comes from surface preparation, not the polishing itself. We use diamond grinding to expose the aggregate properly. Some competitors use acid etching, which is cheaper upfront but damages your concrete over time. Our method costs more initially but adds decades to your floor's life. That's why we back every residential installation with a 7-year warranty.

Commercial Polished Concrete Costs

Commercial spaces shift the math significantly. Most Melbourne retail shops, offices, and light manufacturing facilities pay between $35 and $65 per square metre for polished concrete. A 200-square-metre showroom in the CBD will typically run $7,000 to $13,000 delivered and finished.

The pricing is lower per square metre than residential because the scale and efficiency work in your favour. We can mobilise our crew, diamond grind the entire floor systematically, and apply polish without the interruptions you get in a garage setting. Larger commercial projects also benefit from bulk material purchasing.

But commercial comes with its own variables. Foot traffic intensity matters. A busy retail precinct in Southbank needs stronger sealing than a quiet office in Moorabbin. Movement and vibration from machinery in industrial-adjacent commercial spaces demand specific aggregate exposure and polishing grades. We assess each site individually because what works for one shopfront doesn't work for another.

We've completed commercial work from Werribee to Collingwood. The best outcomes happen when we understand the actual use of the space before we quote. A cafe versus a boutique versus a medical clinic all have different durability and aesthetic needs.

Industrial and Large-Scale Operations

Industrial facilities across Melbourne's manufacturing belt, including Coburg, Thomastown, and Kealba, typically see polished concrete at $25 to $50 per square metre. A 1,000-square-metre warehouse might cost $25,000 to $50,000 fully prepared and polished. The cost-per-metre drops because scale efficiency and minimal finishes push the price down.

Industrial polishing demands different thinking. High traffic, heavy machinery, potential chemical exposure, and fork lift damage all factor into our surface prep and sealing strategy. We often recommend densifiers and sealers rated for industrial use rather than pure aesthetic polish. A production facility in Dandenong needs a floor that withstands punishment, not one that just looks good.

Many industrial clients ask about the comparison to epoxy coating. Polished concrete is inherently more durable for heavy wear. Epoxy looks dramatic but requires recoating every 5 to 10 years in high-traffic zones. Polished concrete, sealed properly, can last 20 years with regular maintenance.

Factors That Shift Your Final Cost

A few things change your price across all categories. Existing condition is the biggest factor. A clean, relatively flat slab costs less than one with stains, cracks, or significant unevenness. Removal of existing coatings or sealers adds time and cost. Geographic location within Melbourne affects crew travel time, which affects pricing. Summer months (November through February) can see slight premiums due to scheduling demand.

The finish level you select matters too. A matte natural polish costs less than a high-gloss mirror finish. Densifiers and sealers range in price based on durability ratings. If you add decorative elements like broadcast flakes or colour tints, costs rise accordingly.

Our crew never surprises you with hidden costs. We assess your site, quote a fixed price, and execute that scope. We own our team, so there's no subcontractor markup either. What you're quoted is what you pay.

Ready to transform your concrete? Contact us for a free site assessment and exact quote. Whether you're in Mornington Peninsula, the northern suburbs, or anywhere Melbourne-wide, we'll come out, measure, evaluate, and give you a transparent 2026 cost. No obligation, no pressure, just the facts from a crew that knows Melbourne concrete inside out.

Back to all articles | Get a free quote

Related Articles