Concrete floors: How do you sand concrete floors?

Sanding concrete floors requires specific tools such as floor grinders to make sure an even finish is achieved. Concrete itself is one of the most commonly used materials in construction due to its’ affordability, durability and low maintenance properties. It is also waterproof, which makes it resistant to things like erosion.

Concrete has historically been used as a foundation material but is now widely used as a design feature on floors and worktops in homes and commercial buildings worldwide. Floors can also get damaged in the demolition of buildings or where asbestos has to be taken out, and the top of the concrete flooring, floor tiles or mastic removed.

In all instances, the concrete must be sanded to make it level and smooth, then cleaned before any other finishes are applied. 

How to sand a concrete floor

Whether it is a new concrete floor, the concrete is damaged, requires paint removing or will be a polished concrete floor; all these surfaces need to be levelled out and smoothed over beforehand. One of the best ways to do this is with a floor grinder which is designed to repair damaged surfaces and level uneven spaces through sanding.

Floor grinders have discs set at a specific height, which then sand or polish the concrete to make a surface level and smooth. They also come with intelligent designs which allow for them to be angled for clean and effective grinds along the edges. This ensures an even finish is achieved across the whole surface. It is also worth considering multi-purpose floor grinders, which are compatible with a range of tools such as sandpaper and maintenance pads. 

This provides a versatile power tool that offers a range of solutions.

Breaking up concrete floors

In the demolition of buildings, concrete needs to be broken up before it can be removed. One of the easiest ways of doing this is with a breaker. These tools are powered by electric motors and are designed to break up materials such as rock and concrete. 

Asbestos in concrete

When demolishing a concrete floor, it is important to consider the age of the building. In the early 1900s, the construction industry would add asbestos to concrete to prevent it cracking, so in the demolition of buildings around this age, it is vital to be aware of this and wear the appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE) that has been properly fitted. Masks should be worn when carrying out any work on-site that creates dust. This is to prevent serious respiratory illness from exposure, especially when there is asbestos. 

Masks should be worn when carrying out any work on-site that creates dust. This is to prevent serious respiratory illness from exposure, especially when there is asbestos. 

Beacon stock a range of Scanmaskin floor grinders for sanding and polishing and concrete. View our range or talk to one of the team at your local depot. We also have a range of breakers for the removal of concrete layers on floors and other surfaces.