A honed finish is a surface treatment similar to polished concrete in that it uses diamond grinding pads, which are smaller than traditional polishing pads.
Unlike the polish process, the honed process does not use any kind of alkali or acid etching solution or release agents like other mechanically polished concrete floors. The honing process creates less heat and therefore results in a darker, richer colour. Honed concrete floors are a great choice for homes and businesses because they require less maintenance than polished concrete. Honed has a matte appearance, which can be further enhanced with any kind of staining process attaining a variety of desired decorative concrete mix. For example, one might choose to stain the honed surface a darker colour to enhance its richness even further, or they might prefer the lighter appearance that the natural grey provides. Stains are not required with this type of finish.
The coarse diamond grinding wheel removes small irregularities from the surface of the existing concrete floor.
The fine diamond grinding wheel smoothes out the sharp edges left behind by step 1.
Finally, under pressure, water is sprayed onto the concrete to wash away any debris created in steps 1 and 2.
In addition, honed will not scratch as easily as polished when subjects such as furniture are dragged across its surface. It is also important to note that honed can be used on brand new or newly-cured concrete constructions.
Polished concrete is the more aesthetically pleasing flooring solution because it has a higher shine than honed. The polishing process shines and buffs out imperfections on the concrete to create a high sheen. After polishing, stains are often applied to enhance the colour of the polished slab. However, while polished offers a better look, it requires much greater maintenance compared to honed due to its propensity for staining.
Honing machines typically have three different components that are central to the honing process. The coarse diamond grinding wheel uses rough pads to grind down any imperfections on the concrete's surface in the initial grinding phase. The fine diamond grinding wheel smooths out these rough spots to create a consistent material ready for honing. Lastly, the water flushing system washes away the debris created by both machines, including excess water and other contaminants. The coarse wheels are made up of an abrasive material that wears down with use; it can be replaced as needed depending on how much honing is required. Because it is similar in appearance to sandpaper, honed concrete is sometimes referred to as "stone-textured concrete." It is also referred to as grind and seal concrete because of the process followed in making it. Honed concrete still requires a curing process to achieve the desired finish, but only a fraction of the time required for polished concrete. This is because polished concrete is more susceptible to staining and damage than honed.
Honed concrete has better slip resistance abilities when wet than polished concrete or other flooring options like ceramic tiles. While honed concrete has a natural texture and feel, this finish does not create the same level of surface smoothness that leads to increased slip and fall accidents. You can further reduce the slipperiness by adding an anti-slip additive to enhance the slip resistance of the finished product.
Honed concrete does not need to be sealed, but it is recommended in a commercial space due to the increased traffic in these areas. Honed surfaces are less susceptible to staining than polished surfaces because they retain small imperfections in their surface. Sealing honed surfaces will help reduce the risk of contaminants entering into any cracks or pores that may exist on the surface. It is typically not necessary to seal honed finishes for residential uses. Honing creates a matte appearance that looks great when used with stains for colour enhancement purposes.
Honed concrete is textured and feels similar to sandpaper. It is sometimes referred to as "stone-textured concrete."
Honed finishes look very natural and have a matte finish and reveal small imperfections throughout the surface. They are not as shiny as polished finishes and do not require any sealing. If you have a concrete driveway and want to get it looking its best, here's how to clean it.Honed finishes are more aesthetically appealing than polished finishes. They offer a modern, natural, smooth appearance that is still glossy enough to reflect light from the surface. For those who want a matte finish on their concrete as opposed to a shiny one, honed concrete makes this possible. In addition, since honed floors do not need sealing and are less likely to stain than polished, they are often used in outdoor areas. These include patios, outdoor walkways, driveways, pools, alfresco outdoor areas, porches and surfaces where spills may occur.
While honed concrete was once considered an obsolete or unappealing choice for concrete projects due to its duller appearance compared to polished concrete, it has gained popularity because of its low maintenance requirements and increased resistance to staining and dirt penetration. This makes it a great, modern option for both indoor and exterior surfaces like an outdoor entertainment area or pool surrounds where colour, texture, and durability are all important factors. Burnished concrete is a great alternative.Honed finishes are generally cheaper than polished finishes because they do not require as much labour and equipment to complete the finishing process. They also do not need any sealing, which is an added cost that must be considered when looking at prices for both types of concrete.
Honed finishes are often used for outdoor projects because they are more resistant to stains than polished surfaces. They have a rougher appearance that is not as shiny, making them aesthetically suited to patios and other floor areas that will be exposed to sun or rain.
When it comes to honed concrete, the process of honing, which smoothes out small imperfections in the finish, does not require any equipment more complicated than diamond abrasive wheels. A series of these tools are used in tandem on top of a concrete slab to create shine; they remove coarse particles from the surface until all of the desired markings or scuffs are removed. Once this is complete, water flushing systems wash away loose debris leftover from the honing process.Honed concrete lasts as long as polished concrete in terms of its aesthetic life span. Depending on the amount of aggregate exposure, the honed flooring solution is virtually maintenance free. However, the topical coating used in a honed floor loses its shine after time and requires some maintenance after a few years, such as resealing or cleaning/restoring with acid washes to maintain its appearance. Honed surfaces can last anywhere from 15-30 years if properly maintained by using a sealant.
Interested in installing a concrete slab floor? Check out this handy guide on the YourHome website.