Edging Tips for Polished Concrete I

Edging is the key to a winning polished concrete floor, but you need the right knowledge, the right tools and the right attitude to achieve success. For polishing edge of concrete floors, the best tool is Ceramic Edge polishing pad, diamond grinding cup wheels, with handheld polisher or walk-behind grinder from MEtool Diamond tools.

The biggest challenge with edge work on a polished floor is achieving the same depth of cut and overall look as the main part of the floor.

Edge finishing is an age-old gripe with polishing contractors that has caused bad backs and sore knees since the beginning of polished concrete time.Successful edges start with attitude. A hate for edging can spread like a cancer through your company, so you must ensure a positive attitude about edging at the top of your company.

Other challenges that can affect the outcome of edge work can't be solved by a simple attitude adjustment. Oftentimes, inconsistent concrete finishing along exterior walls is the result of concrete contractors having to hand-finish edges because their power trowels couldn't get close enough to the edge of the slab. Hand finishing can cause many frustrating situations such as an uneven finish with many highs and lows and "chalky" concrete or pitting. These problems can all be solved but only with elbow grease and backaches. I like to try to get the edges as flat as I can and blemish-free by heavy grinding or patching if necessary.

Another issue is timing and the construction schedule. Was I scheduled before drywall and baseboards? Are the toilets in? What about kitchen cabinets? The project manager always asks me when I want to come in to "do my thing." Of course I want to be free and clear of obstacles and interior walls, but a large percentage of my jobs start before the concrete is poured. I cannot expect the GC to wait 28 days until the concrete is cured before he can start rough framing or other tasks on his own schedule. I try to explain what works best for me and is most cost effective for him in regards to edging and we make an educated decision.