How to Prepare a Construction Site for Concrete Polishing to Avoid Costly Delays

nico-robitschko
Nov 9
2 min read

A worker uses a concrete grinding machine to smooth the floor in a well-lit industrial space, with a vacuum system managing dust and debris.

Concrete polishing is one of the final stages on a build, and when it goes smoothly, the results speak for themselves —

durable, low-maintenance, and visually stunning floors.

But unlike many trades, polishing requires heavy machinery, reliable power, clean surfaces, and proper site preparation. Without these, projects can run into delays, extra hire costs, or rescheduling.

To help builders, project managers, and homeowners stay on track, here’s a clear checklist to ensure your site is ready for concrete polishing from day one.

1. Power Requirements: 32amp 3-Phase or Generator

Concrete grinders are high-demand machines and require 32amp 3-phase power to run efficiently.

If 3-phase isn’t available on-site, a 20–25kVA generator must be hired ahead of time to avoid downtime.

⚠️ Standard power outlets will not run polishing equipment and can cause project delays if not arranged prior.

2. Clear Access for Heavy Machinery (500kg+)

Our grinders, vacuums, and planetary polishers are industrial machines — some weighing 500kg or more.

We need:

Safe, clear entry points
No stairs or tight obstacles without prior discussion
Solid paths (no mud pits or soft ground)

If access is restricted, lifting equipment or additional labour may be required, which can impact timing and cost.

3. Slab Must Be Clear & Ready to Work

The floor must be entirely cleared before polishing begins.

This includes:

✔ No building materials or debris

✔ No glue, paint, silicone, or covering residue

✔ No trades working on top of the slab during polishing

Any obstruction means lost time — and time on-site matters.

4. Water Access Is Essential

Water is used for:

Surface preparation
Slurry control
Cleaning during different stages of grinding & polishing

A tap or water source within reasonable distance keeps everything running smoothly.

5. Set Realistic Timeline Expectations

Polished concrete is a multi-step process, not a one-day job.

Timelines vary depending on:

Floor condition
Chosen finish (Surface polish, Salt & Pepper, Full exposure)
Hardness of the concrete
Amount of prep required

💡 Rushing the process leads to weaker results — quality polishing requires patience and a proper schedule.

✅ In Summary — Before We Arrive, Make Sure You Have:

Requirement	Needed
32amp 3-Phase Power or 20–25kVA Generator	✔
Clear slab with no obstacles	✔
Suitable access for 500kg machinery	✔
Water on-site	✔
Realistic timeline scheduled	✔