Many clients ask us how soon they can have their newly poured concrete driveway, path or patio honed. The answer to that question is not as simple as you might think. In this blog post, we’ll explain a little about the honing process and what factors determine when your concrete will be ready for honing.
There are two main methods of concrete honing: wet grinding and dry grinding. Wet grinding leaves behind a slurry that can stain rendered brick. The dry grinding method uses a vacuum to collect the waste and put it in a heavy-duty bag. Talk to your concrete equipment supplier if you’re unsure which way is right for your project.
The first thing to understand is that concrete takes time to cure. After it’s poured, the concrete must harden and dry thoroughly before it can be worked on. This can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the weather and the thickness of the concrete. Once the concrete has cured, we can begin the honing process.
Honing is done with a particular machine that uses diamond-tipped blades to grind down the surface of the concrete. This grinding process smooths out the surface of the concrete and gives it a polished look. The time it takes to hone concrete depends on how much grinding is required. For example, if there are just a few minor imperfections, the honing process will be much quicker than if the entire surface needs to be ground down.
When honing concrete, make sure to use the proper grits. Different grits provide different results. The first grit is highly coarse, while the last one is wonderful. You want to work from the roughest to the most proper determination, so it’s essential to follow the correct grit sequence.
Honed concrete is a great option for concrete that needs a high gloss finish. It’s an excellent choice for driveways, footpaths, and pathways. This flooring also provides a smooth, durable surface for your home. It’s also affordable and practically maintenance-free.
Honing concrete has two distinct advantages. It’s more durable, resistant to damage, and requires minimal maintenance. While you may need to resand your floor every three to seven years, honed concrete can last decades. Depending on how much traffic your concrete surface receives, it will last up to 10 years with proper care.
Before polishing concrete, educate yourself and your customer on the process. For instance, if you remove VCT before polishing, you may leave a ghost shadow that remains until you polish the concrete. Another essential factor to consider is the bonding method. Concrete is more durable with a higher bond.
So, when can you have your newly poured concrete honed? It depends on several factors, including weather conditions and the thickness of the concrete. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect it to take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks before your concrete is ready for honing. If you have any further questions about the process, feel free to call us, and we’ll be happy to help!