Not a Flooring Fad: Polished Concrete & Pourable Wear Toppings

Written by INSTALL / November 10, 2020

*This article by INSTALL executive director John T. McGrath, Jr. was originally featured in FCI Magazine.

With a unique combination of performance, durability and aesthetics, the polished concrete market continues to shine, taking market share from other hard surface floor coverings. As a result, contractors and industry experts are increasing their focus on installing and maintaining polished concrete, along with complementary finishes like pourable wear toppings.

However, without the proper training and education, contractors can do more harm than good when it comes to selling and installing this popular new player, drying up potential revenue streams and souring client relationships. In order to avoid this, organizations like INSTALL are investing in education and training while promoting safe working practices during COVID-19.

Polished Concrete Takes Center Stage with a Little Help from the Experts

While polished concrete has been around for years, it has recently seen a dramatic increase in popularity among specifiers working in commercial and industrial spaces. The growth in demand can be attributed to its durability, sustainable selling points, and improved technology and grinding techniques.

Yet as polished concrete continues to rise in prominence, flooring contractors and installers must also rise to the occasion in order to complete projects on time, on budget and without callbacks. That’s why organizations like INSTALL have partnered with top manufacturers to develop training sessions that are designed for specific types of machines and product lines.

A typical polished concrete INSTALL training session with manufacturer input spans three to five days and includes a combination of in-class time and on the floor time. Since there is a need to comply with the manufacturer’s standards, INSTALL continues to ramp up its dedication to concrete polishing training and is working to develop an official curriculum.

This commitment has been demonstrated by INSTALL and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters through several collaboration and curriculum development sessions with industry experts and third-party players over the past three years.

“Our new and improved polished concrete and pourable wear toppings curriculum has proven popular among apprentices,” said Eric Martinez, Instructor with the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (NASCTF) in Millbury, MA. “They see this as the future of flooring, and manufacturer partners are constantly bringing in new and improved products that provide a wide variety of finish options. It’s really impressive what they are doing to push the design envelope,” he added.

Martinez spent more than a decade in the installation industry before joining the NASCTF as an instructor in 2018. During his time at Allegheny Contract, polished concrete was growing upwards of 20% per year, signaling a major shift in the market.

“We knew something was up when new machinery started arriving at the shop,” said Martinez. “This equipment is expensive, so this was a clear sign that the team was making a major investment in the polished concrete driven by the needs of commercial interior designers, specifiers and facility owners,” he added.

New Revenue Streams for Contractors Come with a Price

Due to its increased popularity, concrete and pourable wear toppings are leading to new revenue streams and opportunities for flooring contractors around the country. In addition to traditional floorcovering materials like carpet tile and LVT, these trained and certified shops can offer the ease and convenience of non-porous surfaces backed by an industry-exclusive warranty from INSTALL.

Nobody knows this better than Vince Buttari, owner of INSTALL Warranty Contractor Heritage Flooring of West Berlin, N.J. Specializing in a variety of commercial flooring applications, Buttari’s team bids both public and government work, and installs flooring in some of the state’s largest casinos, event facilities, schools, hospitals and retailers.

As poured concrete and pourable wear topping began to increase in popularity in the early 2010s, he recognized that it would be an excellent choice for his clients across Southern New Jersey. Buttari also leveraged his roster of long-term clients who were looking for new ideas and services. Polished concrete was a natural extension of his existing work and he began recommending it thanks to its longevity, durability and unique aesthetic.

Buttari became somewhat of a pioneer in the concrete polished world. He developed a unique formula and process and discovered that you can create a smooth yet vibrant floor installation by adding glass or mirror chips to the overlay, finishing it off by polishing it.

“Adding glass to overlay is a great technique for clients who are looking for ways to help reinforce branding in floor design,” Buttari said. “It allows you to perfectly match school colors (and spirit) as well as create brand specific logos or color palettes.”

While adding glass to overlays create impressive installations, they represent only 10-15% of his work depending on the year. That is mostly because it is an expensive process. Buttari tried to convince his casino clients of the benefits of polished concrete, but because the casinos already have a system of purchasing product independently, he can’t get them to budge.

That said, most of the polished concrete work is in the education vertical, where it provides budget-conscious school districts with a maintenance free and hard-wearing solution to traditional floorcovering materials.

While polished concrete and pourable wear toppings have helped Buttari identify new sources of revenue and grow his business, they came with a price.

“If you want to get into concrete polishing it all starts with the right machinery, you can’t take short cuts when it comes to getting the right equipment,” Buttari said. “This includes HEPA vacuums, which are very important for controlling dust and ensuring a safe jobsite. While the initial investment up front is expensive, if you want to do it right and make a profit, the right equipment is key.”

In addition, Buttari said that no matter how good your equipment is, you still need to understand how to use it properly.

“This is where INSTALL training comes in,” he added. “The organization has done an excellent job incorporating new hands-on training and education surrounding polished concrete and pourable wear toppings.”

Finally, Buttari stresses another important ingredient for growing the concrete polishing portion of his business: building relationships.

“From the facility managers at Atlantic City casinos to several school districts in the state of New Jersey, everything we do is backed by strong morals and ensuring we are a trustworthy partner for our clients,” he noted.

“If I had one piece of advice to give to others just starting in the flooring installation field and concrete polishing, it would be to focus on growing connections. That is the key to securing more jobs, getting more hours for your employees and expanding your business as a contractor.”

Addressing COVID-19 on the Jobsite

Part of expanding one’s business as a concrete polishing contractor also comes down to safety. Since grinders and other equipment create a significant amount of dangerous silica dust, team members are already used to using high-power HEPA filters, wearing N-95 respirators and donning personal protection equipment (PPE) to keep dust off of clothing and soft surfaces.

“While installers are already used to wearing masks, there are still challenges on the jobsite,” said Martinez. “Since grinders and concrete polishing machines are expensive, team members share equipment. It’s important that a safety lead is determined at each jobsite, and ensures all equipment is sanitized between users,” he added.

Martinez also noted that training centers like his are installing plexiglass dividers between mock-ups, handing out additional PPE to apprentices and instructors, and requiring all personnel to complete a four-hour COVID qualification course before returning to the building. They have also reduced class sizes to allow for social distancing.

No Longer a Fad

Despite the uncertainties of COVID-19, polished concrete and pourable wear toppings continue to rise in popularity. Highly cleanable, durable and aesthetically pleasing, they represent a shift in commercial interior design, and are no longer just a trend. While it requires the right skills, organizations like INSTALL and contractors who value education and certification are making the investment in installation excellence.

Explore More News from INSTALL

INSTALL Specification Resource for Floorcovering Installations

Read Article

Infection Prevention: Your Mission, Our Expertise

Read Article

INSTALL Connects the Best in the Flooring Industry

Read Article

Flooring Olympics Celebrates Skills & Positive Industry Outlook

Read Article

Subfloor Preparation Certification: What Installers Need to Know

Read Article

Alternative Career Pathways & Succession for Flooring Installers

Read Article

Avoid Costly Missteps in Subfloor Prep, Three Factors to Assess

Read Article

With Certification, the Floor is Yours

Read Article

How Education Can Help Recruit the Next Generation of Installers

Read Article

Engaging the Next Generation of Floorcovering Installers

Read Article

INSTALL Sponsors New Accredited Webinar With Architectural Record

Read Article

Partner News: December 2023

Read Article

How to Overcome the Challenges of Retaining Flooring Installers

Read Article

Building a Successful Business Through Effective Communication

Read Article

INSTALL Announces 2023 Drywall & Flooring Olympics Winners

Read Article

Partner News: October 2023

Read Article

INSTALL Joins Floor Trends Magazine's TalkFloor Podcast

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: February 2023

Read Article

Healthcare Certifications Are More Important Than Ever

Read Article

INSTALL Introduces New Executive Director David Gross

Read Article

The Retirement of INSTALL Executive Director John T. McGrath, Jr.

Read Article

How Installers Help Healthcare Facilities Prevent Costly Rework

Read Article

Why Proper Floor Covering Installation Training Is Vital

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: December 2022

Read Article

Top-Notch Floor Covering Training Adds Long-Term Value

Read Article

Tips to Solve Common LVT & LVP Installation Issues

Read Article

Proper Training Can Help Avoid Safety Risks for Occupants

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: August 2022

Read Article

New Resilient Flooring And Carpet Certification Standards

Read Article

INSTALL Announces New Alliance Partners

Read Article

INSTALL's Course Offerings Expand With Hardwood Flooring Training

Read Article

Training and Trust Help Flooring Installers Grow in New Markets

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: June 2022

Read Article

INSTALL Expands Apprenticeship Program to Support Industry Growth

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: April 2022

Read Article

Importance of Specifying UBC-ICRA Protocols in a Covid-19 World

Read Article

Understanding Flooring Moisture Mitigation

Read Article

Keeping INSTALL Inclusive

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: December 2021

Read Article

INSTALL and Teknoflor Join Efforts to Ensure Quality Installation

Read Article

M. Frank Higgins Introduced as Latest INSTALL Warranty Contractor

Read Article

INSTALL & Tarkett Partnership to Elevate Installation Standards

Read Article

INSTALL and H2H Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: November 2021

Read Article

XL North Interview With INSTALL's John T. McGrath, Jr.

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: June 2021

Read Article

How to Keep the Jobsite Safe amid COVID-19

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: April 2021

Read Article

Smith Flooring Inc. Selected as First Stop on Presidential Tour

Read Article

INSTALL & FCICA Work to Elevate Flooring Installation Standards

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: February 2021

Read Article

The Formula to Protecting Occupied Healthcare Facilities

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: December 2020

Read Article

INSTALL Inducts Five New Members to its Floorcovering Alliance

Read Article

Not a Flooring Fad: Polished Concrete & Pourable Wear Toppings

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: October 2020

Read Article

Five Best Practices for Specifying Flooring in a COVID-19 World

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: June 2020

Read Article

Polished Concrete Sets Foundation in Flooring

Read Article

Ensuring Employee Safety on the Jobsite During COVID-19

Read Article

M. Frank Higgins & Co., Inc. Hosts ICRA Training Program

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: April 2020

Read Article

Women Flooring Installers Help Solve the Labor Crisis

Read Article

Three Reasons to Hire Certified Floorcovering Installers

Read Article

Addressing the Deadly Threat of Silica

Read Article

INSTALL Welcomes New Members to Expansive Floorcovering Network

Read Article

Watch: Installers Lay Groundwork for Polished Concrete Flooring

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: February 2020

Read Article

The Impact of Technology on the Flooring Installation Industry

Read Article

INSTALL to Present at World of Concrete 2020 and DOMOTEX USA 2020

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: November 2019

Read Article

INSTALL Showcases ICRA Standards at 2019 APIC Expo

Read Article

Innovations that are Changing the Floorcovering Industry

Read Article

Image Flooring Partners with INSTALL to Expand

Read Article

INSTALL Continues Support for Helmets to Hardhats Partnership

Read Article

Polish Your Skills: The Latest in Concrete Polishing

Read Article

How to Increase Professionalism in Installation

Read Article

Four Ways to Become More Efficient on the Jobsite

Read Article

INSTALL Members Donate Time and Skills for Charity

Read Article

Putting Concrete Polishing Education Front and Center

Read Article

Meeting Infection Control Protocols in Healthcare Designs

Read Article

UBC Announces Leadership Changes, Reaffirms Commitment to INSTALL

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: July 2019

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: July 2019

Read Article

INSTALL Continues Increasing Availability of Formal Training

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: June 2019

Read Article

Floorcovering Industry Heightens Response to Skilled Labor Crisis

Read Article

Expansion Program Helps Image Flooring Grow throughout Midwest

Read Article

INSTALL Expands Partnership with Department of Veterans Affairs

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: May 2019

Read Article

ARDEX Americas supports INSTALL with Polished Toppings Training

Read Article

INSTALL Puts Finishing Touches on Concrete Polishing Curriculum

Read Article

Floorcovering's Commitment to Saving Lives in Healthcare

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: April 2019

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: April 2019

Read Article

The Rise of Concrete Polishing

Read Article

INSTALL to Present New ICRA CEU at 2019 AEC BuildTech Conference

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: March 2019

Read Article

INSTALL Introduces New Warranty Contractor and Alliance Partners

Read Article

Ambassador Floor Lends Efforts to Combat the Skilled Labor Crisis

Read Article

Alliance Partner News: February 2019

Read Article

Four Ways to Become a Better Installer

Read Article

Reviving the Skilled Labor Pipeline in the Floorcovering Industry

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: January 2019

Read Article

Engaging in a "People First" Model for Employee Retention

Read Article

2018 INSTALL Milestones: Flooring Trade Update

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: October 2018

Read Article

INSTALL Supports Veterans through Career Placement Program

Read Article

Earn CEU credits with INSTALL's new curriculum

Read Article

Don’t fear the future of the floor covering industry

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Penny Czarra

Read Article

INSTALL Conference brings collaboration to meet industry demands

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Frank Koch

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: July 2018

Read Article

INSTALL Expansion Initiative Steadily Progresses

Read Article

INSTALL & Roppe Partner at NeoCon 2018

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Mike Maguire

Read Article

Announcing new Alliance Partners and INSTALL Warranty Contractors

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Del Church

Read Article

New Texas Training Center celebrates grand opening

Read Article

Sisters in the Brotherhood Participate in New INSTALL Training

Read Article

Tarkett & INSTALL partner to create integrated education program

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Andy Bowman

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: February 2018

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Richard Schmidt

Read Article

Reduce Maintenance Costs with Polished Concrete Flooring

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: January 2018

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: James Colombo

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: December 2017

Read Article

Master Craft Flooring Wins 2017 FCI Installation Award

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: November 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Opens Enrollment for CIM Program Scholarship

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Michael Bonacci

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Adam Williams

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: October 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Sees Continued Growth in Southern U.S.

Read Article

INSTALL Announces Canadian NAC Winner

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Kelly Bakke

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: September 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Jeff Johnson

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: August 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Combats Labor Shortage through Industry Partnerships

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: David Altman

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: July 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Jeff Moore

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: June 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Dan Solomon

Read Article

INSTALL & Partners to Host ICRA Training

Read Article

INSTALL & Roppe Partner at NeoCon 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: May 2017

Read Article

INSTALL & H2H Partnership Reaches First Year Milestone

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Ron Zimmerman

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: April 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Jim Wilkinson

Read Article

Laticrete Joins Endorsement of Substrate Prep Certification

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: March 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Included in Master Spec, Provides VA with Peace of Mind

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Heather Rice

Read Article

Why Moisture Testing is a Step that Can’t be Ignored

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: February 2017

Read Article

INSTALL Insights: Resilients

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Tom Sheridan

Read Article

Industry Leaders Endorse the INSTALL Substrate Prep Certification

Read Article

Flooring System Success: Get it Right from the Ground Up

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: January 2017

Read Article

INSTALL's Certified Installation Manager Scholarship Winner

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Tom Lutz

Read Article

INSTALL Takes on Installation’s Challenges

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: December 2016

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Brian Redshaw

Read Article

INSTALL & H2H Bring Veterans to the Flooring Industry

Read Article

INSTALL Insights: Selecting the Right Contractor

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Garrett Maki

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: October 2016

Read Article

Canadian National Apprenticeship Contest

Read Article

INSTALL Launches Substrate Certification Program

Read Article

INSTALL combats skilled labor crisis with training

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Kirk Kazienko

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: September 2016

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Laura Graham-Sawchyn

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: August 2016

Read Article

UBC Southern Council Collective Bargaining Agreement

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Bryan Kear

Read Article

This Month at INSTALL: July 2016

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: July 2016

Read Article

Consolidated Carpet Supports St. Francis Pantries & Shelters

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Barb Kidwell

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: June 2016

Read Article

VA Taps INSTALL for Master Construction Specification

Read Article

INSTALL Recap: NeoCon 2016

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: Eric Kastner

Read Article

INSTALL Partners with BHI for Haiti Build

Read Article

INSTALL Launches Surface Prep Certification

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: May 2016

Read Article

INSTALL Regional Council News: April 2016

Read Article

INSTALL Profile: David Gross

Read Article

2016 Starnet Design Awards

Read Article

INSTALL Expands Training in Central South Market

Read Article

INSTALL Director's Report: April 2016

Read Article

Substrate and Subfloor Installations for High-Quality Flooring

Read Article

VIDEO: The INSTALL Expansion Partnership Program

Read Article

VIDEO: The INSTALL Advantage

Read Article