If you’re considering renewing the appearance of your floor, it’s normal to wonder how much it costs to polish a floor and whether it’s really worth doing instead of opting for a simple buffing.
Both techniques can restore shine and uniformity to worn floors, but the results, durability, and cost vary depending on the type of material and the condition of the surface. Not all floors can be polished, nor do they all need to be buffed, so choosing wisely can save you time and money.
Below, we provide an updated guide on the price of floor polishing per square meter, as well as approximate polishing rates based on the type of flooring: marble, terrazzo, cement, or concrete. We analyze which factors influence the final cost and when it’s worthwhile to invest in this type of maintenance.
When is it worthwhile to polish or buff a floor?
Floor polishing is beneficial when a floor has lost its natural shine, shows obvious wear, or has stains that are difficult to remove with conventional cleaning. It’s also an ideal solution if you want to restore the original appearance of marble or terrazzo without having to replace the flooring, which represents considerable savings compared to a complete renovation.
In general, polishing is recommended when the floor has scratches, unevenness, porosity, or surface damage, as this process removes layers of the material until it is level and ready for a shiny finish.
Polishing, on the other hand, is a quicker and more economical option when the floor is structurally sound but has lost its luster. It is especially useful for regular maintenance and, in many cases, can be done several times a year to preserve the shine without damaging the material.
Factors that influence the price of polishing or buffing
The price of polishing or buffing a floor isn’t fixed: it varies depending on several key factors that you should consider before requesting a quote. Knowing which factors affect the final price will allow you to better evaluate the options and avoid surprises.
Type of material
One of the most determining factors is the type of flooring. Materials like marble or terrazzo require specific polishing and buffing techniques, as well as compatible products that respect their natural composition. These floors usually offer a very aesthetically pleasing result after treatment, but the cost can be somewhat higher due to the delicate nature of the process and the desired finish.
In contrast, concrete or cement floors cannot be polished using traditional methods; they can only be polished mechanically. This process is usually more aggressive and is carried out with heavy industrial machinery, so the price can also increase depending on the technical complexity. However, in large industrial areas, the cost per square meter can be offset by the size of the space.
Soil condition
The initial condition of the pavement directly influences the time, effort, and products needed to achieve a good result.
If the floor shows severe wear, deep stains, cracks, porosity or visible scratches, more intensive work will be necessary, with several passes of polishing and possible prior repairs, which increases the cost.
On the other hand, if the floor is structurally sound but has simply lost its shine, polishing may be sufficient and much more economical. In these cases, a single pass with the right products can restore the floor to a renewed appearance without having to invest in more complex treatments.
Square meters, displacement and machinery
The surface area to be treated is another key factor. The larger the area, the more cost-effective the price per square meter usually is, as it covers the cost of machinery and the travel expenses of the technical team. However, for smaller areas, especially in private homes, prices per square meter may be slightly higher due to the minimal service costs.
The location of the work and access to the site also play a role. If there are difficulties in bringing in machinery or if the area is remote, a travel surcharge may apply.
Likewise, the type of machinery used (scrubbers, rotary polishers, industrial vacuum cleaners, etc.) is selected based on the floor and its condition, which can also affect the final budget.
Price of polishing a floor per m2
Below, we provide approximate average prices according to the most common types of flooring in homes, premises and industrial buildings.
Marble and terrazzo polishing
Polishing marble or terrazzo floors typically costs between €12 and €20 per square meter, depending on the degree of wear, the number of passes required, and whether a subsequent treatment such as crystallization or sealing is included. These materials allow for a very shiny, elegant, and durable finish, which is why many homeowners, building owners, and offices choose this treatment.
If the floor is badly damaged or has deep stains, the price may increase due to the additional work required. However, on floors that have been well-maintained, polishing can be faster and cheaper, especially if it’s arranged in conjunction with the final buffing.
Polishing concrete or cement floors
Polishing concrete or cement floors has a different cost because it requires more robust machinery and a more technical approach. The price usually starts at €8 or €10/m², and can go up to €18/m² if a high-gloss finish (known as mirror-polished concrete) is desired or if the floor has many irregularities.
This type of polishing is very common in industrial buildings, garages, parking lots, or commercial premises with continuous floors. Although it is a more abrasive process than that used for marble floors, it offers great durability and improves resistance to foot traffic and dust.
Is it more expensive to polish or to buff a floor?
Generally speaking, polishing a floor is more expensive than buffing it, as it involves removing a surface layer of the material, leveling imperfections, and using specialized machinery in several stages. Buffing, on the other hand, is a surface treatment that aims to restore shine to a floor that is already level and in good condition.
If the floor has scratches, wear, or deep stains, simply polishing it won’t be enough; it will need to be buffed first. However, if the goal is regular maintenance of a well-cared-for floor, buffing will be cheaper and sufficient to restore its shine. Therefore, the initial cost of polishing is usually higher, but the results are longer-lasting when combined with proper ongoing maintenance.
Price of buffing a floor per m2
It is generally more economical than polishing, as it is a surface treatment . This procedure aims to restore shine and protect the pavement without removing layers of the material.
Floors that can only be buffed
Some floors cannot be mechanically polished and, therefore, can only be buffed. This is the case with vinyl flooring, porcelain tiles , certain types of glazed ceramic tiles, and even some synthetic floors used in commercial settings. In these cases, buffing is the only way to improve the floor’s appearance without replacing it.
There are also situations where a natural floor like marble or terrazzo has already been polished and doesn’t need to be re-leveled. In these cases, polishing allows you to maintain the shine for longer without resorting to more expensive or invasive processes.
Price per type of finish and recommended frequency
The price of polishing a floor per m² is usually between €4 and €8/m² , depending on the type of material, the product used (crystallizers, waxes, polymers), and the final shine desired.
It also matters whether it’s a first application or regular maintenance. In high-traffic areas, such as building entrances, shops, or clinics, polishing every 6-12 months is recommended.
Some high-gloss finishes may require additional coats or specific products, which slightly increases the cost . However, if done as part of regular maintenance, the price per square meter can be more affordable, especially on large surfaces.
Which floors are cheapest to keep shiny?
Pre-polished terrazzo or marble floors are the easiest and most economical to maintain with polishing. Once treated, with proper maintenance and regular polishing, they retain their shine for years without needing to be repolished. This makes them an excellent long-term investment, especially in residential communities, hotels, or public spaces.
It is also cost-effective to polish the floors of commercial premises, offices, or homes that do not experience heavy wear and tear. In these cases, the cost per square meter of polishing is low, the application time is quick, and it can be carried out without significant disruption to the activity of the space.
Personalized quote for floor polishing or buffing in Mallorca
At Nord Baleares we specialize in floor polishing and buffing throughout the island of Mallorca, with extensive experience in all types of surfaces and environments: cleaning of commercial premises, homes, industrial buildings, warehouses, hospitals, health centers and large surfaces such as shopping centers or public spaces.
Each floor has specific needs depending on its material, condition, and use. That’s why we offer a personalized, no-obligation quote tailored to the type of treatment you require and the square footage to be treated.
Contact us now and we will advise you on choosing the best option between polishing or buffing at the best price and with guaranteed results.
