What Does a Concrete Floor Grinder Do?

Did you know that ancient Romans were the first humans to use concrete? Thousands of years ago, they used concrete on projects like aqueducts and bath houses.

The Pantheon is still famous for its gigantic non-reinforced concrete dome. At 142 feet high, it's the biggest dome of its kind. Scientists now think that the volcanic ash used in Roman concrete has kept the dome standing.

If you're starting your (slightly smaller) flooring project, you might be looking for a concrete floor grinder. Keep reading to learn about what this equipment does, how it works, and where you can find one.

What Is a Concrete Floor Grinder?

A concrete floor grinder is a great tool for finishing concrete surfaces. With a high-quality grinder, you can transform an uneven concrete floor into a smooth surface.

There are two main parts of a concrete floor grinder: diamonds and bonds. Each grinder features a rotating head that contains diamonds attached to its surface with bonds.

Let's look at a few of the main types of grinders available:

Walk-Behind Models

This is the most common type of concrete floor grinders. These models are easy to use by simply walking behind them and pushing the grinder across the surface you're working on.

Walk-behind grinders are an excellent option for mid-size projects. They work well for removing floor coatings like mastic or paint.

These grinders are often used to polish concrete floors. From flooring in residential homes to big box stores, a walk-behind floor grinder is there to make your work as efficient as possible.

Ride-on Floor Grinders

If you've experienced the joy of a ride-on lawnmower, then you can imagine the thrill of ride-on concrete floor grinders!

These models are excellent for large projects. If your client needs you to level a giant warehouse floor, a ride-on grinder is probably the way to go.

You might also see these models used in showrooms or retail outlets. Large ride-on floor grinders can polish several feet at once, leaving a nice glossy surface.

Handheld Floor Grinder Models

Finally, handheld grinders can be a great option for smaller projects.

If you're wondering how to grind concrete floor in a tight space, you might consider a handheld floor grinder. They weigh less than larger models, so they are also easier to maneuver.

These models are used for projects like polishing concrete countertops. Whether you're looking to purchase a new model, or considering concrete floor grinder rental options, a handheld grinder is a great option.

Choosing a Grinder for Your Next Project

Now that we've covered a few different options, let's look at some different projects you can accomplish with a concrete floor grinder.

After you've done the hard work of laying a concrete driveway, you might be looking to polish your new surface. Polishing your finished driveway will eliminate hazards to tires and passersby.

Speaking of hazards, another important application for concrete grinders is smoothing sidewalk surfaces. For small-depth hazards, a handheld concrete grinder can help you smooth a dicey stretch of sidewalk.

If you're working on installing new flooring, from kitchen tiles to a new living room carpet, a concrete floor grinder is a must! Smoothing your concrete surface first will allow you to lay tiles or carpets with ease.

What about reworking old concrete floors? You guessed it: a concrete grinder is up to the task. This technology can help you take a bumpy stretch of concrete flooring back to its polished glory days.

Of course, grinding a concrete floor is not just an aesthetic decision. Many warehouses or factories have concrete flooring. Keeping these surfaces smooth and level can prevent accidents and keep workers safe.

If you build pools for your clients, a concrete floor grinder is a must-have. It's crucial to polish concrete pool decking. Uneven deck surfaces can turn a casual swim into a dangerous outing.

Wet or Dry?

It's important to determine whether you want to use a wet or a dry floor grinder. A wet floor grinder uses water to lubricate the concrete surface. This reduces friction between the diamonds and concrete.

Wet floor grinding can be messy, though. That's why many contractors prefer a dry method. Dry grinding leaves behind a better polish. Also, using less water might be necessary in a dry or arid climate.

Special Considerations

Grinding a concrete floor level might be a standard job for a seasoned flooring contractor. But there are several important considerations to keep in mind to ensure your safety while operating these machines.

One danger of operating this technology is silica dust. When it is inhaled, silica dust can permanently damage your lungs.

One study conducted by the CDC showed that workers who grind concrete are at high risk of silica dust inhalation. These workers were exposed to up to 55 times the recommended exposure limit (REL)!

Fortunately, there are steps that you and your employees can take to stay safe. Using a concrete floor grinder on a wet surface is one option. This reduces the chances of dust getting kicked up into the air.

There are also industrial vacuum systems designed to work with different floor grinders. These help by sucking dust out of the air as you work.

In addition to wet grinding and vacuum use, all workers should have proper safety equipment. Investing in high-quality masks and goggles is crucial for worker safety.

Next Steps

When you start on your next concrete flooring project, take a few minutes to review this article. What size grinder do you need? How will your company use the different grinders you purchase?

After you've answered these questions, take a look at what Onfloor Technologies has on offer. Our wide range of projects is designed to help you achieve the best results for your clients.

When you're ready to invest in more top-tier equipment, give us a call. We take great pride in helping all of our customers maintain quality, efficiency, and safety. We look forward to hearing from you!