Polished concrete floors are quickly becoming the preferred choice among architects and designers in Dallas, TX, thanks to their exceptional durability, modern aesthetics, and sustainable appeal. But let’s be clear—properly specifying polished concrete isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. While the sleek, seamless finish looks effortlessly elegant, getting there requires careful planning, technical know-how, and avoiding some common pitfalls. Mistakes during specification can lead to costly corrections, delays, and unhappy clients.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common mistakes architects make when specifying polished concrete and provide expert tips on how to sidestep these problems from the outset. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to deliver a polished concrete floor that not only looks stunning but performs flawlessly for years to come.

Table of Contents

1. Not Specifying the Right Concrete Mix
2. Overlooking Surface Hardness & Strength Requirements
3. Not Defining Desired Aggregate Exposure & Finish Levels
4. Ignoring Moisture Control & Vapor Barriers
5. Not Accounting for Cracks & Control Joints
6. Forgetting About Slip Resistance & Safety Regulations
7. Relying on the Wrong Maintenance Assumptions
8. How ESR Decorative Concrete Experts Can Help

1. Not Specifying the Right Concrete Mix

One of the most frequent—and costly—mistakes architects make when specifying polished concrete is treating all concrete mixes as interchangeable. On the surface, concrete may seem straightforward: pour, set, and polish. But if you’re aiming for a polished floor that meets high aesthetic standards and stands up to daily use, simply ordering “standard concrete” won’t cut it. The truth is, the composition of the concrete mix profoundly impacts how well the surface polishes, how durable it remains over time, and even how uniform the final appearance is.

For instance, using a concrete mix with a high water-to-cement ratio can lead to significant issues. While extra water might make concrete easier to pour and finish initially, it also results in a weaker slab with higher porosity. This weakness becomes glaringly obvious during polishing—resulting in uneven gloss, premature wear, and inconsistent coloring. Recently, we worked on a hotel lobby renovation here in Dallas that had previously installed the wrong concrete mix. The slab was poured with excessive water, leading to dull patches, inconsistent aggregate exposure, and ultimately, the entire floor needing extensive grinding and densifying to correct the problem. It was expensive, time-consuming, and entirely preventable.

To avoid this, specify concrete mixes with a low water-to-cement ratio—typically around 0.40 to 0.45. Additionally, ensure your mix includes consistent aggregate type and size to achieve uniform aesthetics. For polished concrete projects in commercial or high-traffic areas, we recommend a concrete strength of at least 3500 to 4000 PSI. Properly specifying these details upfront guarantees a stronger, more durable, and visually impressive polished concrete surface, saving your clients headaches and protecting your design vision.

2. Overlooking Surface Hardness & Strength Requirements

Another critical oversight that architects often make when specifying polished concrete involves underestimating the importance of concrete hardness and compressive strength. While it’s easy to get caught up in aesthetics—focusing on color, aggregate exposure, or gloss levels—forgetting about structural properties can quickly sabotage your design intentions. After all, a polished concrete floor needs to withstand years of heavy foot traffic, equipment loads, and daily wear without showing premature signs of deterioration.

Concrete hardness matters because it directly impacts how well the surface polishes and how resilient the final floor will be. For instance, specifying concrete with insufficient hardness or strength (below the recommended 3500-4000 PSI for commercial applications) can lead to quicker surface degradation, dusting, and difficulty achieving the desired gloss level. You might see these floors begin to show visible wear patterns, dullness, or even tiny surface fractures in as little as six months, especially in busy retail or industrial environments.

Here’s a practical example: ESR Decorative Concrete Experts recently consulted on a retail store project in Dallas where the architect initially specified a lower-strength concrete mix to save on upfront costs. Within just one year of installation, the flooring exhibited noticeable traffic paths, surface dulling, and pitting in areas with heavy equipment usage. Ultimately, the client had to invest in costly restoration and re-polishing, which far outweighed any initial savings.

To avoid making this mistake, architects should specify polished concrete slabs with a minimum compressive strength of around 4000 PSI. Additionally, plan for using a high-quality lithium or sodium silicate densifier during the polishing process, as this significantly enhances surface hardness and durability. ESR’s owner, Austin, frequently advises architects that these simple specification adjustments can double or even triple the lifespan of polished concrete floors, delivering long-term savings and exceptional client satisfaction.

3. Not Defining Desired Aggregate Exposure & Finish Levels

One of the most frustrating—and easily preventable—mistakes architects make when specifying polished concrete is failing to clearly define the desired level of aggregate exposure and finish. Too often, specifications leave vague instructions such as “polished concrete floor,” assuming that the contractor intuitively understands the client’s aesthetic expectations. In reality, this lack of clarity can lead to costly misinterpretations, disputes, and disappointment for everyone involved.

For example, if a client expects a highly decorative, full-aggregate exposure with a glossy finish but the specification document merely states “polished concrete,” the contractor might deliver a minimal, cream-polished floor instead. The difference between these finishes is substantial in terms of both appearance and installation process. Correcting this misunderstanding requires significant rework, extensive grinding, and polishing—all of which can easily double or even triple the original project budget and timeline.

Recently, a high-end showroom in Dallas ran into exactly this issue. The architect assumed contractors would naturally provide a medium-to-full aggregate exposure with a high-gloss sheen to match their premium interior design. Unfortunately, the initial slab was polished to a simpler, cream-level finish, prompting extensive corrections that delayed the store’s grand opening by several weeks and incurred significant additional costs.

To prevent this scenario, architects must specify aggregate exposure clearly, using industry-standard terminology:

• Cream Finish: Minimal grinding, no aggregate exposed. Ideal for subtle, consistent aesthetics.
• Salt-and-Pepper Finish: Slightly deeper grinding reveals minimal, evenly distributed fine aggregate.
• Medium Exposure: Further grinding showcases moderate-sized aggregate pieces, creating visual depth.
• Full Aggregate Exposure: Aggressive grinding clearly exposes large aggregates, resulting in a visually striking, decorative look.

In addition to specifying aggregate exposure, define your desired finish clearly—whether it’s matte, satin, or high-gloss. This clarity ensures contractors can deliver precisely what your client expects, eliminating guesswork and costly misunderstandings. ESR Decorative Concrete Experts owner Austin emphasizes that clearly defining your polished concrete expectations upfront makes the difference between a successful project and one filled with costly, preventable headaches.

4. Ignoring Moisture Control & Vapor Barriers

When it comes to polished concrete, moisture is often the hidden villain architects tend to overlook. It’s understandable to focus primarily on aesthetics, strength, and finish—but skipping moisture considerations can turn an otherwise flawless project into an expensive nightmare. Moisture migrating through concrete slabs is one of the top reasons polished concrete floors develop cloudy patches, white discoloration (efflorescence), or even sealer failure.

Here in Dallas, TX, our humid climate and frequent temperature fluctuations exacerbate moisture-related issues, making moisture control a crucial step in polished concrete specification. For instance, we’ve seen commercial buildings—particularly restaurants and retail spaces—that skipped moisture testing or neglected installing a proper vapor barrier. Within months, the floors began showing unsightly discoloration and sealer breakdown. Correcting this involved grinding off the affected areas, applying moisture mitigation systems, and re-polishing—often at significant cost and inconvenience.

To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to specify thorough moisture testing before polishing. Concrete moisture levels should be measured using reliable methods like the ASTM F2170 (relative humidity test) or ASTM F1869 (calcium chloride test). Results will guide whether you need additional moisture mitigation measures.

A proactive step ESR Decorative Concrete Experts often recommends to architects and designers is specifying an under-slab vapor barrier—ideally, a high-quality polyethylene barrier of at least 10-15 mil thickness. Vapor barriers significantly reduce the likelihood of moisture migrating into the polished surface from beneath, preserving the floor’s aesthetic and structural integrity.

Austin, ESR’s owner, stresses that moisture control is never an area to cut corners. While including a vapor barrier or moisture mitigation might seem like an added expense upfront, it’s far less costly than the remedial work required after moisture damage occurs. Proper moisture control doesn’t just protect the floor—it protects your reputation as a design professional committed to quality results.

5. Not Accounting for Cracks & Control Joints

Let’s face it: concrete cracks. Even under ideal conditions, some cracking is inevitable. Yet, surprisingly, many architects overlook how visible and disruptive these cracks can become once a concrete floor is polished. Polished concrete does a lot of things well—it’s stylish, durable, and low-maintenance—but one thing it doesn’t do is hide cracks. On the contrary, polishing can amplify cracks, turning minor imperfections into glaring flaws that detract from the floor’s overall appeal.

Recently, ESR Decorative Concrete Experts consulted on a Dallas-area office renovation where the architect neglected to specify proper treatment for control joints and existing cracks. The project team assumed polishing would magically mask these issues. Unfortunately, once the polishing began, previously minor cracks became highly visible. This led to client dissatisfaction and costly rework. All of this could have easily been avoided with thoughtful planning and clear specifications.

The good news is, you don’t have to settle for an unsightly floor or surprise cracks after installation. The best approach is to anticipate these imperfections and incorporate them into your design specification. Here’s what to do:

• Clearly specify control joint placements based on your slab size and design requirements. This allows intentional placement of joints rather than random, unplanned cracking.
• Use decorative joint fillers or epoxy materials matched to your floor color, turning functional joints into attractive design elements.
• Plan decorative saw-cuts or scoring patterns to turn potential cracks into intentional design features that blend seamlessly with the aesthetics of the floor.
• For existing structural cracks, specify epoxy injections to stabilize and conceal them effectively.

Austin, the owner of ESR Decorative Concrete Experts, advises architects and designers to always discuss potential cracks with clients upfront, setting realistic expectations from the beginning. A proactive approach means fewer surprises, happier clients, and polished concrete floors that look stunning rather than flawed.

6. Forgetting About Slip Resistance & Safety Regulations

While polished concrete flooring earns praise for its sleek appearance and low maintenance, architects occasionally underestimate a critical aspect: slip resistance. Polished concrete may appear smooth and reflective, which can lead some designers to overlook the importance of specifying appropriate slip resistance, particularly in areas prone to moisture or high foot traffic.

Ignoring slip resistance doesn’t just compromise the design; it poses real-world safety risks. Consider an upscale Dallas restaurant that specified a beautiful high-gloss polished concrete floor without incorporating slip-resistant treatments. After just one minor spill, employees and customers started slipping, leading to complaints and eventually expensive remediation work. Not only did this oversight compromise customer safety, but it also opened the business to potential liability claims.

To prevent these issues, architects must clearly specify slip-resistant treatments in their polished concrete flooring specifications, especially for commercial, hospitality, healthcare, or industrial projects. This can be accomplished in several ways:

• Choosing the right gloss level: Lower gloss finishes (matte or satin) naturally offer better traction compared to high-gloss floors, especially when wet.
• Specifying additives: Including micro-aggregates or anti-slip additives during the polishing process improves traction without significantly affecting aesthetics.
• Localized texturing: Plan specific areas (like entryways, kitchens, or restrooms) to include subtle mechanical texturing or chemical etching, further increasing slip resistance in targeted zones.

Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and OSHA guidelines. Clearly defining these standards in your specification documents not only protects end-users but also ensures your polished concrete floors meet regulatory requirements.

Austin, owner of ESR Decorative Concrete Experts, often advises architects to discuss safety early in the design phase. Specifying slip-resistant treatments doesn’t mean sacrificing style; it means achieving a perfect balance of aesthetics, functionality, and safety—giving your clients confidence that their polished concrete floor will perform beautifully under all conditions.

7. Relying on the Wrong Maintenance Assumptions

There’s a common misconception among architects and designers that polished concrete floors require virtually no maintenance—“just mop and go,” as some would say. While it’s true that polished concrete is significantly easier to maintain than carpet, tile, or vinyl, assuming it requires zero attention can lead to some unpleasant surprises down the road. Incorrect maintenance practices can quickly dull your polished floors or even damage the surface, undoing all the careful design and specification work you’ve invested.

Take, for instance, a Dallas-area retail showroom we consulted on last year. Shortly after the polished concrete was installed, the facility’s janitorial crew began using harsh, acidic cleaning solutions to remove scuff marks, assuming the polished surface was resilient enough to handle it. Within months, the once-shining floor had dulled considerably, developing streaks, cloudy patches, and visible discoloration. The owner blamed the flooring material, not realizing the actual culprit was the inappropriate cleaning agents.

To avoid these scenarios, it’s crucial to provide your clients with clear, detailed maintenance instructions within your project specifications. Here are some key points to include:

• Daily Maintenance: Recommend regular dust-mopping or microfiber sweeping to remove dirt, grit, and dust that could scratch the surface over time.
• Weekly or Monthly Cleaning: Specify the use of pH-neutral cleaners only. These gentle solutions effectively clean the surface without degrading the polished finish.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Make it clear that acidic or alkaline cleaners, ammonia-based products, or strong solvents should never be used on polished concrete.
• Periodic Re-polishing: Depending on traffic levels, specify regular re-polishing or buffing schedules—usually every few years—to maintain gloss and surface integrity.

Austin from ESR Decorative Concrete Experts stresses that including clear maintenance protocols within the project specs isn’t just good practice—it’s an essential step for protecting the longevity and appearance of polished concrete floors. Properly maintained polished concrete can retain its stunning appearance and performance for decades, ensuring your architectural vision endures well beyond the initial installation.

8. How ESR Decorative Concrete Experts Can Help

When specifying polished concrete flooring, the details truly matter. Whether it’s the precise concrete mix, moisture control, aggregate exposure, slip resistance, or ongoing maintenance plans, each component plays a critical role in delivering a floor that aligns perfectly with your architectural vision. Avoiding these common mistakes isn’t just about saving time and money—it’s about safeguarding your professional reputation and delivering lasting satisfaction to your clients.

At ESR Decorative Concrete Experts, we’ve spent years working alongside architects and designers throughout Dallas and beyond, helping to ensure their polished concrete projects meet the highest possible standards. Our team, led by Austin, combines deep technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and meticulous attention to detail to turn your polished concrete specifications into stunning reality.

If you’re looking for a partner who understands the nuances and complexities of polished concrete—and one who can help you avoid costly pitfalls—reach out to us. We’re here to offer guidance, expert advice, and practical solutions to help your next polished concrete project succeed from the ground up.

Ready to ensure your next polished concrete floor lives up to your vision? Call Austin at 972-296-2173, or email us directly at esraustin@aol.com. Let’s talk about how ESR Decorative Concrete Experts can help you achieve exceptional results on your next project.