If you’ve ever tried to describe your dream concrete floor and ended up saying, “You know… that smooth-but-not-shiny-but-also-shiny look,” this guide is for you. Polished concrete has two big style levers: aggregate exposure (how much stone you see) and sheen (matte, satin, or gloss). Pull the right two levers and you get the exact vibe you’re after—no guesswork, no regrets, and no explaining “salt & pepper” to your friends like a spice blend.
At NZ Grinders, we make this visual decision simple. Here’s how each finish actually looks in real life, where it shines, and what to expect when the lights hit it.
What Shapes the Look (Beyond Good Taste)
Before we dive into finishes, a quick reality check. Concrete is a natural composite, not vinyl wallpaper. Differences in mix, pour, trowel work, and curing will create subtle variation. That’s good—character is kind of the point. Your two main choices are:
- Aggregate exposure: Marble Surface (minimal), Salt & Pepper (light), Full Stone Exposure (bold).
- Sheen: Matte (soft), Satin (classic), Gloss (mirror-like).
Nail those, and you’re 90% there. The rest is lighting, furniture, and your very photogenic dog.
Marble Surface: The Minimalist’s Dream
What you’ll see: A silky, continuous cement paste layer with minimal to no visible stone. Think smooth plaster, but it’s concrete and tougher than your morning coffee.
Vibe: Calm, refined, quietly luxurious. Great for Scandi, coastal, and modern spaces that love light walls, timber, and linen textures.
Best in: Living areas, bedrooms, galleries, and homes aiming for a warm-minimal aesthetic.
Important to know: Because we’re polishing the very top “cream,” the slab must be finished beautifully. Over-trowel burns, ripples, and contaminants will show. Loop us in early and we’ll give your builder the exact pour-and-cure playbook so the marble surface finish sings.
Pair with: Matte for ultra-softness or satin for a gentle glow. High gloss can work, but marble surface is all about restraint.
Salt & Pepper: Architectural Without Trying
What you’ll see: A light, speckled reveal of fine sands and tiny stones—like freshly cracked pepper across a pale surface. It’s subtle texture with more depth than marble surface, without going full terrazzo.
Vibe: Crisp, contemporary, “I read architecture blogs.” It plays nicely with black fixtures, stone benchtops, and clean lines.
Best in: Kitchens, entries, open-plan living, boutiques, and offices where you want design cred and easy day-to-day living.
Important to know: Salt & pepper gives you consistency and forgiveness. It hides minor surface quirks better than marble surface and still feels premium.
Pair with: Satin for the classic showroom look. Matte if you want softened reflections and extra grip.
Full Exposure: Make It a Statement
What you’ll see: Larger stones revealed across the surface—bold, varied, and packed with texture. It delivers that terrazzo energy without installing terrazzo.
Vibe: Confident, gallery-ready, unapologetically concrete. Sunlight bounces, aggregates sparkle, and photographers nod respectfully.
Best in: Feature living spaces, stair landings, showrooms, restaurants, and anywhere you want guests to say “Whoa.”
Important to know: Full exposure means a deeper initial grind to flatten and reveal stone. It’s fantastic for older slabs or renovations where consistency is a challenge—once we’re into the aggregate, the look evens out.
Pair with: Gloss when you want drama and light play; satin for a rich, high-end finish with fewer reflections.
Matte vs Satin vs Gloss (What Your Eyes Actually Notice)
| Sheen | What it looks like | Where it excels | What to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matte | Soft, diffused, low reflection | Bedrooms, studies, stairs, glare-prone spaces | Hides dust and marks best; the most “quiet” finish |
| Satin | Gentle glow with controlled reflections | Living areas, kitchens, retail | The crowd-pleaser—balanced, versatile, timeless |
| Gloss | High reflectivity, mirror-like pop | Showrooms, feature spaces, high natural light | Adds drama; shows dust/footprints sooner; plan entry mats |
Tip: Lighting matters. North-facing daylight loves satin and gloss. Harsh overheads? Consider matte or satin to keep glare in check.
How to Choose by Room (Because Context Is King)
- Kitchen & Dining: Salt & pepper + satin for crisp edges and easy cleaning. If you cook like a TV chef, satin keeps reflections civil under task lighting.
- Main Living: Marble surface + satin for calm elegance, or full exposure + gloss if you want a signature room.
- Hallways & Entries: Salt & pepper + matte/satin for traction and durability. Add entry mats to trap grit and keep the sheen singing.
- Retail & Hospitality: Salt & pepper or full exposure + satin for a premium look that takes a hit. Gloss is great for front-of-house showstoppers; keep back-of-house practical.
- Home Office & Media: Marble surface + matte to reduce screen glare and visual clutter.
Expectation Management (A Fancy Way to Say “Let’s Look Under the Hood”)
We love a surprise—just not from concrete. Here’s how we remove the mystery:
- Onsite sample grind: POA. We open a discreet patch to preview exposure and tone on your slab.
- Agree the spec: Exposure level, sheen target, and edge details get locked in.
- Densify & refine: We harden the surface and climb through diamond grits until the look is exactly right.
- Lighting check: We assess reflections with your real-world lighting so the sheen performs as expected once furniture moves in.
All the while, we’re honest about what your slab can (and can’t) do. No sales fluff—just the best path to the finish you want.
Little Visual Tweaks That Make a Big Difference
- Skirting & edges: Shadow gaps or crisp skirting lines frame the floor and make it feel intentional.
- Transitions: We’ll plan clean interfaces to timber or tile so there’s no “trip-lip.”
- Rugs: Great for zones, but don’t smother a heated slab—use breathable underlays and let that thermal mass work.
- Sun & shade: Expect gentle tone shifts through the day. That’s character, not a defect.
Why Work With NZ Grinders
We’re finish nerds. We obsess over exposure consistency, joint lines, corners (the boss fight of polishing), and the sheen that suits your light. Whether you’re dreaming of a marble surface sanctuary or a full-exposure showpiece, NZ Grinders will help you see it—then deliver it.
Ready?
For project-specific advice or information, please give us a call, North Island Glen 021-434-199, South Island Mike 027-281-8815 or email Ian, our sales manager.