Concrete Grinding and Floor Prep in Chicago
Diamond grinding that removes old coatings, glue and high spots and opens up the slab so a new floor actually bonds. For garages, basements, shops and commercial floors across Chicagoland.
What concrete grinding does
Concrete grinding uses heavy floor grinders fitted with diamond tooling to take a thin layer off the top of a slab. It removes whatever is sitting on the surface, flattens high spots and leaves an open, rough profile that coatings can grip. It is the step that decides whether a floor coating lasts years or starts peeling in its first winter.
Our concrete grinding services
- Prep for epoxy and coatings: grinding before every garage floor coating, commercial epoxy floor and polyaspartic system.
- Old coating removal: peeling epoxy, garage floor paint and failed sealers.
- Adhesive and flooring removal: carpet glue, tile and vinyl mastic, and thinset left after old flooring comes up.
- Leveling and smoothing: grinding down high spots, ridges and uneven joints.
- Prep for polishing and staining: the first passes of concrete polishing and prep before concrete staining.
Grinding vs acid etching
| Diamond grinding | Acid etching | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes old coatings and glue | Yes | No |
| Flattens high spots | Yes | No |
| Surface profile | Even and consistent | Patchy, depends on the slab |
| Chemicals on the floor | None | Acid that must be neutralized and rinsed |
| Used by | Professional coating installers | Most DIY kits |
Acid etching is why so many DIY garage floors peel. Grinding is slower and needs heavy equipment, but it is the prep coating manufacturers generally call for.
How much does concrete grinding cost?
Grinding is priced by square foot and by what has to come off. Bare concrete that only needs a profile for coating is the fastest. Thick glue, multiple paint layers or old epoxy take more passes and more tooling. When we install a coating, grinding and crack repair are part of the written quote. For coating prices, try the Epoxy Cost Calculator.
Concrete grinding FAQs
Is concrete grinding dusty?
Grinding concrete makes fine dust, which is why professional grinders run with vacuum dust extraction. Expect some cleanup, but far less than dry grinding without extraction.
How long does it take to grind a garage floor?
A typical 2-car garage with bare concrete is usually ground in part of a day. Old coatings or thick adhesive add time.
Can grinding fix an uneven floor?
It can take down high spots, ridges and lippage at joints. Low spots and deep damage are filled and patched instead, then ground flush.
Do I need grinding before epoxy?
Yes. Epoxy and polyaspartic coatings need a clean, open surface to bond. Grinding is the most reliable way to get it, especially on Chicago garage slabs exposed to salt and oil.
Bring us a slab. We will tell you the truth about it.
On-site measure and moisture test at no cost. Written number valid 30 days.
(773) 908-4913Mon to Sat, 7am to 6pm
Request EstimateReal floors from our crew
How your grinding job runs
Walk-through
We check the slab, what needs to come off and any cracks or moisture.
Remove
Diamond grinding strips coatings, glue and high spots.
Repair
Cracks, spalls and low spots are filled and ground flush.
Ready to finish
A clean, open profile ready for coating, polish or stain.
Pair it with
Grinding is the first step. These are the finishes we install over it most often.
What our customers say
Real reviews from our Google Business Profile.
“Manny and Chris did an excellent job sealing and fixing multiple cracks in my garage floor. Epoxied the floor and now it is 10x better looking than before, all at a decent price!”
“F&L flooring are amazing. Redid my entire basement floor and could not be more pleased. The company is as professional as it gets when creating what I asked for. Would definitely recommend.”
“Truly very professional. Explained everything they had to get done, they did it, and it was very clean after the job was done. Price was very, very fair.”
Plan your floor before we show up
Built by the crew that grinds the floors. No email required.
Epoxy Cost Calculator
Price your garage, basement or shop floor in 30 seconds using real Chicago-area ranges.
Open toolFlake Color Visualizer
Mix base colors and flake blends and see your garage floor before we grind a thing.
Open toolFloor System Finder
Answer five quick questions and get the coating system that fits your space and budget.
Open toolNeed a floor ground and ready to finish?
Bring us photos of looks you like. We will show you samples and give you a written number after a free on-site visit.