Commercial flooring is one of the most critical elements of any new build—but it’s also one of the most overlooked. Time and again, we see well-intentioned builders make decisions during construction that lead to long-term problems, expensive repairs, or complete flooring replacement just a few years in.
Here are the top flooring mistakes we still see on commercial projects—and how to avoid them.
1. Treating the Slab Like It’s Temporary
One of the most common mistakes? Builders assume the slab will get covered later—so there’s no need to protect it during construction.
The reality: Many projects now specify finished concrete as the final surface. If your trades are dragging equipment, pouring paint, or letting debris pile up on the slab, you're ruining the final product before it’s even sealed or polished. Damage like oil stains, gouges, or embedded drywall mud doesn’t magically disappear during finishing—it becomes part of the floor.
Pro tip: If finished concrete is the end goal, treat it like finished flooring from day one. Use floor protection, monitor traffic, and coordinate trades accordingly.
2. Skipping Moisture Testing
Moisture is the silent killer of commercial flooring. Whether it’s polished concrete, epoxy, tile, or another surface, failing to test for vapor transmission can lead to bubbling, peeling, staining, or floor failure.
Moisture doesn’t go away over time—it needs to be measured and mitigated properly.
Pro tip: Always run ASTM-compliant moisture testing before scheduling a finished concrete install. This protects both your schedule and your client’s investment.
3. Underestimating Floor Flatness Requirements
For coatings and finishes to perform, the slab needs to meet specific flatness and levelness standards. Too many builders pour slabs “close enough” and hope the flooring crew will fix it later.
If your slab is too wavy, steep, or inconsistent, it limits the sheen and longevity of polished concrete. Worse, it often forces costly patching or grinding that should have been avoided.
Pro tip: Know your FF/FL targets based on the flooring spec and communicate them to your concrete sub. Not all flatwork is created equal.
4. Waiting Too Long to Involve Flooring Pros
Flooring is often treated like an afterthought. But by the time a builder calls us in, key decisions—like slab type, pour schedule, or expansion joint layout—have already locked in.
Those early decisions determine how well the finished floor performs, especially with finished concrete. Small tweaks up front (like using the right mix design or slab curing method) make a big difference.
Pro tip: Bring in your flooring contractor during planning, not post-pour. We can flag risks, suggest better prep, and help ensure the floor looks good and lasts.
Final Thoughts
If your project includes finished concrete floors, you’re not just pouring a foundation—you’re installing a visual, high-performance surface. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your client gets the longevity, durability, and aesthetics they expect.
Want help planning your next project for polished perfection? Contact Custom Concrete Creations—we build floors that perform from the first pour to the final polish.