Depending on the industry being served, warehouses require flooring that calls for extraordinary demands. The flooring must be able to withstand heavy traffic, absorb impacts, and sustain temperature extremes. Heavy industrial warehouses, for example, have different requirements to those for pharmaceutical and food processing storage which might even need freezer and chiller facilities. And yet, the flooring will have to be safe, of low maintenance, easy to clean and yet be cost–effective and lasting.

Arguably one of the best floors that meet this challenging requirement is basic and traditional concrete. Concrete, if well maintained, has a proven life–expectancy that exceeds that of many other types of flooring. Additionally, it is strong, durable and cost–effective. If properly designed and laid it can easily withstand temperature extremes.

Concrete is also liable to pit and stain because of its porosity. One way of overcoming this is to treat is with sealant or a protective paint. But what is becoming increasingly popular is polished concrete, considered the decisive no-wax flooring. With improved polishing equipment and materials a high–gloss – almost glass – finish is achievable, that needs no waxing or coating.

A clean polished floor is synonymous with hygienic conditions, which speaks of good maintenance. In itself it is a selling point with customers. Polished concrete flooring is becoming increasingly popular with retailers as well because it is not just easy to keep clean, but the fact it is seamless does not allow the ingress and retention of dust and grime. The icing on the cake is that some types of concrete floors are "green" with positive environmental benefits. A polished concrete floor contributes to prospective LEED points because it

• Releases no toxic VOC vapors
• The sheen reflects more light
• Is innovative in design.

The advantages make a compelling argument in favor of polished concrete flooring in warehouses.