When it comes to making rough concrete surfaces smooth and level, a concrete planer is the unsung hero. While it may not sound as glamorous as a high-gloss polished floor, a concrete planer may be a crucial part of the whole process. Here at NZ Grinders, we rely on this little beast to set the stage for flat concrete surfaces, or to dig channels in concrete . But what exactly does it do, and why should you care? Let’s dive into the dusty, noisy, and surprisingly satisfying world of concrete planing.

What Is a Concrete Planer?

In simple terms, a concrete planer is like a giant power sander for your floor. Imagine a machine with diamond blades that chews up rough concrete, spitting out dust and debris as it grinds down high spots, old coatings, or any imperfections in your floor. The goal? To give us a flat, even surface that’s ready for the magic of grinding, polishing, or resurfacing. It’s not just a brute force tool; it takes precision and skill to operate. Trust me, you don’t want to hand this over to just anyone unless you’re into crooked floors and headaches.

At NZ Grinders, we can use our concrete planer to prepare floors for whatever treatment comes next. Whether it’s grinding for a shiny polish or leveling an uneven surface, the planer is the first step to creating those jaw-dropping, smooth floors our clients love.

Why Is It So Important?

You might be thinking, “It’s just concrete. Why does it need all this fancy prep work?” Good question! Concrete surfaces aren’t always perfect. Over time, they develop bumps, cracks, and uneven spots. Trying to grind, polish or treat an uneven surface is like putting a suit on a bear—it just doesn’t fit right.

Using a concrete planer ensures that any inconsistencies are removed, leaving us with a clean slate (or in this case, a flat surface). It could also helps remove old coatings, adhesives, or epoxy that could ruin the final finish. It can chew down over-height concrete pours, help with roading by removing concrete on an overpoured speed bump or add an ramp by making an angle on a roundabout, If your warehouse entry has an over-height lip to drive over, we can remove this too. You could spend weeks with an angle grinder removing concrete or see a job done in minutes with our concrete planer. NZ Grinders doesn’t mess around when it comes to doing the job right.

How Does a Concrete Planer Work?

Now, this is where things get cool (if you’re into heavy-duty machinery, that is). The concrete planer uses rotating drums or blades with diamond-tipped bits that scrape and chip away at the surface of the concrete. It’s kind of like an industrial exfoliation for your floor—goodbye rough patches, hello smooth surface!

The depth of the cut can be adjusted depending on the type of job we’re tackling. Need a light skim to even out a minor flaw? Easy. Need to remove an old floor that’s seen better days? We’ve got you covered. Concrete planers are versatile and can handle anything from light surface repairs to major concrete renovations. At NZ Grinders, we have the tools—and the experience—to know exactly how much to take off, leaving your concrete prepped for perfection. Are you re-fitting an old building? We can chew channels into the floor for new electrical wires or even carbon fibre reinforcing to run through.

The Benefits of Concrete Planing

Let’s face it: no one wants a lumpy, bumpy floor. Concrete planing makes everything that comes after it easier and more effective. It creates a better bonding surface for sealers, coatings, and overlays, ensuring they adhere properly. Plus, it eliminates trip hazards, which is a big deal in commercial spaces where safety is paramount.

By removing the old surface, you’re left with a fresh, clean layer that will hold up better over time. It also helps reduce the amount of dust and debris created during the next stages of grinding and polishing. And who doesn’t want less dust? We sure do, and our clients definitely appreciate the difference.

Conclusion: Why Choose NZ Grinders?

So, what does a concrete planer do? It’s the behind-the-scenes workhorse that sets the foundation for beautiful floors. It may not be glamorous, but without it, sometimes the floor you want wouldn’t be possible. Here at NZ Grinders, we take planing seriously because we know the final result is only as good as the surface we start with.

Next time you’re looking at a gleaming, polished concrete floor, remember the humble concrete planer that could have made it all possible. And when you’re ready to transform your concrete, give us a shout! We’ll bring the big tools, the expertise, and just a little bit of humor to make your floors shine.

For project-specific advice or information, please give us a call, North Island Glen 021-434-199 or email Ian, our sales manager.