Columbus, Ohio – Continental Office announced they will now offer concrete polishing and epoxy coating services as a part of its offering of commercial flooring products and services. Adding a concrete finishes division rounds out Continental’s capabilities in the commercial flooring industry and will bring on at least eight new associates. The business, Continental Office Concrete Finishes, will operate out of Continental’s main campus headquarters.

“Concrete polishing and epoxy coating is an important part of the flooring industry, and we were previously unable to provide that to our clients,” said Garry Ruick, president of Floors and Prefab Interior Construction. “It was important to us to offer this solution, because this treatment is becoming more sought-after for its aesthetics, durability and sustainability.”

It’s estimated that polished concrete accounts for close to 5% of the total commercial hard surface flooring industry, just over 80 million square feet per year and at least a $300 million industry.

“It’s no longer just a trend. It’s a growing industry and we want to remain relevant and competitive,” said Ira Sharfin, CEO of Continental Office. “We’re seeing it in a lot of circulation corridors, high profile areas, and lobbies. It’s become popular to mix it with carpet tiles so you may have polished concrete in the lobby, and carpet tiles where associates are touching down and working. It simply made a lot of sense to add this to our group of flooring offerings.”

In addition, it can qualify for LEED points due to its long life cycle, neutral impact on indoor air quality, and positive impact on lighting costs. Also, it can be overlaid with another floorcovering rather than be sent to the landfill.