Polishing a floor in 2026 costs around €10–25/m², while replacing it ranges from €18 to €70/m² plus labor and debris removal. Polishing is advisable when the floor is of good quality (terrazzo, marble, granite) and the damage is purely cosmetic; replacement is recommended when it is broken, there is structural dampness, or a completely different material is desired. In most older apartments in Mallorca, polishing is much cheaper and preserves the original flooring.
«"Should I polish the floor or replace the whole thing?" This is the question we get asked most often. And the honest answer is: it depends, but polishing almost always wins. Many people assume that an old, dull floor needs to be ripped out, unaware that beneath that tired appearance there's often a quality terrazzo or marble that a good polish will make look brand new. Replacing is more expensive, messier, and takes longer. Let's look at the numbers and some common sense so you can make the right decision.
What's cheaper, polishing or replacing the floor?
Polishing a floor is considerably cheaper than replacing it. In 2026, polishing costs between €10 and €25/m², while replacing the floor ranges from €18 to €70/m² and can exceed €140/m² for premium materials, not including the work involved in removing the old floor.
The real difference is even greater than it seems, because when you replace the flooring, you don't just pay for the new material and its installation: you also have to add lifting and removing the existing flooring, managing the debris, and often, redoing baseboards and adjusting doors. These extra construction costs don't appear in the price per square meter but significantly increase the final bill. When you polish, on the other hand, you work on the existing floor, without any construction work or waste. That's why, all things being equal, restoring a quality floor through polishing is a worthwhile investment. floor polishing in Mallorca It usually costs less than half as much as replacing it.
When is it better to polish the floor instead of replacing it?
Polishing is advisable when the floor is made of a quality material and the problem is purely aesthetic: lack of shine, scratches, surface stains, or wear from foot traffic. In these cases, polishing restores the floor to its original condition at a fraction of the cost of replacing it.
This is the most common situation in Mallorca. Apartments with terrazzo from the 1950s to 1980s, marble in the main living areas, or durable granite that has simply lost its shine over time. This type of flooring is no longer manufactured with the same quality, so replacing it with something new is often a step backward. A proper polishing removes scratches, evens out the surface, and leaves the floor flat and shiny. And it preserves the character of the property, something many buyers of older apartments appreciate. If you're unsure whether to polish or crystallize your floor, we clarify this in our guide on [topic missing]. Differences between polishing and vitrification.
When is it better to replace the flooring than to polish it?
It's best to replace the flooring when it's broken or significantly lifted, when there's unresolved structural dampness, or when you want a completely different material. In those cases, polishing won't solve the underlying problem.
If the floor has many cracked, warped, or loose tiles, polishing won't fix them. If the cause is rising damp or a leak, the source must be addressed before considering the flooring, because any surface treatment will fail. And if you're looking to radically change the style—going from terrazzo to microcement, for example—polishing isn't an option, but rather a whole new project. Honesty is key here: some floors aren't worth polishing, and when we see one like that, we say so.
Comparative table: polishing versus replacing the floor
| Factor | Polish the floor | Change the floor |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated price 2026 | 10–25 €/m² | 18–70 €/m² (+140 in premium) |
| Construction and debris | It does not generate | Yes, removal and waste |
| Duration of work | 1–2 days in average housing | Several days or weeks |
| Preserve the original soil | Yeah | No |
| It fixes cracks and dampness. | No | Yes, if it's about the origin |
| Radical style change | No | Yeah |
| Disturbances in an occupied dwelling | Lows | Highs |
The table summarizes the essentials. For a quality floor with cosmetic damage, polishing is the best option in almost every case. For a broken floor or a change of style, replacement is the way to go.
What types of flooring can be polished instead of replaced?
Terrazzo, marble, granite, and concrete, among other materials, can be polished. These materials can be mechanically restored and, once polished, look like new without needing to be replaced.
Terrazzo is the star choice in Mallorca: it responds beautifully to polishing and vitrification. Marble regains its shine with polishing and crystallization. Granite, being very hard, is treated with diamond polishing. And polished concrete has its own specific process. In contrast, laminate, vinyl, or stoneware floors are not polished: when they get damaged, they are replaced. Knowing what material you have is the first step in deciding. If you're unsure, as soil restoration specialists in Mallorca We'll identify it during the visit and tell you if it can be polished. We detail it in our guide on Types of floors that can be polished and vitrified.
How much can you save by polishing instead of replacing the floor?
By polishing instead of replacing, the typical savings range from 40% to 60% of the total cost, once the labor, removal of the old flooring, and debris involved in a replacement are included. On large surfaces, the absolute savings are significantly higher.
A clear example: a 90 m² apartment with terrazzo flooring. Polishing and vitrifying it can cost around €900–€1,800. Replacing that same floor with a new one, including materials, installation, removal of the old flooring, and debris, easily exceeds €4,000–€6,000. And the result of polishing, on quality original terrazzo, is just as good. Added to that is the benefit of not having to live for weeks amidst construction and dust. Therefore, before making a decision, it's worth getting quotes for both options and truly comparing them.
When NOT to polish and instead to change
Although polishing usually wins, there are clear cases where changing is the right thing to do:
- The floor is broken, hollow, or raised across much of its surface.
- There is structural dampness that needs to be addressed from the source.
- The current material is of low quality or imitation that does not allow polishing.
- You want a style or material radically different from what you have.
If your situation fits this description, polishing would be a waste of money. And we'd rather tell you this than do a job that won't give you the results you're looking for.
Frequently asked questions about polishing or replacing flooring
Is it cheaper to polish the floor or replace it with a new one?
Polishing floors is cheaper than replacing them in the vast majority of cases. In 2026, polishing costs between €10 and €25/m², while replacing floors ranges from €18 to €70/m² plus labor, removal of the old flooring, and debris disposal. The total savings from polishing typically ranges between 40% and 60% of the total cost.
Can an old terrazzo floor be polished or does it need to be replaced?
Old terrazzo can almost always be polished and usually looks brand new. The terrazzo used in Mallorcan floors is of high quality and responds very well to polishing and vitrification. It only needs to be replaced if it is broken or significantly lifted, or if there is unresolved structural dampness beneath the flooring.
How long does a polished floor last compared to a new one?
A quality polished floor, such as terrazzo or marble, lasts as long as a new one because the polishing process works on the stone itself. The shine lasts between three and five years in a typical home before requiring maintenance. The stone itself, if well cared for, lasts for decades, just as it did when it was installed.
Does polishing the floor create a lot of work and mess at home?
No, floor polishing involves very little construction. The work is done on the existing floor, without removing any paving stones or creating debris, and modern machinery collects the water and dust. In an average home, the job takes one or two days and can be organized by area, compared to the weeks of construction and waste involved in replacing the entire floor.
Can we help you decide?
If you're unsure whether to polish or replace your floors in Mallorca, let us take a look before you spend more than necessary. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether polishing is worthwhile, how it would look, and the cost, all with a free, fixed-price quote. Call us at 971 503 936, email us at info@projectessastre.com, or contact us via WhatsApp. We work all over the island.
