Concrete Scarifying & Grinding Services

Concrete Scarifying & Grinding Services

Maintaining a concrete surface requires more than you would think. Whether you’re preparing floors for new coatings, removing trip hazards, or restoring concrete to its original condition, scarifying and grinding provide the controlled surface removal you need. 

Since 1961, Detroit Diamond Drilling has been providing professional concrete scarifying and grinding services in the Greater Detroit area and beyond. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment with diamond grinding wheels and carbide cutting tools to deliver precise concrete surface removal for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

What Is Concrete Scarifying & Grinding?

Concrete scarifying and grinding are specialized surface preparation methods that remove the top layer of concrete to achieve the desired texture and profile. Knowing the difference between these two techniques and the tools they use is essential to understanding their appropriate applications:

Concrete scarifier — A heavy-duty machine with rotating cutting wheels and/or carbide teeth that can remove up to ¼ inch of concrete at a time.

Concrete grinder  — A handheld or floor grinder uses diamond grinding pads to smooth and level surfaces, best for precision work in indoor environments.

These techniques are commonly used to:

  • Remove old concrete coatings
  • Create textured surfaces for better coating adhesion

Level uneven concrete surfaces and eliminate trip hazards

When to Use Scarifying & Grinding

Scarifying and grinding are often the best choices when removing existing coatings, creating proper adhesion texture, or correcting surface irregularities. We use each of these techniques in a variety of situations, such as:

  • Concrete grinding —  
    • Stripping old paint, epoxy, and adhesive systems from concrete floors
    • Polishing a concrete surface for better sealant application
    • Removing minor concrete imperfections
    • Cost-effective alternative for concrete removal
  • Concrete scarifying — 
    • Adding texture to concrete driving and walking surfaces for slip prevention
    • Leveling concrete surfaces
    • Concrete removal

At Detroit Diamond Drilling, our advanced equipment and techniques allow us to work on concrete surfaces in any environment with precise control over removal depth and surface texture.

Scarifying & Grinding for All Types of Projects

We tailor our concrete scarifying and grinding services to meet the specific requirements of your job, regardless of its size or complexity.

Residential Work

  • Stripping old paint and epoxy systems from basement and garage floors
  • Creating proper surface texture around pools and patios for improved coating bond and slip resistance
  • Smoothing uneven concrete in driveways and walkways to prevent tripping hazards

Commercial & Retail Construction

  • Stripping away old adhesive residue and worn coatings from showroom and retail floors
  • Developing the ideal surface texture for ideal bonding of new flooring materials
  • Correcting uneven concrete in warehouses and distribution centers to enhance workplace safety

Industrial & Infrastructure Projects

  • Eliminating compromised paint and chemical-resistant coatings from manufacturing floors
  • Establishing surface roughness on bridge decks and roadways for improved coating performance and vehicle traction
  • Leveling uneven industrial surfaces to reduce workplace hazards and improve equipment operation

Why Choose Professional Scarifying & Grinding?

Concrete scarifying and grinding require specialized equipment and expertise to achieve consistent, professional results while maintaining project timelines and safety standards.

Advantages of working with our professionals include:

  • Consistent surface profile – Even texture and depth for optimal coating adhesion
  • Smooth, hazard-free floors – Expert surface correction that prevents accidents and improves functionality
  • Minimal disruption – Dust control systems maintain a clean work environment 
  • Precision depth control – Exact removal without damaging the underlying concrete
  • Efficient completion – Advanced equipment and experienced team members reduce project time and labor costs

Expert Equipment and Techniques

Mastering the concrete trade since 1961, we have the knowledge and tools to handle even the most challenging scarifying and grinding projects.

  • Self-propelled scarifiers for large-area surface removal
  • Handheld grinders for detailed work in tight spaces
  • Dust collection systems for clean, safe operation

Variable-speed controls for precise surface texturing

Why Detroit Diamond Drilling?

Detroit’s Surface Preparation Specialists

We understand local building codes, environmental regulations, and the unique challenges of different project settings. That knowledge allows us to prepare properly for every job, ensuring a smooth and successful completion. Combined with our professional-grade equipment and customer-first approach, our expertise sets us apart from other providers as the ideal choice for your concrete scarifying and grinding needs.

  • Equipment from trusted brands like Diamond Products and Dixie Diamond ensures consistent, high-quality results
  • Versatility across residential, commercial, and industrial applications
  • Environmental compliance with proper dust control and waste management
  • Skilled operators with decades of combined surface preparation experience

Our DDD Guarantee

We treat every project—big or small—with professionalism and respect. That means:

  • Transparent quotes with no surprise costs
  • Timely service that fits your schedule
  • Crews that keep your site clean and safe
  • Work backed by our satisfaction guarantee

Let’s Get Started

Contact Detroit Diamond Drilling today by calling (313) 864-3600 or reach out online for more information on how we can help you prep or improve your concrete surfaces.

Why Choose Detroit Diamond Drilling?

  • Over 60 Years of Experience
  • Family Owned and Operated
  • Fully Licensed and Insured
  • Licensed Stihl Dealer
  • Licensed Husqvarna Dealer
  • Licensed Honda Engine Dealer
  • Licensed Tsurumi Pump Dealer
  • Licensed Huskie Tools Dealer
  • Licensed Greenlee Dealer
  • Licensed Diamond Products Dealer
  • Licensed Milwaukee Dealer
  • Licensed ICS Dealer
  • Licensed DeWalt Dealer
  • All Trained Professionals
  • Located in Detroit
  • Member of the National Federation of Independent Businesses
  • Member of the Construction Association of Michigan
  • Member of the Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association
  • Member of the American Rental Association
balladroc23
15:12 16 Dec 24
I LIKE DRILLING HOLES, and Chad 10/10
Skooter h
13:44 24 Nov 24
Love this place, like part of the family.
Paul Pesaros
01:01 19 Sep 24
I've been going to DDD for over 30 years. My office and our projects are about 10 miles north of their shop and my yard is probably 20 miles north of their shop. That says it all. Worth every mile every time.
Jeff Rothenberg
00:29 03 May 24
For all your Chainsaw needs. There the best
T C
14:36 17 Feb 24
I buy most of my parts at DDD and I have always had a great customer experience. I mostly appreciate their knowledge of the products they sale. For the customer that had a unpleasant encounter, I'm black and I get it. But everything is not about race. We all can have a bad day or something weighing on our mind.
Tyler Shaw
23:53 06 Feb 24
Sale and repair Stihl (electric or gas operated) tools onsite.
notoriano565
22:42 18 Aug 23
Always have everything we need
Steven Hamade
15:59 05 Aug 23
Great people
Joe Drinkhorn
12:40 20 Oct 22
Very helpful and unlike most stihl dealers, not arrogant or rude. Great place!
Mechelle Ross
01:32 16 Aug 22
Contractor, bought a chainsaw it was perfect. The product was top of the line and price was great, will use them again thank you guys.
Twinn S
19:09 02 Aug 22
The salesmen here are very helpful.
Santos Solis
14:27 15 Jun 22
Nice price in good atencion
Matthew Marlow
13:54 09 Apr 22
Great place. Good people. Fair prices.
Marlow Tree Service LLC
16:51 08 Apr 22
Very friendly well equipped with everything but they are pricey
Rufus Jackson
19:07 30 Mar 22
Staff was very professional and polite
David Hughey
00:59 08 Feb 22
Best diamond cutters
Rodney Ouellette
00:23 05 Aug 21
They repaired my dinosaur of a jack hammer for a reasonable price and did a good job thanks guys
Paulo Ontiveros
16:30 13 May 21
Steves the man .
Cornelius Logan
17:02 27 Sep 19
No1 place for lawn mower and etc
Andrew Mitchell
15:14 13 Sep 19
Nice people and very helpful
Joshua Eagle
17:43 22 Jul 19
Great staff very knowledgable
Joe Coppola
10:41 30 Jun 19
Awesome place
jeff
10:58 26 Jun 19
Everything you need and great helpful staff
Richard Holman Jr
04:49 21 Oct 18
They're cool
Gerald Zettel
16:12 28 Jul 18
Great place to buy blades and drilling equipment and all safety equipment
Michael Krajnak
22:43 23 Jul 18
Great customer service, great service people they really know what they are doing.
Kamrin Shafer
21:13 08 Mar 18
These guys are great, friendly knowledgeable and fair.
Cara and Foo
20:12 30 Mar 15
Always have the right advice and parts.
David Deinek
15:57 18 Feb 14
Great shop. Hard working tool sales and repair.
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