What Is the Difference Between a Floor Buffer and a Burnisher?
Floor Buffers (Low-Speed Machines)
- Typically operate between 175–300 RPM
- Ideal for scrubbing, stripping, shampooing carpet, and general floor cleaning
- Commonly used with abrasive pads or brushes
- Best for surface prep and routine maintenance
Floor Burnishers (High-Speed Machines)
- Operate between 1,000–3,000+ RPM
- Designed to polish and enhance gloss
- Commonly used on concrete, VCT, and polished stone
- Ideal for final finishing and maintaining high-traffic commercial floors
Choosing the right machine depends on your floor type, desired finish, and application frequency.
Why Buy Floor Buffers & Burnishers from Xtreme Polishing Systems?
Commercial-Grade Equipment – Built for daily professional use
- Trusted Brands – Proven performance and long-term reliability
- Multiple Speed Options – Low-speed buffers and ultra-high-speed burnishers available
- Expert Support – Guidance on machine selection, pads, and accessories
- Fast Shipping – Get the equipment you need when you need it
We stock machines suitable for janitorial services, warehouses, retail stores, schools, healthcare facilities, and industrial environments.
Common Applications
Concrete floor polishing and maintenance
- VCT floor burnishing
- Marble and terrazzo polishing
- Commercial floor cleaning and restoration
- Removing scuff marks and surface imperfections
- Maintaining high-gloss floors in high-traffic areas
Choosing the Right Floor Machine
When selecting a floor buffer or burnisher, consider:
- RPM / Speed – Lower speeds for cleaning and prep, higher speeds for gloss
- Motor Power – Higher horsepower for demanding applications
- Pad Size – Larger pads cover more area, smaller pads offer precision
- Dust Control – Some burnishers include dust skirts for cleaner operation
- Floor Type – Concrete, VCT, stone, or mixed surfaces
Not sure which machine is right for your job? Our team is here to help.
FAQ
Most professionals use 17–20 inch machines for general commercial work. Larger machines cover more area quickly, while smaller machines offer better control in tight spaces.
They are similar, but not identical. Burnishers operate at much higher RPMs and are designed specifically to enhance gloss and clarity on finished floors rather than remove material.
Dust control is highly recommended. Many high-speed burnishers include dust skirts to capture fine particles and keep work areas cleaner.
Yes. Low-speed floor buffers paired with stripping pads or brushes are commonly used to remove old wax and coatings.
Many buffers and burnishers are versatile and can be used on concrete, VCT, marble, and terrazzo when paired with the correct pads.
Light-duty cleaning typically requires less horsepower, while commercial and industrial applications benefit from higher HP motors for consistent performance.
Some smaller or lower-speed models can be used by experienced DIY users, but most machines are designed for professional and commercial environments.
Shop Floor Buffers & Burnishing Machines
Browse our selection of professional floor buffers and burnishers and get the performance you need for superior floor care results. If you have questions or need help choosing the right machine, shop online or call (877) 958-5264.