We all know that flooring is something you don’t want to go wrong with. It should have the ability to beautify your home or office, while being able-bodied enough for daily use. Therefore, making a decision can quickly become somewhat tricky.
There are so many different types of floors out there and each offers their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Epoxy flooring has become increasingly popular due to its many benefits. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider before deciding if epoxy flooring is the right choice for your home.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at both epoxy flooring’s advantages and disadvantages so that you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
So, let’s get started!
1. Appearance
Epoxy flooring is bright and professional. It’s also easy to sweep! You can’t go wrong with this type of surface – it looks great in any garage or workshop space.
Plus, since not much sticks on this type of surface, cleaning up a mess should be a breeze. The flooring is so smooth and effortless to sweep.
Epoxy flooring is a great way to make your garage look more professional and attract customers. The appearance of the floor alone will inspire you to use it and enjoy using it for storage or as an office.
2. Universal Resistance
The durability of epoxy flooring makes it an excellent choice for any garage or industry that deals with cars. These tough surfaces can resist just about everything – oil, gasoline, bleach, among others.
The resistance of epoxy floor coatings makes them an excellent choice for any workplace that deals with chemical spills or cleaners on a regular basis. Epoxies are almost impervious to most harmful substances without damaging the exterior, making them ideal as your next business upgrade.
Hospitality professionals know that epoxy floors are some of the cleanest and safest in any industry. They’re able to resist bacteria, germs, or dirt which means they require very little maintenance when compared with other materials.
3. Extremely Durable
The durability of epoxy floors is unparalleled. It’s the only material that can compete with concrete, but you need to make sure it’s sealed and maintained properly. If not, your beautiful new floor will quickly turn into something less valuable than what was originally laid down.
Moreover, the efficiency of epoxy floor coating makes it an excellent option for renderings. It also has anti-fatigue benefits and can be easily rolled out onto the cement without mortar or glue.
But, if you want to take extra care with your floors, consider getting some high-quality resins that are designed specifically for wood on wood projects.
4. Protective
Epoxy flooring can dramatically reduce costs for maintenance by protecting your concrete from stains, grease, and cracks that would have otherwise occurred with regular cleaning or repairs.
Remember that it’s important that you find a quality local epoxy floor installer. If this is something near your home, there might be some options for where to get it done!
5. Longevity & Variety
The floors of a home are often the first thing people see when they walk through the doors. This is why you must use premium-grade products in order for them to last longer and maintain an elegant shine without dulling or cracking over time.
One of the most durable flooring options, epoxy coating, lasts longer than many other types. It’s famous for commercial and industrial use as it can withstand high traffic areas without cracking or peeling!
In addition, the options available allow you to either have a pattern or design installed onto your concrete surface to make it stand out!
Now, let’s go over some of the disadvantages of epoxy flooring.
1. Temporary
While epoxy is a great material for protecting your floors against damage and blemishes, it has some shortfalls in the long run. For example, one of these drawbacks is that surfaces treated with this product do not last nearly as long compared to other finishes, such as wood or vinyl.
Cracks are a common issue with epoxy floorings, and they typically occur near corners or edges.
2. Tedious Preparation
The process of getting the existing floors ready for applying epoxy can be quite tedious. A significant amount of effort goes into it, and there’s no way around having to clean up any grease, oil, or solvents that might have been applied before you start your project.
You’ll also need some extra supplies, such as paint thinner, acid wash fluid/softened water mix, and sandpaper cards.
Nevertheless, homeowners can now easily apply these flooring with simple hand tools due to the advancement in manufacturing and application methods!
3. Slippery
Oil-coated epoxy is a unique product in that it can be both skid resistant and very slippery when wet. This makes for an interesting combination, but it does pose some risks if you don’t take precautions during installation.
If you live in an area that might be prone to spills or water on the floor, epoxy floors are not a good choice. However, this risk can still be mitigated if your home has textured surfaces because those textures will protect against liquid seeping through.
4. Application
Besides extensive concrete preparation, applying the epoxy coating is a time-consuming process. The first coat has to dry completely before adding another and, even then, there are still some additional steps that need completion for your concrete project to get off on its feet.
Time crunch? No problem! You can utilize a penetrating concrete sealer instead. It’ll save you time and money, but there’s not as much aesthetic appeal with epoxied flooring compared to what we’re used to.
5. Hefty Additional Costs
Homeowners are forced to buy special cleaning acids and other chemicals in order for the epoxy flooring to stick.
The chemicals used to create epoxy flooring have many risks, not the least of which is skin irritation. This increases labor time and expense, but, in some instances, it can lead you down an unhealthy path financially if your exposure wasn’t adequately monitored by an expert professional who understands how dangerous these materials are!
Now that we are done exploring the epoxy flooring advantages and disadvantages, let’s move toward the product recommendations and better alternatives!
Best Epoxy Flooring: Our Recommendations
1. Colored Epoxies 10002
- Zero odor, 20x stronger than big box store brands. We offer 12 colors for back drop color for metallic epoxies, clear epoxies to mix with...
Looking for a top-quality epoxy resin coating that can be used on a variety of surfaces? If so, CES has you covered!
The clear epoxy resin coating is 100% solids and provides a high-gloss, durable finish that is perfect for garage floors, basements, concrete, and plywood. With 3 gallons of coverage, this easy-to-use product will give you long-lasting results.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best – trust CES for all of your epoxy resin needs.
Pros
- Zero odor
- 20x stronger than big box store brands
- 12 colors to choose from, including 50 metallic colors
- Equipped with a super UV urethane top coat
- Easy to use and requires no additional primer
- Lifetime guarantee against cracking, peeling, chipping, and hot tire pick-up
Cons
- Customers might end up with blistering or orange peeling if they don’t follow the instructions properly while applying
- Might change color with exposure to sunlight in some cases of poor mixing
2. Rust-Oleum 304851 EpoxyShield
- For use on garage floors, workshops and other interior concrete surfaces
Looking to protect your floors from wear and tear? Check out our second recommendation, the Rust-Oleum 304851 EpoxyShield Professional Floor Coating Kit.
This kit provides a durable, protective coating for concrete, wood, and other floors. The Dunes Tan color will give your floors a beautiful, natural look.
The kit includes two gallons of coating, which is enough to cover up to 400 square feet. The coating is easy to apply and dries quickly, so you can get back to using your floor in no time.
Plus, it resists stains and fading, so your floor will always look great.
Pros
- Made with two parts
- One minute application time
- Finish will resist everything
- Can be used anywhere there are concrete surfaces (such as workshops)
Cons
- Cracked resin after some days of drying
- In rare cases it might peel off the paint while the car is parked
3. Clear Epoxy Resin Coating
- Industrial grade epoxy resin (extremely durable against wear and tear, acids, and yellowing over time)
Looking for a durable, attractive, and easy-to-clean coating for your floors and countertops? If so, Master Protective Coatings’ clear epoxy resin coating is our third recommendation.
This 100% solid, self-leveling resin is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, providing a tough, durable surface that is resistant to staining and easy to clean.
Plus, the clear finish allows you to show off the beauty of your floors and countertops while protecting them from wear and tear.
Pros
- Highly durable against acids and yellowing over time, making it a perfect choice for any manufacturing or industrial application
- Easy-to-use formula makes it simple to get the results you need
- Self-leveling coating dries to a 100% solid film
- Formulated for interior and exterior applications
- Provides excellent protection against weathering and corrosion
- Can be used on metal, wood, concrete, and other surfaces
- Extensive product coverage with first clear coat of 200 – 300 sq. ft. per gallon, second clear coat of 133 – 200 sq. ft, and metallic coat of 50 sq. ft per gallon
Cons
- Sometimes hardeners can be exothermic
- Indefinite working time of the epoxy
Epoxy Flooring Alternatives: Our Recommendations
4. Rust-Oleum 293515 Rocksolid Polycuramine Coating
- Durable, polycuramine concrete coating works on interior concrete surfaces including garage floors, workshops, basements, family rooms and more
Transform your garage floor with Rust-Oleum 293515 Rocksolid Polycuramine Coating!
This 2.5 car kit is easy to apply and dries in just 12 hours, leaving you with a tough, durable finish that resists fading, chipping, and peeling.
Pros
- Self-leveling, buildable formula which is considered to 20 times stronger than epoxy
- Virtually VOC and odor free
- Walk on ready in 8 – 10 hours and vehicle ready within 24 hours
- Each kit covers up to 500 sq. ft which makes it a great choice for commercial projects
- Resists cracking, peeling, chemical spills, and hot tire pick up
Cons
- Sometimes the polycuramine coating might not be able to cover the expected sq ft land
- Thick and hard to spread with a foam roller
5. Armor All Original Garage Floor Mat
- PROTECTS SURFACES & TRANSFORMS GARAGE INTO SHOWROOM QUALITY (KEEPS FLOORS LOOKING LIKE NEW): Our mat is designed to protect your garage floor...
Are you searching for an alternative way to protect your garage floor from spills, stains, and general wear and tear?
Look no further than the Armor All Original Garage Floor Mat! This mat is made from absorbent fabric with a waterproof backing, so it will always keep your floor looking clean and new.
Not to mention it’s easy to install, all you have to do is use the included double-sided tape to secure it in place. Plus, it’s easy to clean, just vacuum, power wash, or hose off as needed.
Made in the USA from over 50% recycled materials, this mat is a great way to protect your investment and keep your garage looking great.
Pros
- Can protect your garage floor and give you some extra living space
- Perfect for keeping your garage looking like new
- Carpet-like look and feel is soft to walk on, making it perfect for an exercise room, party room, or kids playroom
- Equipped with oil leak, spill, and tire mark protection, your garage will be safe from any accidents
- Patented material of this mat easily absorbs and contains liquids
- Waterproof backing stops any liquid from soaking through so you can clean with ease
Cons
- Usually perceived as a thin rubber mat
- Loose dust gives a hard time when you try to remove it
6. INSL-X Hot Trax Paint
- High-performance, epoxy-fortified acrylic concrete garage floor paint that resists hot tire pick-up and marring common to driveways and garage...
If you are looking for a top-quality garage floor paint that will stand up to the elements and wear and tear, our last recommendation would be INSL-X Hot Trax Paint.
This high-performance, epoxy-fortified acrylic concrete garage floor paint is formulated to resist hot tire pick-up, oil, grease, and gasoline spills. It’s perfect for garages, parking areas, driveways, and more.
The light gray color is perfect for hiding dirt and grime, while the protective finish will keep your floors looking new for years to come.
Pros
- High-performance epoxy strengthened acrylic concrete paint keeps driveway surfaces looking new even after heavy vehicles park tires against them
- Ideal for keeping occupants safe while they work outside during harsh weather conditions
- Durable 1-part epoxy fortified garage floor paint features a low-satin finish that resists cracking and can be recoated in 24 hours
- Designed to offer a long-lasting quality that will last for years on your property without peeling or fading away
Cons
- At times there are cold tire pick up marks due to different environmental conditions
- Some consumers perceive it as a light blue color instead of light gray
- Might have a hard time holding up to certain types of abrasions
Conclusion
Epoxy flooring has many advantages over other types of flooring, some of which are listed above. Its appearance is universally appealing, it offers extreme durability and protection, and comes in a variety of colors and styles to suit any taste or application.
However, epoxy flooring has a few disadvantages. The main one is that it is temporary, meaning that when subjected to enough force, the epoxy will break away from the concrete.
So, what’s the verdict? We recommend using Rust-Oleum 293515 Rocksolid Polycuramine Coating if you want a floor that looks top-notch. It’s affordable and easy to use with a short curing time. If you want a sleek look, we recommend using colored epoxies – they can be customized to any color and are very durable.
Epoxy flooring alternatives can also provide a beautiful finish for your home or business; it just takes a bit more work to get them looking perfect. So, what type of epoxy flooring will you choose for your next project?
