Epoxy Floor vs Polished Concrete (Design Guide)
Gary Cripps 
Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. It’s cheap, easy to install, doesn’t need any maintenance and can last a lifetime. It’s also resilient to stains and very easy to clean. So, is epoxy flooring a good alternative to polished concrete? To find out, we’ve compared both types of flooring with regards to their installation, maintenance, longevity and ease of cleaning.
There are two types of epoxy flooring on the market today. One is epoxy flooring with a polished finish, and the other is epoxy flooring with a textured surface. Both types of flooring have their pros and cons.
These days, there are many different types of flooring products, including types of concrete, laminate flooring, hardwoods, and even vinyl. On the surface, each flooring option seems to be pretty straightforward, but when you dig a little deeper, you’ll find it’s not as easy as it seems.. Read more about polished concrete vs epoxy residential and let us know what you think.Here’s our guide to epoxy flooring design versus polished concrete, including the differences, the benefits and how to choose the best option for your home.
When it comes to flooring, the best option for any space is one that is durable and easy to maintain – especially for industrial and commercial properties. It’s best if the finish is timeless, smooth, and matches a durable flooring system.
There are many flooring options, but in this article we’ll look at two options that meet the above characteristics and offer much more! The floors are made of polished concrete and epoxy.
Here are some of the most important factors you need to know to choose the best flooring for your project.
What are epoxy and polished concrete floors?
Polished concrete and epoxy flooring are two commonly used flooring options for commercial, industrial and institutional spaces. They are easy to clean and resistant to wear, yet have a beautiful shine.
Polished concrete floors give a minimalist look to homes, offices, restaurants and other commercial spaces. As one of the most versatile flooring systems, it can be used in both a sophisticated dining room and a spacious hotel lobby.
Epoxy resin floors are concrete coatings used in industrial facilities, but are also becoming increasingly popular in commercial and residential applications. It comes in a variety of shades, styles and textures, all of which can withstand harsh environments.
Differences between epoxy and polished concrete floors
Epoxy floors and polished concrete have a smooth and durable surface. Basically, both floor coverings use a concrete slab as a base. But in reality they are subject to a radically different process.
Epoxy floors are made of a two-component resin that is often applied in several layers to the existing concrete. The epoxy resin and hardener are mixed and applied to the concrete surface where they begin to cure.
This process produces a much thicker surface than conventionally painted floors. In turn, epoxy floors become abrasion resistant and are ideal for high traffic areas.
Polished concrete floors can be cut and coated or mechanically sanded, with the latter option more commonly used for commercial projects.
A chemical hardener is used to add density to the aerated concrete, which is then ground to the desired degree of regularity. This process offers more variety in appearance as you can decide how much filler to expose, cut out patterns or add dyes and stains.
Benefits of epoxy flooring
The epoxy flooring system is best known for its extremely durable properties, and there are a number of benefits to using epoxy on concrete.
● Fast curing
● Durability
● Abrasion resistance
● Easy cleaning
● Repair of damaged floors
● Chemical resistance
● Water resistance
● Slip resistance
● Various textures.
They are usually used in commercial warehouses, factories and industrial plants. They can withstand the weight of heavy machinery, constant movement and temperature fluctuations.
Epoxy floors can withstand the constant friction of cleaning, although their seamless surfaces are very easy to clean. They are advantageous for the production of non-slip floors for areas with safety requirements. These properties make it a good choice for areas such as epoxy kitchen countertops or epoxy patios.
Epoxy floors are also faster to install and can be done in as little as one or two days. Most products are low in volatile organic compounds and odourless. This significantly reduces construction time or downtime, making it an ideal solution for repairing damaged floors.
Benefits of polished concrete
Polished concrete is characterized by the fact that it is made from natural materials or aggregates and is considered an environmentally friendly flooring solution.
By polishing exposed concrete, you avoid the additional costs associated with other floor coverings. It is also energy efficient thanks to its ability to retain heat. In addition, there are other benefits to a polished concrete floor.
● Long life
● Reduced maintenance costs
● Scratch resistance
● 70% increased light reflectance
● Meet standards for green buildings (e.g. LEED)
● Thermally efficient mass
● Allergen reduction
● Different gloss levels
● Color diversity.
Does surface concrete last? Polished concrete is robust and resistant to chipping and denting. This floor covering is very easy to maintain. Use only clean water or a PH-neutral cleaning agent.
It is not necessary to wax the surface as this will only dull the natural shine of the floor. It also has a high coefficient of friction, making it non-slip.
Laying a floor can require a significant initial investment, depending on how sophisticated you want the floor to be. However, its longevity and low maintenance costs make it more economical than traditional hardwood floors.
Advantages of polished concrete over epoxy floors
Polished concrete and epoxy resin floors offer attractive, highly durable and low-cost flooring solutions. Both options have their advantages, but each is better suited for different purposes.
So if you have to choose between these two options, your decision will probably depend on how you use your space.
Life expectancy
The lifespan of a floor covering is the period during which it requires no maintenance, and both flooring systems tend to last for many years. The service life of polished concrete depends on the degree of sophistication of the industrial polishing process.
A properly done paint job can last up to 10 years. Epoxy resin floors depend on the thickness of the application and the stresses they must withstand. The standard for most surfaces is 3 to 5 years.
Lifetime
Polished concrete floors can withstand heavy use without discolouring or leaving visible signs of use, unlike wooden or carpeted floors.
Epoxy resin floors are made from a mixture of cured resin and hardener that makes the surface durable and wear-resistant. The seamless floor system is strong enough to withstand heavy machinery and heavy traffic.
Chemical Resistance
Epoxy floors are resistant to aggressive substances such as acids, alkalis and chemicals that attack or corrode concrete.
This makes them ideal for laboratories, commercial and industrial warehouses, food and beverage factories and similar facilities.
However, polished concrete itself is not resistant to chemicals, so a separate sealant is required.
Easy maintenance
Both floor systems are quite easy to keep in perfect condition. These are seamless surfaces, so you won’t have any problems with joints or grout lines.
For polished concrete floors, you only need water for daily cleaning, and automatic cleaning or using a polished concrete solution from time to time will help restore the shine.
Maintenance of epoxy floors, on the other hand, requires additives such as cleaning agents to remove dust and dirt.
Aesthetics
There are many colors and patterns available for epoxy flooring, from tile patterns to metallic tones to solid colors, which are the most popular. It is sleek and modern, has a timeless look and is durable.
A polished concrete floor never loses its relevance. It can feature a variety of sophisticated aggregates, from subtle monochrome to terraced patterns.
What do you prefer in terms of epoxy or polished concrete floors? For more information, check out this gallery page on different types of concrete floors.We have been asked many times over the years: what is the best flooring for our home? It’s a fair question, because flooring choices create a huge impact on our lives. If you want a durable, protect floor that won’t look cheap, you should consider epoxy. Concrete floors, on the other hand, are great for kitchens and bathrooms because of their durability.. Read more about epoxy over polished concrete and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better polished concrete or epoxy?
I would say that epoxy is better because it is more durable.
Is polished concrete the same as epoxy?
No, concrete is a mixture of sand and cement, while epoxy is a mixture of two or more polymers.
Can you Epoxy a polished concrete floor?
Yes, it can be done.
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