Looking for pros and cons of epoxy flooring? We’ve got you covered! Epoxy resin can be applied over concrete floors for protection and a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
Epoxy flooring offers a defensive layer against all types of spills — from water to motor oil — and can stand up to years of wear and tear. It also looks much better than plain concrete!
Of course, epoxy flooring isn’t perfect. It can be cracked or chipped with heavy impact and typically requires professional installation. Epoxy is also quite slippery without the use of skid-resistant additives.
So should you invest in epoxy flooring for your garage or basement? Or are you better off sticking to exposed concrete?
10 Pros and Cons of Epoxy Flooring You Need To Know
Pros of Epoxy Flooring
1. Nearly Spill Proof
By far the biggest benefit of epoxy is its ability to protect the concrete floor underneath. Epoxy repels all kinds of liquids. So accidental spills are a breeze to clean up.
Even harsh chemicals will have a hard time getting through a cured layer of epoxy flooring.
2. Durability
Unlike most household flooring materials, epoxy is designed to withstand abuse. If you need proof, just think about how many home garages and workshops rely on this material!
Epoxy floors can be driven on without damaging the finish. You can also store heavy equipment on epoxy for long periods of time without affecting the quality.
3. Affordable Installation
Much of epoxy flooring’s popularity stems from its affordability. At face value, epoxy might not seem significantly more affordable than other flooring solutions.
But keep in mind that epoxy flooring can be installed directly on top of concrete. Other flooring materials require the installation of a subfloor or underlayment.
The result is a higher overall cost compared to the one-step application of epoxy resin.
4. Attractive Appearance
No one is claiming that epoxy flooring compares to the natural beauty of hardwood. Yet it’s hard to deny that high-quality epoxy is much more attractive than bare concrete!
Epoxy comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes. Many epoxy specialists can create multi-colored designs as well.
Some epoxy products even mimic the look of luxury materials like marble or granite!
While these products are often more expensive than regular epoxy, they’re a great option for those looking for a stylish yet durable flooring solution.
5. Temperature-Resistant
Any flooring material used in a garage or basement needs to withstand a wide range of temperatures. Epoxy resin does just that.
While fully cured epoxy floors can handle a wide temperature range, most products need to be applied in temperatures between 55 and 80℉. So schedule installation accordingly!
6. Suitable for Industrial Applications
Many homeowners will invest in epoxy flooring for a private garage or basement. But epoxy is also one of the best finishing compounds for floors in industrial settings.
You’ll find epoxy floors in countless commercial garages and workshops of all sizes. Even some medical buildings rely on epoxy flooring to keep things clean and sterile.
Cons of Epoxy Flooring
1. May Chip or Crack
The most common issues seen in epoxy flooring are chips and cracks. Chips happen most often when heavy or sharp objects are dropped onto the floor.
Cracks, however, are typically the result of the concrete floor underneath settling or shifting. While improper installation can make chips and cracks more likely to occur, they are unavoidable in some applications.
Unfortunately, a small chip or crack can quickly grow and cause the surrounding epoxy to peel. Patching epoxy floors is possible (the sooner repairs are done the better!).
But the floor will probably never be as durable as it was before the damage.
2. Can Be Slippery
Any smooth surface can become slippery when wet. Epoxy floors are no exception.
As a general rule, the glossier the floor, the more slippery it will become in certain conditions. While no epoxy product is 100% skid-resistant, the vast majority of floors today feature anti-slip additives.
These additives greatly reduce the chance of slipping and falling. If you decide this flooring material is right for your home, be sure to invest in an anti-slip epoxy formula for added safety.
3. Requires Professional Installation
A determined DIYer could install an epoxy floor in as little as a weekend. Whether or not you should attempt to apply this product yourself, however, is the real question.
Since proper application is so crucial to epoxy’s durability and appearance, DIY installation is rarely recommended. Hiring a professional may cost more but you’ll be rewarded with a high-quality floor that will look and perform great for years to come.
4. Difficult to Remove
Anything designed to survive years of use, and abuse will naturally be a challenge to remove. Removing old epoxy from a concrete floor is extremely time-consuming.
Using the right tools (and not losing patience) is essential to remove all of the product without damaging the surface underneath.
Unlike installation, removal can easily be DIYed. But some homeowners may still opt to hire a professional for this tedious project!
Final Thoughts
Epoxy is one of the most practical flooring solutions for garages, basements, and similar areas (both residential and commercial).
Epoxy stands out from competing products thanks to its extreme durability, affordable price point, and overall attractive appearance. Few flooring materials can compete with epoxy’s sheer versatility.
Although epoxy flooring isn’t perfect for all applications, it comes pretty close. Common problems encountered with this material include chips, cracks, and slipperiness.
Installation and removal, while affordable, can also be incredibly labor-intensive.