Epoxy Flooring Vs. Polished Concrete Flooring – Which One Is Better?

Concrete and epoxy are two popular flooring choices for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces. Both solutions have their advantages. But there are situations where one material is a better fit than the other.

Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and rock or gravel. Concrete is a popular building material for its strength and durability. However, when polished and sealed, concrete can be even stronger and more resistant to damage.

Epoxy, a compound that is becoming increasingly popular, can be used to add an extra layer of protection to floors. When epoxy resin and hardener are combined, a stiff plastic material is created. This material is durable and can withstand any damage.

There are five main types of epoxy flooring: Self-Leveling Epoxy, Epoxy Mortar, Quartz-Filled Epoxy, Anti-Static Epoxy, Epoxy Flake

Compared with epoxy flooring, most homeowners prefer using polished concrete floors due to their sturdiness, sleek finish, and great resistance to most toxic chemicals and substances. Residential polished concrete floors are often found in garages, where they are less likely to come into contact with harsh chemicals and extreme pH substances. Aside from this, polished concrete floors possess the great light reflectivity that most garages need. By contrast, this type of floor requires polishing from time to time.

On the other hand, epoxy flooring is easier to install and is considered a cheaper flooring solution, thus this is used in many flooring cases. This also makes a great substitute for polished concrete when the latter cannot be used. Compared with polished concrete floors, epoxy flooring comes in different formulations that make it sturdier and more long-lasting. Some benefits of this kind of flooring include resistance to imparting abrasion and puncture, static control provision, and weight improvement of the floor. Unlike epoxy concrete polishing, epoxy flooring contractors prefer epoxy floorings as they are great at concealing imperfections, thanks to their decorative flakes and high-performance non-skid topcoats. Epoxy flooring Chicago is applied in liquid form, which results in a more even and flawless finish.

When choosing between polished concrete and epoxy flooring for your space, you should consider the type of space you want to install it in.

Polished concrete floors are strong and durable enough to handle high volumes of foot traffic every day, and their glossy finish makes them stylish additions to any space. However, epoxy coatings help protect floors from impact damage and chemical spills. These coatings are ideal for factories, warehouses and machine shops, where chemicals such as oil, gasoline and transmission fluid are commonly used.