Epoxy 3D floors continue to be a crowd-favorite choice among all floor coating options. It's hard to question the trend of these fancy floors when they are highly creative and offer excellent performance. Nowadays, it is commonly used in several malls, offices, and residences in the USA.
So, if you're considering installing 3D epoxy floors on your home, we're here to walk you through everything you need to know. Consider all the pros and cons to ensure you're making the right choice.
3D Epoxy Floors Average Costs
On average, expect to spend around $12 to $23 per square foot installing 3D epoxy floors. The installation process can be rather complicated and lengthy, taking at least three days to 1 whole week.
Of course, actual installation prices will depend on various factors: total area, substrate condition, and any project complexity. If you want to use high-grade epoxy flooring materials, it will undoubtedly cost you more.
If you compare the price of epoxy floors vs. tile or vinyl, its high upfront costs can be rather expensive. However, you can consider it a long-term investment that will provide you with more benefits in the long run.
Types of 3D Epoxy Floors
As of writing, you can choose from different 3D epoxy flooring types such as monochrome, single-color, multi-color, single metallic color, metallic multi-color, fluorescent, and self-leveling floor systems.
It's best to talk to a local flooring specialist to determine the right type for your home needs.
3D Epoxy Floors Pros and Cons
Like the rest of the flooring materials, installing 3D epoxy floors has its fair share of benefits and setbacks.
Pros:
Stunning Aesthetic: Several homeowners choose epoxy 3D floors primarily for their stunning visual aesthetic. Its effortless gorgeous look can drastically improve your room’s interior, making it one of a kind. Additionally, your room’s design will significantly improve if you choose the right floor color, design, or pattern to complement the existing decor. You can also mimic the appearance of concrete floors or choose to sprinkle the floors with flakes.
Highly durable: Given that epoxy material is resistant to acids, chlorine, and other industrial chemicals such as bleaches, transmission fluid, and standard cleaners– you’ll be surprised at the innate strength of this material. Since it is notably impervious, epoxy floors are also suitable for commercial and industrial usage. You can expect epoxy 3D floors to last you up to 15 years with proper maintenance and upkeep.
Easy maintenance: Since this flooring material has no gaps, joints, seams, or pores– 3D epoxy floors generally require easy upkeep. You won’t need to tend after dirt/dust or damage from chemicals and water, saving you all the trouble.
Hygiene-friendly and Safe: 3D epoxy floors are relatively safe. It doesn’t create a conducive environment for several bacteria or harmful pathogens. This flooring material is also odor-free, without any corrosive fumes. Rest assured; it is adequately certified safe for your health.
Fire resistant: Epoxy material is also resistant against extreme temperatures, as they do not burn. This is an essential factor to consider, especially amid a fire. If you want your property to be as fire-proof as possible, consider this flooring material as an excellent choice.
Flexible Flooring Material: Epoxy floors are known to combine with underfloor heating very well. As such, it can be sustainable as well. You can save energy without radiators in the vicinity– which can be a space-saving feature as well.
Economical Flooring Choice: If you compare epoxy floors to other standard flooring choices, you'll discover it has a lower cost per square foot on average. Not to mention, you may also install it directly over existing concrete. This eliminates the need to install another flooring system. Though it has higher initial costs, eventual replacement costs can be cheaper– as you won't need to prepare the concrete substrate anymore. Hence, it has a lower life cycle cost.
Longevity: Another great selling point of epoxy is its longevity. If you're looking for cost-effective, highly durable floors that will last you long years– this is an excellent option to consider. Most commercial epoxy floor coatings may last you up to 7 to 20 years. Safe to say, you can expect your new 3D epoxy floors to last you for decades.
Easily Customizable: The sky's the limit when it comes to customizing your epoxy floor coatings. With limitless color choices, unique effects (flake flooring, metallic look, and geometric patterns)– it’s a great flooring material if you want to express your creativity.
Difficult to install: DIY installations are usually discouraged when it comes to epoxy 3D floors. You will need to hire a professional contractor to carry out the installation properly. Expect the installation process to last for 3 to 5 days (or more), depending on how long it takes for the epoxy to cure fully.3D epoxy floors may also be challenging to install for basements with moisture problems. The epoxy may end up being lifted off the floor in the long run.
Cold floors: Unfortunately, 3D epoxy floors can be as cold to the feet as concrete or tiles– especially without underfloor heating. Since the material is also considerably hard, expect the occasional contact noise as you walk. It's ideal to consider the areas where it's best to use them before installing this flooring material at home.
Visible ripples: Suppose there are any cracks or unevenness in the substrate. In that case, ripples will become visible on the floors. It's vital to ensure the surface is smooth before even thinking of applying epoxy floors. If not, consider having the floors repaired first.
Difficulty Adhering in Moist Environments: An epoxy basement floor is an economical solution for home basement flooring because it’s seamless, easy to clean, attractive, and resists moisture.
May be slippery: Although it doesn't appear slippery, epoxy floors can be quite tricky when wet. That's why it's essential to consider where the 3D epoxy floors are to be installed in a home. Accordingly, you may want to add a skid-resistant additive to its topcoat to make your floors as safe as possible. Consult with your local epoxy flooring expert, though it will come at an additional cost.
Strong Application Fumes: Wet epoxy produces an unpleasant smell during the application process. Since fumes are displeasing in scent and toxic, anyone dealing with epoxy must ideally wear safety goggles and masks as a precaution. Highly asthmatic individuals must be cautious when applying epoxy flooring and are encouraged to see a health professional regarding the decision to add it to their home. Any room where epoxy is applied should be properly ventilated to protect against possible hazard intoxication of epoxy fumes.
Long Curing Time: Epoxy floors may take several days to completely cure after installing, depending on epoxy coating type and project intensity. Usually, the application takes 72hrs to cure and dry thoroughly. However, it may only take 24 hours when applied in small areas such as garages.
Note: Applying epoxy flooring in places with heavy foot traffic and properties in a humid climate can be an inconvenience because it can only prolong the epoxy drying time.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, choosing 3D epoxy flooring will give you durable, dust-free, and easy maintenance of new floors.
You will not only deal with rare cracks or problems about angled corners, but this material also boasts a high resistance to chemical damage. As a result, maintaining your new floors can be a breeze! (Related: Everything You Need To Know About Epoxy Flooring: Different Types and Benefits)
