Everything You Need To Know About Epoxy Flooring: Different Types and Benefits

Kenneth Wilson

Epoxy has become a very popular coating, not just for industrial and commercial flooring, but also for residential. This material is commonly applied on concrete floors of buildings, warehouses, and other industrial sites to provide a safe and easy-to-maintain surface. But nowadays, this coating is also used for residential flooring, typically on kitchens, basements, garage floors, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces. 

Aside from concrete, this coating can be applied to wood, tile, metal, vinyl, and other kinds of flooring. It also comes in various types, with each one accommodating different needs. 

If you are undecided on which epoxy coating to get or unsure if it’s worth it, it might help to learn more about this material. Whether you just want to seal an existing concrete surface or update your flooring system, here are the different types of epoxy coating and the benefits of having an epoxy floor finish.

Different Types of Epoxy Coating For Floors

There are so many kinds of epoxy coating you can use for different rooms and areas of your home. To help you out, here are some of the most popular types of epoxy coatings used on residential flooring.

Solid Epoxy Flooring

A solid epoxy floor is simple yet versatile, offering a variety of colors that can be applied almost anywhere. This is suitable for rooms that need a solid color without fancy or intricate designs. While this type is commonly used in restaurants, buildings, and convention halls, it would also work well in bathrooms, living rooms, decks, and driveways.

Flake Epoxy Flooring

If you prefer to add a bit of texture to the solid look, you can get flake epoxy flooring. It utilizes acrylic flakes or chips, usually in different colors, to make it more decorative and create a sleek appearance. These multi-colored accents are applied while the epoxy coating is still wet, which will make the surface look vibrant as well.

Aside from the visual appeal, these flakes can also make the floor less slippery. It provides a grip, preventing falls and other accidents. This makes it a popular option in kitchens, garages, showrooms, clinics, sports venues, locker rooms, and other areas with high foot traffic.

Metallic Epoxy Flooring

Another type that offers a decorative finish is a metallic epoxy floor coating. Using a metallic additive, the floor can be designed with different colors, effects, and accents. The most common design used is swirling, which can be achieved by spreading metallic pigments in twists using a brush or roller.

It can also be one color like solid epoxy flooring but will have a shiny metallic finish like gold, silver, copy, ruby, and more. Aside from the different colors, it is not limited to a glossy finish. You can also get it in matte, and this variety in design makes it a popular choice for decorating living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and other interior spaces.

Graveled Epoxy Flooring

For customizability and more intricate designs, you could get graveled epoxy flooring. This is suitable for those who want to be more creative. This is commonly used in stores, restaurants, and buildings that need to have their logos and other brand marks on the floor. For residential use, homeowners will have more flexibility with the design, adding decorative details to complete their interior look.

Self-Leveling Epoxy Flooring

If you need to cover existing concrete surfaces or uncoated areas, then you can use self-leveling epoxy flooring. This type is used to smoothen concrete floors that are old, cracked, or damaged. It can also be applied to new concrete surfaces if you want to make it look more refined and seamless. 

This coating comes in a variety of colors, making it a popular option in industrial, commercial, and residential spaces. It is commonly applied to the floors of showrooms, warehouses, sports venues, athletic facilities, and office buildings. For residential use, it is often used in kitchens, garages, and bathrooms.

What Are The Benefits of Epoxy Flooring?


There are different flooring solutions available, with each type having some advantage or the other. It can be difficult to decide on which one to get. Ultimately, it will depend on your preference and needs. Find out if epoxy flooring is just what you’re looking for by learning about the advantages of this floor solution.

Durable

One of the reasons why epoxy flooring is popular is for its durability and resilience. This is highly-resistant to harsh impact and can last for a long time. Depending on the location, preservation, and foot traffic, it can last from five to thirty years.

Epoxy is considered one of the most durable flooring solutions available. So if you want to fortify rooms or areas with heavy traffic, this material can endure it without peeling or cracking.

Resistance and Low-Maintenance

Aside from being resistant to high levels of wear and tear, epoxy floor coating is also spill- and stain-resistant. This includes water, moisture, gas, oil, bleach, and other chemicals, which is why this type of flooring solution is used in industrial settings. It is also commonly found in medical facilities since it uses liquid-tight sealing, making it resistant to germs and bacteria. 

For residential use, it is perfect for garages and kitchens, where oil and food can easily stain the flooring. Ultimately, this means that epoxy flooring will be easy to clean. With regular maintenance, your floor would always look new and great with no stain or spill marks.

Preserve Flooring Base

As mentioned, epoxy flooring uses liquid-tight sealing. This is why it is commonly applied on concrete surfaces, which are porous, or uncoated flooring. It can help protect the surface against strong impact and other damages. Epoxy floor coating will also be able to refine concrete and uncoated surfaces, which brings us to the next advantage.

Visually Appealing and Customizable

Epoxy can transform your space and refurbish outdated flooring. This decorative flooring solution usually has a glossy finish, giving the lackluster surface the refinement it needs. 

With the different types of epoxy floor coating, you will have many options for your floor design. From a wide array of colors to flawless finishes, homeowners will be able to enjoy a unique look that complements their home’s interior. This can be applied to look similar to other types of flooring, such as hardwood, but will have distinct advantages such as those mentioned above.

Quick to Install

Aside from its durability, epoxy is also a popular coating for industrial and commercial because it can be installed quickly. This material cures fast, so businesses, factories, hospitals, and other establishments won’t have to close or halt operations for too long. Similarly, this will be advantageous to homeowners since you will be able to get back to your daily routine faster.

Important Consideration:

  • Due to its durability and longevity, epoxy is almost a permanent flooring solution. While you will have an option to remove or update it, it will be expensive and labor-intensive. 

Are You Ready To Get Epoxy Coating For Your Floor?


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Kenneth Wilson
December 8, 2020
Flooring

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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