Is Epoxy Flooring Suitable For Your Bathroom? Everything You Need to Know to Save Time & Money

Why Epoxy Flooring is a Top Contender for Bathrooms

Epoxy has become a popular choice for bathrooms, particularly in areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast where high humidity and frequent exposure to water can take a toll on traditional flooring materials.

But what exactly is epoxy floor, and why is it gaining traction in bathrooms?

Let’s break down the basics, the different types available, and the key advantages and challenges that come with this flooring option.

Advantages

• Waterproof and Moisture-Resistant: Bathrooms are constantly exposed to water and moisture, and epoxy provides a seamless, waterproof surface that prevents water from seeping through.
• Durability: Epoxy is highly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting choice for high-traffic bathrooms.
• Easy to Clean and Maintain: Epoxy floors resist stains and are incredibly easy to wipe down, which is a huge plus for busy households or rental properties.
• Customisable Aesthetics: With options like metallic or flake epoxy, homeowners can create a unique look that complements their bathroom style.
• Anti-Slip Options Available: Textured finishes, like flake epoxy, can improve traction and reduce the risk of slips, a major consideration for wet areas like bathrooms.

Challenges

• Cold Underfoot: Epoxy can feel cold to the touch, which might be uncomfortable in winter months unless paired with underfloor heating.
• Can Be Slippery When Wet: Standard epoxy surfaces can become slippery in a wet bathroom environment. Opting for anti-slip additives or textured finishes can help mitigate this issue.
• Installation Complexity: Installing epoxy flooring isn’t a simple DIY project. It requires professional preparation and application to ensure a flawless, long-lasting finish.
• Potential for Yellowing: In areas with strong sunlight, such as bathrooms with large windows, epoxy can turn yellow over time. However, UV-resistant topcoats can be applied to reduce this effect.

Is Epoxy Flooring Suitable for the Brisbane & Gold Coast Climate?

Performance in Humid and Warm Climates

One of the biggest advantages is its resistance to moisture. Unlike wood, which can warp or swell, or grout lines in tile that can collect mould, epoxy forms a completely seamless surface that’s highly resistant to water damage.

This makes it particularly suitable for humid climates like Brisbane and the Gold Coast, where dampness can be a major issue for many types of flooring.

Epoxy’s non-porous surface keeps moisture from penetrating the floor, which is ideal for areas prone to water exposure.

Additionally, its resistance to mould and mildew makes it a hygienic choice for bathrooms, where maintaining a clean, sanitary environment is essential.

Epoxy’s moisture resistance makes it a practical option for bathrooms in Queensland’s humid conditions.

Durability to Withstand Daily Use

Bathrooms are one of the busiest spaces in any home, and the flooring in these areas needs to hold up under heavy, consistent use. Epoxy is known for its high durability, often lasting many years without chipping or cracking.

This resilience makes it suitable for bathrooms, especially for larger households or rental properties where durability is a top priority.

Another plus? Epoxy can withstand exposure to common bathroom products like soaps, shampoos, and cleaning agents, which might stain or damage other types of flooring over time.

Epoxy is a low-maintenance option, which is a huge advantage for homeowners who want a hassle-free solution.

Safety Considerations

A common concern is the slipperiness. Standard epoxy floors are smooth and can become slick when wet, posing a potential risk in wet areas.

Fortunately, this issue can be addressed by adding anti-slip additives to the epoxy mixture or choosing a textured finish, like flake epoxy, to improve traction.

If you’re considering epoxy flooring for a bathroom, especially if you have young children or elderly family members, opting for a slip-resistant finish is a must. This way, you can enjoy the look and durability of epoxy without compromising on safety.

Aesthetic Appeal

One of the standout benefits of epoxy is its versatility in design. With options ranging from high-gloss finishes to metallic and flake patterns, epoxy can be customised to suit almost any bathroom style, from modern minimalist to bold and unique.

This flexibility allows homeowners to create a cohesive look that complements the rest of the bathroom decor.

For example, metallic epoxy can mimic the appearance of marble or other luxurious materials, adding a high-end feel to the space without the high-end price tag.

Flake epoxy, with its speckled, textured finish, adds visual interest while also enhancing safety.

Customisation makes epoxy a great option if you want to achieve a specific aesthetic for your bathroom.

Bathroom Size and Layout Recommendations

The size and layout of your bathroom will also influence your choice of epoxy flooring, as well as the overall cost and practicality of the installation. Here are a few recommendations based on different bathroom sizes and layouts:

• Small Bathrooms: Epoxy can be a cost-effective option for smaller bathrooms, as the seamless surface creates a spacious, uninterrupted look. However, a small bathroom with poor ventilation may need additional airflow measures to ensure the epoxy cures correctly without moisture issues.
• Medium to Large Bathrooms: For larger bathrooms, epoxy’s durability and waterproof qualities are a major plus. However, larger spaces mean more epoxy material and a longer installation time, which can drive up the cost. Some homeowners may consider mixing epoxy with other materials (like tiling in specific areas) to create a more budget-friendly solution without sacrificing durability.
• Bathrooms with Complex Layouts: Bathrooms with lots of nooks, crannies, or unusual shapes can be more challenging for epoxy installations, as the surface needs to be carefully levelled and applied to every inch of the floor. In these cases, it’s especially important to hire a skilled installer who can work around these complexities to achieve a smooth, seamless finish.

Installation and Maintenance: What to Expect

It’s worth noting that epoxy flooring is best installed by professionals to ensure a flawless, long-lasting result.

The installation process can take several days, as the surface needs to be properly prepared, the epoxy layers are applied, and then time is given to cure.

While this can add to the upfront cost, the durability and low maintenance requirements of epoxy often make it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Once installed, epoxy flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Simply wipe it down with a damp mop or cloth to keep it looking fresh. Its stain resistance is a bonus in bathrooms, where spills and splashes are inevitable.

Regulations and Permits: What You Need to Know

There are certain building and safety codes in Queensland that must be observed. Here’s a quick overview of relevant regulations:

• Slip Resistance Standards: In Queensland, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) outlines specific slip resistance requirements for wet areas, including bathrooms. Epoxy flooring in a bathroom must meet a certain slip resistance rating to comply with these standards. Adding anti-slip additives or opting for textured epoxy finishes can help meet these requirements.
• Waterproofing Regulations: Bathroom flooring needs to meet strict waterproofing standards to prevent leaks and structural damage. While epoxy itself is a waterproof material, it’s essential to ensure that the flooring is correctly sealed around the edges, especially near drains and walls. Your installer should be aware of local waterproofing regulations and ensure that the epoxy application meets them.
• Ventilation Requirements: Proper ventilation is required during and after installation to prevent any harmful fumes from accumulating and to ensure the epoxy cures properly. While there’s generally no need for a formal permit for ventilation, an installer may advise adding temporary fans or opening windows during the curing process, especially in bathrooms without natural airflow.

Recommendations for Your Next Flooring Project

Choose a Reputable, Experienced Installer

Epoxy flooring is a specialised process that requires professional expertise, especially in a bathroom environment where waterproofing and slip resistance are paramount.

An experienced installer will have the skills to create a smooth, even finish and ensure that the flooring meets local building codes. Be sure to check reviews and credentials before selecting a contractor.

Opt for Anti-Slip Additives or Textured Finishes

To meet safety standards and reduce the risk of slips, it’s wise to choose an anti-slip finish for bathrooms. Options like flake epoxy or a textured coating provide added grip, making the bathroom safer for all users, particularly children and the elderly.

Anti-slip additives can be included directly in the epoxy mixture or applied as a topcoat.

Consider UV-Resistant Topcoat for Sunny Bathrooms

For bathrooms with large windows or skylights, UV exposure can cause standard epoxy to yellow over time. Applying a UV-resistant topcoat can protect the epoxy from sun damage, preserving the colour and gloss of your floor.

This is a particularly valuable addition for bathrooms in sunny Queensland, where bright sunlight is a daily reality.

Ready to Transform Your Bathroom? Contact Tough Floors Today!

Choosing the right flooring for your bathroom is a big decision, and getting it wrong can lead to costly repairs and frustration down the line. That’s why you want the guidance and expertise of industry leaders who know epoxy flooring inside and out.

At Tough Floors, we’re dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable residential epoxy solutions that meet the unique demands of bathrooms in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

With a proven track record of excellence, Tough Floors has helped countless homeowners achieve beautiful, durable interior flooring that is built to last.

Our team understands the specific needs of Queensland homes and can offer personalised advice tailored to your space and lifestyle.

Don’t settle for second-best when it comes to your bathroom. Ready to give your garage the upgrade it deserves? Speak to a member of the Tough Floors team on 1300 882 875 or claim your FREE quote online now.