What Drives the Cost of a Commercial Epoxy Floor?

If you've started collecting quotes for a commercial epoxy floor, you've probably noticed they don't all look the same. Some seem straightforward, while others appear to be much higher than expected. So what's behind the numbers?

The reality is that every floor and every site is different. Costs depend on:

• How you use the space
• The condition of your concrete
• The preparation it requires
• Timing of the installation
• Specific requirements like ‘out of hours’ work, various checks/clearances, inductions etc
• Site access
• Compliance costs such as slip testing & certifications

When you understand these factors, you can compare quotes fairly and spot the difference between a quick fix and a long-lasting solution.

Here are the key elements that influence the cost of installing a commercial epoxy floor and why they matter for your business.

#1 Your site and floor use

How you use your floor plays a significant role in determining the system we adopt for your floor. A warehouse that operates forklifts all day requires a more robust system than a café, a hospital corridor, or a food-grade production facility.

When we look at your site, these factors set the specification:

• Traffic loads – whether you're moving people, forklifts, trolleys, or heavy machinery
• Chemical or oil exposure – if spills or harsh cleaners hit your floors
• UV exposure – in sunlit or outdoor areas where coatings break down faster
• Hygiene standards – especially in food hygiene standards, healthcare, or pharmaceutical environments
• Slip rating targets – the level of safety your workplace requires (P3 to P5)

When you match the epoxy system to these conditions, your floor can withstand daily use and protect you from early failure and costly rework.

#2 Concrete testing and preparation

Your concrete floor sets the foundation for everything. If the slab isn't sound, your epoxy won't last. Moisture, cracks, surface hardness, and contaminants such as old adhesives or oil all affect the bonding quality of the coating.

That's why many projects start with:

• Moisture or vapour testing – so the floor doesn't blister or peel
• Surface hardness checks – to confirm the slab can hold the coating
• Repairs to cracks or joints – sometimes, we may install a new joint or cut if warranted
• Removal of old coatings or contaminants – so nothing interferes with adhesion

Additionally, mechanical preparation, such as grinding or shot blasting, creates the ideal surface profile for the epoxy to adhere to. This step takes time and the right equipment, but it's the stage that helps determine how long your floor will last.

#3 The floor system itself

Not every epoxy floor looks or performs the same way, and the finish we choose, based on consultation with you, plays a significant role in cost and durability.

• Film build matches the duty class your floor needs to handle: light, medium, or heavy traffic.
• Epoxy finish options range from straight colour gloss, matt looks, and flake blends to more decorative choices like metallics, glitter, or even glow-in-the-dark. Each finish offers distinct benefits in terms of safety, hygiene, UV stability, or visual impact.
• Adding aggregates enhances slip resistance when your workplace requires a higher safety rating. The slip resistance also acts to protect the floor surface from aspects like turning tyres
• Topcoats protect the finish and lock in the performance for years to come. This can get technical with aspects like anti-squeal for commercial car parks & specific areas for specific environments.

By selecting a finish that suits your environment and purpose, we strike a balance between upfront spend and long-term value. Go too thin or too basic, and you may need replacement sooner, especially in areas of high use like manufacturing facilities & butcher shops.

Invest in a system designed for your specific needs, and your business will reap the benefits of years of reliable performance.

#4 Access, timing, and installation windows

The ease of accessing your site and the timing of the installation have a significant impact on the cost. If your business operates 24/7, the flooring team may need to work after hours, over weekends, or in carefully staged areas so that you can continue operating.

Other factors, such as tight site access, limited parking, or restricted power and water, can also add time to the project.

While these logistics influence cost, they're also what keeps your business running during installation. The better the planning, the less downtime you will face and the less productivity you will lose.

#5 Finishing touches and ongoing care

The small details in your epoxy floor make a big difference. Features like coving at wall junctions, drainage detailing, colour zoning, or line marking not only look professional but also improve safety, hygiene, and compliance. While these finishing touches add to the upfront cost, they often save you money later by cutting cleaning time, making audits smoother, and extending the floor's life.

Ongoing care also protects your investment. Using the right cleaning products, managing rubber-tyre marks, and planning topcoat refreshes at the right time all help your floor perform and look its best for years to come.