Polished concrete vs. epoxy floor: What’s the best choice?

concrete-vs-epoxy

Polished concrete (left) vs. epoxy floor (right) – what’s the best choice for your residential or commercial space? Both flooring options offer a sleek finish, require little to no maintenance, and last years and years, so the decision will most likely come down to two influential factors: budget and how your space is used.

If budget is a top priority, you may be inclined to opt for polished concrete. Do keep in mind, however, that while concrete finishes may require a smaller upfront investment, they don’t deliver the durability of an expertly installed epoxy floor.

If toughness, safety, and longevity are chief concerns, or your space receives a lot of wear and tear from foot, vehicle, or machine traffic, epoxy flooring is for you. Epoxy flooring also offers a whole host of unique, customisable finishes that you just cannot achieve with concrete alone.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of each flooring option in a little more detail so that you can make an informed decision that benefits you and those that live, work, and play in your space for years to come.

Polished concrete flooring

polished concrete

Polished concrete flooring is economical, attractive, and environmentally-friendly, making it popular among businesses and style-savvy homeowners alike. The smooth, lustrous look is achieved by grinding the surface of the concrete and using a polishing machine to create the desired finish, whether that be matte or a mirror-like gloss.

There are several benefits of polished concrete flooring, including:

Polished concrete doesn’t come without drawbacks. Here is a couple to keep in mind:

  • If it is not installed and sealed correctly, it will be extremely susceptible to penetration by moisture. If liquid does make its way into the pores of the concrete, it can quickly lead to mould and mildew.
  • It can become extremely slippery when wet, making it a potentially risky choice for commercial and industrial premises.
  • Concrete flooring can be loud like ceramic tiles and natural stone.

Epoxy flooring

epoxy floor

Concrete floors professionally finished with an epoxy coating are a fantastic choice for those looking for an attractive solution that is durable, low-cost, and, most importantly, safe. Epoxy floors are topped with a specially engineered coating that consists of a hardener and resin. When applied to concrete, the mixture forms a tough, chemical-resistant surface that’s strong enough to withstand just about any set of demands.

Because epoxy is so durable, it’s the ideal solution for spaces that are likely to endure water or chemical spills, heavy foot traffic, machinery traffic, and other activities that would break down less sturdy flooring options.

epoxy finishes

Beyond its unparalleled durability, epoxy offers the following benefits:

  • Reduced allergens and mould
  • High aesthetic appeal with ample opportunity for customisation
  • Extremely versatile and suitable for use both inside and outside
  • Increased light reflectivity by up to 300 per cent
  • Environmentally-friendly
  • Long lifespan
  • Next to no maintenance aside from basic regular cleaning
  • Slip-resistant

Before you jump on the epoxy bandwagon, it’s worth noting that this specialised flooring solution requires expert installation. If you are tempted to go the DIY-route, be warned: you may not experience the benefits listed above. Improperly installed epoxy can be brittle and prone to cracking and won’t provide the level of toughness and durability you expect.

If you choose epoxy, it’s essential that you invest in professional installation.

Polished concrete vs. epoxy floor: Which is right for you?

There’s no hard and fast answer, and both flooring solutions offer a range of benefits to home and business owners. That being said, epoxy flooring does trump polished concrete in terms of look, toughness, safety, and versatility – it’s definitely worth investigating further.

Ready to invest in epoxy flooring?

You won’t regret it. The team behind Tough Floors know epoxy flooring – epoxy flooring Gold Coast and Brisbane is all we do. And that’s why we can offer high-quality, long-lasting installation that’ll ensure you get the most out of your investment. Get started today. Contact our friendly team of specialists and we’ll inspect your area and give you expert advice and a fixed price quote.

Avatar for Euan Bennett

About Euan Bennett

A self-confessed epoxy flooring nerd and dog lover, my great team and I just love transforming an ordinary floor into a thing of beauty with a carefully applied epoxy finish.