The Biggest Myths & Misconceptions About Epoxy Floors

Epoxy flooring has become a popular flooring trend for practically every application, from residential to commercial to industrial floors. However, when any product becomes popular, it’s typically followed by myths and misconceptions.

Several myths surround this concrete coating, and today, we’ll be covering some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about it. Keep reading to learn more!

One of the biggest myths about epoxy floor coatings is that they’re exclusively for newly-installed concrete and new construction. However, this isn’t the case. Epoxy floors can be installed over any suitable substrate, whether it’s new or old. So long as the concrete is intact and structurally sound, epoxy flooring can be installed over it with a bit of prep work. In some cases, epoxy flooring has been installed over hardwood and tile that’s in good condition!

Another misconception about epoxy flooring is that it needs to be reapplied regularly. However, this is more of a misunderstanding than a myth. The confusion comes from DIY epoxy floor kits that are composed of water-based epoxy flooring that’s best suited as epoxy paint instead of professional-grade epoxy flooring. Water-based epoxies are much thinner than professional epoxy flooring, which is typically 100% solid epoxy. As a result, these thin epoxy coatings must be reapplied from time to time to ensure they stay intact. However, 100% solid, professional epoxy flooring will last for decades with proper maintenance and care without the need to be reapplied! When properly installed and maintained, epoxy flooring can last for 25 years or more!

This myth is more related to the initial installation cost of epoxy flooring. Though it can be more expensive than some lower quality flooring materials, such as linoleum or vinyl, this initial cost is quickly made up for by its durability, longevity, and low maintenance requirements. Not to mention, the price of an epoxy floor is actually much lower than some hardwoods and tile floors. A typical epoxy floor will cost roughly $3 to $7 per square foot for installation, while metallic and decorative flake epoxy floors will cost between $8 and $12 per square foot. This price pales in comparison to the $25 per square foot that hardwood can cost.

One of the most rampant myths out there for epoxy flooring is that they’re exceptionally slippery. This isn’t true either. Despite its glossy appearance, an epoxy floor is no more slippery than the average concrete floor. However, like most other floors, they can be slippery when they get wet. If slips and falls are a concern for your space, or if it’s frequently exposed to wet conditions, non-skid additives can be included during installation to mitigate any slipperiness and increase the floor’s traction.

A lot of homeowners fall for this myth and attempt to install epoxy flooring themselves, only to be disappointed with the results. The DIY kits that you can find in the Big Box stores are not professional-grade epoxy. These kits are typically water-based epoxy that doesn’t last nearly as long and doesn’t produce the same aesthetics. If you’re looking for high-quality, long-lasting epoxy flooring, the only way to get it is by hiring a professional. A professional will take all the necessary steps to ensure a successful installation using top-quality materials.

There may be many myths surrounding the widely successful epoxy flooring trend. However, these myths and misconceptions are just that, myths and misconceptions. Epoxy floors are not only for new concrete, they don’t need frequent reapplication, expensive, slippery, or DIY-friendly. If you’re looking to have an epoxy floor installed, contact a professional epoxy flooring contractor near you today!