Polished Concrete vs Epoxy Flooring: A comparison

When it comes to choosing a flooring system for your building or renovation project, polished concrete and epoxy are two popular options that offer several benefits. Each option offers distinct advantages and determining which option is the most suitable for your particular project depends on the application.

Whether you are working on a residential, commercial, or industrial project, this guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Define polished concrete flooring

Polished concrete flooring is a type of concrete surface that has been mechanically ground and polished with specialised tools and techniques. The polishing process involves progressively refining the surface with increasingly finer abrasive materials until the desired level of sheen and smoothness is achieved. The result is a durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing flooring option that can be customised with various colours, patterns, and finishes. Polished concrete flooring is commonly used in commercial, industrial, and residential applications due to its long-lasting nature, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.

Define Epoxy flooring

Epoxy flooring is a type of flooring material that consists of a two-part resin system, which includes a base resin and a hardener. When mixed, these components chemically react and form a strong, durable, and seamless surface. Epoxy flooring is highly customisable and can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications, from decorative to functional. It is known for its excellent chemical resistance, durability, and ease of maintenance, which makes it a popular choice for commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Epoxy flooring is available in various colours, textures, and patterns, making it a versatile and attractive option for many different environments.

Common types of epoxy flooring and usage

There are several types of epoxy flooring, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Here are some of the most common types of epoxy flooring:

Self-levelling epoxy: This type of epoxy is designed to create a level, smooth surface and is often used to repair damaged floors. It is a popular option for commercial and industrial applications because of its high level of durability.
Epoxy mortar flooring: This type of epoxy is composed of a mixture of epoxy resin and sand, which creates a thick, textured surface. Epoxy mortar flooring is ideal for areas that experience heavy traffic or where impact resistance is required.
Metallic epoxy: This type of epoxy flooring uses metallic pigments to create a unique, three-dimensional appearance. It is often used in decorative applications, such as restaurants, retail stores, and residential properties.
Quartz-filled epoxy: This type of epoxy includes small quartz grains mixed in with the epoxy resin to create a textured, slip-resistant surface. It is commonly used in areas that require a high level of slip resistance, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
ESD epoxy: This type of epoxy is specially designed for areas where electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a concern, such as electronics manufacturing facilities or server rooms. It contains conductive materials that prevent the build-up of static electricity.

Comparing polished concrete and epoxy floors

Durability:

Polished concrete floors are extremely durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance. They are highly resistant to heavy foot traffic, abrasion, and impact. Polished concrete floors are also resistant to moisture and can withstand exposure to harsh chemicals. However, they may be susceptible to staining if not properly sealed.

Epoxy floors are also highly durable and can withstand heavy traffic, impact, and abrasion. They are also highly resistant to moisture and chemicals and are easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, epoxy floors have superior resistance to staining compared to polished concrete floors.

Cost Comparison

The cost of installing polished concrete or epoxy floors can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the size of the area to be covered, the condition of the existing substrate, and the complexity of the installation. Epoxy floors are generally more expensive than polished concrete floors due to the cost of materials and labour. However, they are often a more cost-effective option over the long term due to their durability and low maintenance requirements.

The cost of installing polished concrete floors typically ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the level of polish and the complexity of the installation. The cost of installing epoxy floors typically ranges from $5 to $12 per square foot, depending on the type of epoxy, the level of customization, and the complexity of the installation.

Install time comparison

While the installation time for polished concrete floors and epoxy floors can vary, polished concrete floors typically require more time (ranging from a few days to a week) to install than epoxy floors due to the multiple steps involved in grinding and polishing the concrete surface.

Cleaning & Maintenance comparison

Polished concrete floors are generally low-maintenance and easy to clean. They do not require any special cleaning products, and a simple dust mop or wet mop is usually sufficient to keep the floors clean. However, the surface of polished concrete is porous, which means that it can be susceptible to staining if spills are not cleaned up promptly.

Epoxy floors are also relatively easy to clean and maintain. They have a non-porous surface that resists staining, making them an ideal option for high-traffic areas or spaces prone to spills or stains. Epoxy floors can be cleaned with a simple mop and mild detergent, and occasional waxing or reapplication of the topcoat can help maintain their appearance over time. However, epoxy floors can be more prone to scratching and scuffing.

Resistance to mould/moisture comparison

Polished concrete has natural porosity, which means that it allows moisture to pass through it. However, the polishing process seals the surface, making it more resistant to moisture than regular concrete. While polished concrete can resist mould to some extent, it is not completely immune to it.

On the other hand, epoxy flooring is highly resistant to both moisture and mould. This is because epoxy creates a seamless, non-porous surface that does not allow moisture to penetrate. Additionally, epoxy flooring is easy to clean and maintain, making it a popular choice in areas that are prone to moisture and mould, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Chemical resistance comparison

When it comes to chemical resistance, epoxy flooring has a clear advantage over concrete. Concrete floors are porous and can absorb chemicals, leading to damage and deterioration over time. Epoxy flooring, on the other hand, is non-porous and highly resistant to chemicals, including harsh solvents, acids, and alkalis. This makes it an ideal choice for environments where spills or leaks are likely to occur, such as laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and chemical processing plants.

Slip resistance comparison

Concrete floors can be treated with sealers or coatings to increase their slip resistance, but their natural texture and porousness can make them prone to becoming slippery when wet. On the other hand, epoxy flooring is highly durable and non-porous, offering excellent slip resistance even when wet. It can also be customised with slip-resistant additives to further improve its traction. Overall, epoxy flooring may be a better choice for environments where slip resistance is a top priority, such as industrial settings or commercial kitchens.

Environmental Impact Comparison

When it comes to the environmental impact of flooring materials, both concrete and epoxy flooring has advantages and disadvantages. Concrete is a widely available and relatively low-cost material that can be made from natural and recycled materials, making it a more sustainable option. However, the manufacturing process of concrete can be resource-intensive and emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Additionally, concrete floors can be prone to cracking, which can lead to the need for repairs and replacement over time, further contributing to their environmental impact.

On the other hand, epoxy flooring is a highly durable material that can last many years without needing replacement. It is also made from non-toxic materials and can be applied directly over existing concrete floors, reducing the need for additional resources. However, the application process of epoxy flooring typically involves the use of chemicals, which can be harmful to the environment if not properly managed. Additionally, epoxy flooring is not biodegradable and can be difficult to remove or recycle once it reaches the end of its useful life.

Speak to the experts

When considering flooring options for your space, Signature Substrates recommends assessing your specific needs before choosing between polished concrete and epoxy floors. As experts in both polished concrete and epoxy floor installations, Signature Substrates is available to provide advice and help you make an informed decision. We will work with you to design and create the most functional and stylish flooring solution for your space

We have years of experience in concrete floor polishing Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Toowoomba and on the Sunshine Coast. We offer a full range of concrete finishing services such as sealing, epoxy coating, concrete floor repairs, and floor stripping.

Call Signature Substrates at 0423 080 270 or send an enquiry to find out more about polished concrete and wooden floorboards.

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Testimonials

“Signature Substrates have played a vital role in our ability to open numerous retail stores in multiple states during 2017 and will continue to do so in 2018.

Trent and his team carry out all works in a professional manner and offer great advice. With very tight timelines to complete our projects, we rely heavily on Trent to get us off on the right start and he hasn’t let us down!”

- J.Z – Project Manager (National Retail Group)

“We are extremely pleased with the reliable and professional service received from Signature Substrates. The resurfacing of our aircraft hangar floor was completed promptly and of very good quality”

- M & S. Marks – Central Coast, NSW

“Trent and his team are not just contractors to us, they became temporary pieces of furniture in our home (even joining us for breakfast!) The overall experience in the delivery of our new polished concrete floors was very refreshing. We would highly recommend this company!!”

- Morena Family – Ormeau, QLD

"Trent was very professional, knowledgeable and detail oriented. He developed a plan for our floor, provided quotes and completed the work on time. He listened to our concerns, was always available to answer questions and kept us up to date throughout the project.

His team of Alex and Haydon were equally professional and communicative and did an outstanding job. The resulting work was impeccable and exceeded our expectations as the epoxy concrete floor looked better then when we first built the house. My family was over the moon to have the missing piece of their home back --- better than ever!

We would not hesitate in recommending Trent and his team!"

- Chess Ritchie - Brisbane

"We just had Trent and Aaron come to prepare our outdoor area for tiling. It had an ancient covercrete coating that was in terrible repair.

We did not know what would be the best option for us to update this surface.From the very beginning and through to finalising the transaction, Trents attention was faultless. He listened to our ideas and made suggestions based on his experience that were helpful for us to make a decision on what to do with our outdoor surface.

He gave us detailed and accurate quotes that included exactly what we would receive in several options for the project. This helped us come to the best solution for our outdoor area. Once we booked with Signature Substrates the execution of the work was excellent. They were on time, tidy, helpful, courteous and professional. The price was competitive.

The work once completed was impeccable. The concrete underneath was so beautiful we actually regret not polishing the concrete and having decided on tiling the area, but the tiles were already purchased! We would strongly recommend using Signature Substrates for you concrete renovations and enjoying your stress free transaction and excellent results in your renovation project. They also offer a test patch service to help you decide what to do.

We will definitely be contacting Trent when we are ready to look at options for the interior surface of our home. Thank you Trent and Aaron."

- Elizabeth Flanigan - Brisbane