Epoxy flooring and concrete flooring are two of the most popular choices for commercial and industrial flooring. Both offer unique benefits and drawbacks, depending on the space’s specific needs. Epoxy flooring is a durable and versatile material that can be customized to meet various design requirements. 

Conversely, concrete flooring is known for its strength and ability to withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear. In this comparison, we will explore the differences between epoxy and concrete flooring and help you determine which flooring best suits your needs.

Benefits of Applying an Epoxy Floor Over Concrete

Below are some of the benefits of applying an epoxy floor over concrete:

  1. Durability: Epoxy flooring is incredibly durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, equipment, and machinery, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
  2. Chemical Resistance: Epoxy flooring is resistant to many chemicals, such as oils, acids, and cleaners, making it easy to clean and maintain.
  3. Slip Resistance: Epoxy floors can be designed to be slip-resistant, making them a safer option for workplaces and homes.
  4. Aesthetically pleasing: Epoxy flooring comes in various colors, styles, and finishes, allowing for customization to match the design scheme of any space.
  5. Easy to clean: Epoxy flooring is easy to clean and maintain. Regular sweeping and mopping are typically all that is needed to keep the floor looking new.
  6. Waterproof: Epoxy flooring is waterproof, making it an excellent option for areas prone to moisture, such as basements, garages, and bathrooms.
  7. Resilience: Epoxy flooring is resilient and can withstand wear and tear over time, which helps to save money on repair and replacement costs.
  8. Environmental benefits: Epoxy flooring is an environmentally friendly option since it can be applied over existing concrete, reducing the need to dispose of old flooring materials.

Applying an epoxy floor over concrete provides various benefits, from durability to aesthetics, making it a popular option for residential and commercial applications.

Cost comparison between epoxy and concrete flooring

As much as we advise you to choose a solution that best solves your flooring needs, we also understand that budget might be a massive consideration in certain instances.

A. Material cost

  • Epoxy flooring is versatile, meaning the same material can come in different levels of strength, design, and more. These kits range from $100 to $600 or $2 to $5 per square foot.
  • Concrete costs around $125 per cubic yard on average. The larger your project, the more concrete you will need.

B. Labour cost

  • The average labor cost to pour concrete is $12 per square foot. Prices can fluctuate between $8 and $18.
  • The average labor cost to install epoxy floors is $7 per square foot. Prices can fluctuate between $3 and $12, depending on the company you choose to work with.

Durability level between epoxy and concrete floors

Both concrete and epoxy floors are known to be some of the most durable flooring solutions available. These two solutions will last for as long as you keep maintaining them. 

However, standard concrete is around 5000 PSI, while epoxy can double that at 10,000 PSI. Epoxy coating on your concrete floor will help it last for decades with proper maintenance.

The maintenance requirement for concrete and epoxy flooring

Maintenance requirements are a crucial consideration when choosing between these two flooring solutions as it determines whether you will spend so much keeping them beautiful and safe or not.

  • Epoxy floors require regular cleaning and mopping. With proper maintenance, the floor can last for ten years before you need to resurface it. All this while, the concrete beneath it is protected and free from heavy damage.
  • Concrete floors also require regular cleaning, mopping, and vacuuming to stay clean and beautiful. However, removing some dirt can take extra effort, like pressure washing. This flooring system also requires you to polish the floor once every two years to keep it constantly shining.

Choose what works for your environment and sense of style while considering the budget, durability, and maintenance requirements.

Call The Experts At Southern Illinois Epoxy

Both epoxy floors and concrete floors have their advantages and disadvantages. Epoxy floors are more durable, resistant to chemicals and stains, and offer a glossy finish that is easy to clean. They also have a faster installation time and can be customized with different colors and patterns. On the other hand, concrete floors are more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and can be polished to a high gloss finish without the need for coatings. They are also less prone to cracking and chipping.

When deciding between epoxy floors and concrete floors, it is crucial to consider the specific needs and requirements of the space in question. Factors such as budget, aesthetic preferences, durability, and maintenance should all be considered. Ultimately, both types of flooring have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice will depend on the unique circumstances of each project.

Choose Southern Illinois Epoxy for all your flooring needs and experience the difference that quality and expertise make. With our wide range of epoxy flooring solutions, exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we are the go-to choice for transforming your space into a durable, visually stunning masterpiece. Trust Southern Illinois Epoxy to deliver unparalleled results and create a floor that not only enhances the aesthetics but also withstands the test of time. Contact us today and let us bring your flooring vision to life.