Learn the Pros and Cons of Choosing Interior Epoxy Flooring in 2023
While flooring material trends have continued to change over time, there is one option that remains prominent among both home and business owners in the Houston, Texas, area. Epoxy coatings are one of the most popular and sought-after flooring options for both their durability and simple maintenance.
However, before you commit to choosing epoxy floor coatings for your space in 2023, it’s important to understand the pros and cons that come with this decision. This article covers everything you need to know before making a decision, including the basics of epoxy coatings and the pros and cons that come with choosing this type of flooring.
Key Takeaways:
- Epoxy flooring is incredibly versatile when it comes to customization and offers eco-friendly materials.
- The shiny, reflective finish of epoxy helps increase brightness and provides a slip-resistant finish for safety.
- There is a cost associated with epoxy flooring, as well as time and effort to install
- Professional epoxy flooring installations are recommended for larger projects.
- Epoxy Houston TX is a great resource for those looking to have epoxy flooring installed in Houston.
What is Interior Epoxy Flooring?
Before diving into the pros and cons of epoxy flooring, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of this material and what it is. Epoxy coatings are made up of a combination of resin and hardener, which creates a durable and chemical-resistant film when applied to concrete or other surfaces. This two-part mixture is then spread out across the floor, where it quickly dries and hardens into a glossy finish that can last for years with minimal maintenance.
The chemical components of epoxy are what create the seamless and glossy finish that is so popular among home and business owners. This finish also makes epoxy coatings extremely resistant to oils, grease, and chemicals, as well as thermal shock and abrasion. A large number of commercial and industrial businesses in the Houston area seek epoxy for their flooring needs, thanks to the durability and resistance this material offers.
Most Common Types of Interior Epoxy Flooring
Many people are surprised to learn that there are numerous types of epoxy coatings and variations to choose from when deciding on the best flooring for their space. The two most common types of epoxy coatings are garage epoxy flooring and decorative epoxy, and each type has its own advantages, depending on what you’re looking for.
Residential Epoxy Flooring
One of the most common installations in the Grand Rapids area is residential epoxy flooring. Residential epoxy is often used in basements, garages, and other areas of the home that are prone to liquid spills or chemical damage.
This type of coating is typically installed with a professional team and may require multiple coats for maximum protection and longevity. For homeowners looking for an easy-to-clean and durable flooring option, residential epoxy is an excellent choice.
Decorative Epoxy Flooring
For those looking to inject style and color into their space, decorative epoxy flooring is a perfect choice. This type of coating uses tints or pigments for a two-tone look that can be customized to fit any aesthetic. Some of the most common variations include metallic epoxy, flake epoxy, and quartz epoxy.
Decorative epoxy is also incredibly durable, making it a great choice for businesses and commercial spaces. However, your decorative flooring may need to be maintained every few years in order to maintain a sleek finish and vibrant colors.
Garage Floor Epoxy
Both residential and commercial properties often opt for garage epoxy flooring as a way to protect their space from damage caused by oil and other chemicals. This type of coating is known for its durability, making it perfect for areas that see high levels of foot traffic or heavy machinery. Garage epoxy flooring is usually applied in multiple coats with a professional team, creating an incredibly resilient and long-lasting finish that requires no extravagant maintenance.
Most garages in Houston are subject to quite a bit of foot traffic, so having the added protection of garage epoxy flooring is highly recommended. This type of coating can also add a pop of color to your space, as it comes in a variety of colors and tints that can be customized to match your unique style.
Pros & Cons of Epoxy Flooring
Now that you understand the basics of epoxy flooring, it’s time to take a look at the pros and cons associated with choosing this material for your space. By understanding the fundamentals of this material, you can make an informed decision about whether or not epoxy flooring is the right choice for your needs.
Pros of Epoxy Flooring
Durability
One of the leading advantages of epoxy flooring is its incredible durability. When you compare epoxy to some of the most common flooring materials, such as carpet and tile, you can clearly see the advantages that epoxy has. This material is resilient against liquids, chemicals, and heavy foot traffic, making it a great choice for any space that sees regular wear-and-tear and foot traffic.
Easy to Clean
Epoxy flooring is incredibly easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance. Most types of epoxy can be easily wiped down with a damp mop, making it perfect for busy homeowners. The recommended maintenance for epoxy is on a weekly and monthly schedule and consists of a quick dry mop and a thorough deep cleaning every few months.
Longevity
In addition to durability, the longevity of epoxy flooring is another major benefit for homeowners. Properly installed epoxy can last up to 15 years, making it a great long-term investment in your home. The average lifespan for competitor materials, such as carpet and tile, is much shorter in comparison, at less than 10 years. Many homeowners also opt for epoxy because it requires little to no professional upkeep throughout its lifespan, making it a financially sound choice.
Customization Options
Epoxy flooring is incredibly versatile when it comes to customization. There are endless design options available for homeowners looking to customize their spaces. From metallic and quartz to solid colors, the possibilities are truly endless with epoxy flooring. One popular option for both residential and commercial properties is custom overlays, which allow you to add a logo or design of your choice without the added expense of additional flooring materials.
Eco-Friendly
When you choose an epoxy flooring solution, you can rest assured that your space has the most environmentally friendly materials available. Epoxy is a nonporous material, making it much more difficult for bacteria and other dangerous substances to thrive. This also makes it easier to clean, as there are fewer places for dirt and debris to hide. By choosing epoxy, you’re also making a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint, as the material requires very little energy to create.
Increased Brightness & Safety
The shiny and somewhat reflective finish that is achieved with epoxy flooring helps to increase the brightness of any space, making it a great choice for rooms that need more light. The slip-resistant finish of epoxy also makes it a great choice for households with small children or seniors, as it reduces the risk of slips and falls. For those with additional safety needs, there are anti-slip additives that can be added to the epoxy mix for extra protection.
Cons of Epoxy Flooring
Cost
One of the main drawbacks of epoxy flooring is its cost. This type of coating requires professional installation, which can be costly depending on your project size and material selection. However, when you take into account the long-term savings that come with epoxy flooring, the initial cost is often worth it.
Time & Effort
Another downside of epoxy flooring is the amount of time and effort that goes into installation. As this type of material requires careful preparation before installation, it’s important to make sure that the project is properly planned out before beginning. This includes prepping the space, measuring for accuracy, and any other work that needs to be done. Thankfully, when you opt for a professional installation, you can know that the job will be done correctly.
DIY vs. Professional Epoxy Flooring Installations
Once you decide to move forward with an epoxy installation for your Houston home, it’s time to decide whether you’ll do it yourself or hire a professional. DIY epoxy projects can be cost-effective for small areas, such as garages and basements. However, for larger projects, it’s best to hire a professional. This can be beneficial in the long term as they will have the experience needed to ensure the job is done correctly.
When it comes to epoxy flooring in Houston, you can trust the professional team at Epoxy Houston TX to deliver top-notch results. Contact us today to learn more about our epoxy flooring options and receive a free consultation!