Polished Concrete Vs Epoxy Floors: What's the Best Choice?

Polished concrete and epoxy floors are both great options for many public spaces. They are also popular for homes, offices, and retail spaces.

However, which one is the best choice for your space depends on a few factors. These include the following:

Aesthetics

When it comes to choosing the right floor for your space, there are many options. The best choice depends on your budget and how the floor will be used.

Epoxy flooring is a popular choice for a variety of reasons. It is a long-lasting and chemical-resistant finish that protects concrete floors from damage.

However, epoxy is also known for its distinctive smell, which can be a problem for some people. 

Unlike epoxy, polished concrete does not emit any VOCs during installation, so it's an eco-friendly option for commercial or industrial spaces.

Another advantage of polished concrete is that it increases light reflectivity, which helps brighten dark rooms. This reduces the need for extra lighting and helps save energy.

Polished concrete floors come in a variety of finishes, from matte to shiny and highly reflective. They can even be stained to add a decorative touch.

Durability

While these two types of floors may look and feel the same underfoot, they differ greatly in durability. This is important to consider when choosing which one is the best fit for your space.

Polished concrete is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, equipment, and even chemicals that can break down other flooring choices. It's especially popular in garages, car dealerships, factories, aeroplane hangers, and other spaces that are exposed to high amounts of water or chemical spills.

However, it's also important to note that this type of floor is prone to scratching and can delaminate entirely if left in extreme conditions.

On the other hand, epoxy concrete is durable and can withstand a lot of foot traffic, machinery, and even chemicals. It's also resistant to damage, but it's not as aesthetically pleasing as polished concrete.

Maintenance

When choosing a floor, there are many factors to consider. Budget, durability, and aesthetics all play a role in the final decision.

Polished concrete is an excellent choice for residential garages and patio spaces where the flooring will be used regularly. It is durable, strong and resistant to most chemicals.

Epoxy is another popular floor coating that comes in a variety of colours and finishes. It is a chemically bonded resin that turns a concrete floor into a hard plastic coating that is resistant to water and chemical spills.

It is also heat-resistant and able to resist heavy foot and vehicle traffic. However, it is important to note that epoxy can become brittle and cracked, requiring more maintenance than polished concrete.

Cost

Polished concrete is a popular flooring choice for residential homes and commercial establishments alike. Its clean, lustrous appearance adds an air of elegance and sophistication to any space.

In addition, polished concrete is environmentally friendly and doesn’t emit toxins after installation. It can reduce energy consumption.

Epoxy is a chemically resistant surface that can withstand heavy machinery traffic and a wide variety of chemical substances. It’s also very versatile, allowing you to customise your floor to suit your needs.

However, it’s important to note that epoxy floors require professional installation. Otherwise, they may not offer the durability and protection you want.

As a rule of thumb, epoxy surfaces may need to be refreshed every three to five years. Meanwhile, polished concrete floors can last twice as long without needing rejuvenation.

Contact us now for all your polished concrete needs. Our experts can help you achieve your dream flooring - call us now at (03) 9123 6422 to get started!