Two of the most prevalent residential, commercial, and industrial options are polished concrete and steel-coated epoxy flooring. Both have multiple advantages that are not present in other flooring materials. While industrial and commercial buildings have preferred polished concrete floors in the past, the strength, durability, and longevity of epoxy floors have compelled many business owners to consider it as a long-term flooring option lately.
If you’re planning to construct a new building or refurbish an old one, it is important to compare these two choices to determine which one is right for you. This blog will help you draw a clear comparison between the two and help you choose which option is best for your floor.
What is Steel-Coated Epoxy Flooring?
Steel-coated epoxy flooring has created a buzz in recent years. Its visual appeal, shine, and durability have seen immense popularity attracting the attention of several residential and commercial building contractors.
In a steel-coated epoxy floor, we combine resin and hardener in a set proportion to create an epoxy coating. Epoxy coatings adhere to concrete, resulting in a chemically resistant surface, and is capable of withstanding practically any degree of damage. It also binds tightly to the concrete. Steel-coated epoxy floors are a fantastic option for areas with frequent water or chemical spills, people and machine traffic, or other things that would quickly wear down polished concrete floors.
What is Polished Concrete Flooring?
The most typical substrate for commercial and industrial flooring is concrete. Concrete’s natural toughness, durability, and damage resistance are qualities that set it apart from all other floor types.
For commercial and domestic use, polished concrete floors provide high-quality, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing surfaces. Polished concrete is extremely resistant to stains and scratches. The biggest advantage of polished concrete surfaces is that they can be re-polished to restore their pristine condition.
Steel-coated Epoxy Flooring VS Concrete Flooring
You might want to focus on a few particular comparisons when weighing the pros and cons of epoxy flooring and polished concrete floors. Here are a few points to help you decide which type best suits you.
Concrete vs. Epoxy Floor: Which One is More Durable?
Durability is undoubtedly the primary preference of contractors and owners when choosing the type of flooring. A building’s flooring makes or breaks a property’s worth in the long run. Floors with excessive traffic and load need to be strong, durable, and long-lasting to withstand wear and tear. While concrete is known for its longevity and durability, the latest improvements in steel-coated epoxy flooring have taken the lead in this aspect.
Once set, the epoxy floor becomes just as strong as concrete floor or stone slabs. While concrete and epoxy floor is tough and durable, the epoxy floor’s unique polished look and variation in style give it a luxurious look. We do not doubt saying that epoxy floors are a combination of stunning beauty and durability.
Cost-Effectiveness
Two of the most economical flooring solutions on the market are polished concrete and epoxy. Polished concrete typically costs more than steel-coated epoxy flooring. The net cost may increase depending on the type of finish you select. However, epoxy flooring doesn’t cost you a fortune. Perhaps epoxy flooring is among the most inexpensive yet long-lasting flooring options in all.
The process of installing a concrete floor is comprised of various phases, and each phase costs separately. While a plain concrete floor gives a dull and rough look, a polished concrete floor needs grinding, sealing, and polishing. While polished concrete is a cost-effective option compared to hardwood or stone-tiled floors, it costs higher than epoxy flooring. The overall cost of polished concrete increases with each new technique used to make it more aesthetically appealing.
Total Installation Time
When it comes to the total time of installation, the steel-coated epoxy floor is the winner. The total time a contractor may take to install an epoxy floor is no more than 3-4 days, which is lesser than a polished concrete floor. Contractors only need to prepare the surface, apply primer and second coat, and make finishing touches. You merely need another day to let it dry and set, and it’s ready for use!
In contrast, polished concrete floors take an average of 6-7 days to finish the installation. While you require 3-4 days to pour the concrete mixture, the setting and drying time depend on the weather. It is highly recommended that the concrete is given more time to dry.
A concrete dries up too quickly, develops cracks, and starts chipping within a few days of installation. After the concrete floor dries up, it takes another 3-4 days to grind, smoothen, and polish the surface. Depending on the size of your concrete floor, you may need an extra day to apply and dry sealants.
Maintenance and Regular Cleaning
Polished concrete is believed to be easier in maintenance and regular cleaning. You may only need to sweep and mop regularly to maintain its pristine condition. However, polished concrete tends to fade over time; depending on use, some areas may fade more quickly than the rest. The difference in the floor’s shine gives an odd appearance, and you may need to hire professional services to polish the concrete floor more frequently.
Steel-coated epoxy floors have an impeccable smooth finish and radiating shine that does not disappear as quickly. Epoxy floors are famous for their low maintenance and simple cleaning methods. The epoxy coating prevents grit and debris from scratching the floor’s surface. Cleaning loose debris from this floor is as easy as using a soft-bristle broom or a professional dust mop.
Polished Concrete or Steel Coated Epoxy Floor?
Whether you want to construct or renovate your garage, showroom, basement, or industrial floor, the above information will help you decide which one best suits your needs. We recommend a steel-coated epoxy flooring for all areas of your residence and industrial building, requiring long-lasting solutions to wear and tear problems.
Steel Coated Epoxy Floors ® masters the art of creating flawless and durable epoxy floors across 14 states, including Las Vegas, Draper, Prescott, and Layton. With over 30 years of experience, our professionals deliver value with precision and excellence. Contact us today to help us answer all your queries or request a free quote. Let’s connect!
