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Epoxy Flooring-Your Guide for 2020

Are you planning on having an epoxy floor installed in your home or business this year?

By Faith AmertPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
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Epoxy flooring can be the best option for your flooring needs! This affordable floor coating is durable and long-lasting, making it ideal for any space from garages and basements to retail shops and warehouses.

If you're thinking of making the switch to epoxy in 2020, we're here to help. Continue reading as we cover everything that you need to know in our 2020 guide to epoxy flooring!

What is Epoxy Flooring?

Epoxy flooring is a resinous floor coating that brings a lot of benefits to the table. This flooring system can be installed over most hard flooring, such as concrete or wood. Epoxy is available in a broad spectrum of colors, patterns, and textures.

This durable floor coating can withstand substantial impacts, harsh chemicals, and is waterproof. When it's properly maintained and cared for, epoxy flooring can last for more than 25 years!

There are several styles of epoxy to choose from for your home or business. Below, we'll cover a few of the most popular styles in 2020.

Standard Epoxy

Standard epoxy can be installed as a solid color or in geometric patterns. This style of flooring is typically the standard for more commercial settings and is the most affordable option for homeowners.

There is no limit to the colors and color combinations available for standard epoxy. The patterns that can be created range from tiled designs to unique, geometric shapes. Non-skid additives can be included in your floor will be exposed to wet conditions frequently.

Metallic Epoxy

A longtime favorite for homeowners across the country, metallic epoxy is a one-of-a-kind floor. This style of epoxy is created by mixing metallic pigments into the resin as it's being poured. The two most popular design options for this style are swirl patterns and patterns that mimic scenes from nature.

Swirl patterns can be a single color or multiple colors, depending on your preference. These patterns cannot be duplicated, so you'll be receiving a floor that no one else has.

Patterns that mimic scenes from nature can be used to create beautiful designs that can look like crashing ocean waves, fiery lava, and cloud-filled skies.

Decorative Flake Epoxy

Decorative flake epoxy is another frequently used style in residential homes. From garages to home offices, this epoxy type can benefit any space.

Flake epoxy is made by applying a layer of acrylic chips over the epoxy resin and coating it with a thin topcoat that allows the chips to provide texture to the floor. These flakes are available in a wide variety of colors that can be combined with any epoxy color.

The flakes can broadcast in varying amounts from scarce to covering the entire floor. They come in varying sizes as well, from 1/16" to 1" chips.

The Installation Process

The installation process for epoxy can differ depending on the type of epoxy you've chosen. It usually takes between one and two days to install an epoxy floor. Below, we'll cover the installation process for standard epoxy.

Cleaning and Inspection

The first step in applying an epoxy floor coating is cleaning and inspection. The concrete subfloor will be cleaned thoroughly to reveal any damage and remove large debris. Once clean, the floor will be inspected for damage and structural stability.

Repairs

Any damage found in the previous step will require repairs to ensure that the damage doesn't worsen or be transmitted to the new epoxy floor. All cracks, chips, and pits will have to be filled or patched before beginning the next step.

Surface Preparation

After repairs have been made, the surface of the concrete will be prepped for epoxy. This entails using a floor grinder equipped with a diamond grinding wheel to rough up the floor's surface. This step is vital for ensuring that the epoxy bonds to the concrete successfully. Without grinding the concrete, your epoxy may not adhere properly, leading to a premature replacement or having to start over entirely.

Applying the Epoxy

Now that the surface is prepped, the actual application of the epoxy can begin. After the epoxy has been mixed, it will be poured across the floor and spread around with specialized tools. Once the epoxy has covered the floor to the desired thickness, it will need to cure. Epoxy is safe to walk on after 24 hours but isn't 100% cured until after 72 hours.

2020 Cost of Epoxy Flooring

The cost of having an epoxy floor professionally installed depends on a few different factors. The size of your space, type of epoxy you've selected, and the complexity of the design will all affect the final cost.

Typically, the larger the floor you're having coated, the lower the price will be. With smaller floors, the price per square foot will generally be a bit more to compensate for the cost of materials. On average, a standard epoxy floor will cost between $3 and $7 per square foot.

DIY or Hire a Professional?

When it comes to installing epoxy in smaller areas, it can be DIY-doable. However, DIY epoxy kits that come from the big box stores are not of the same quality that professionals use. You should also consider the possibility of mistakes.

A mistake during the application process can be expensive to fix or even result in having to remove the epoxy you have down and start completely over.

The installation of epoxy flooring is a task requiring close attention to detail and accurate timing to perform successfully. If you want an epoxy floor of high quality that lasts for decades, you should consider having a professional complete your flooring project.

What's Next?

Now that you have all the info for your epoxy flooring project in 2020, you're ready to take the next step! Keep in mind the different styles, colors, and patterns available for epoxy and design your floor to complement your space. Whether you choose standard, metallic, or decorative flake epoxy, there's a color and pattern to match your needs.

The installation process for epoxy can be a time-consuming, labor-intensive project to take on yourself, and is best left to the professionals. The average cost to have epoxy installed in 2020 is roughly $3 to $7 per square foot.

So, the next step is to decide on a style, color, and pattern and hire yourself an epoxy flooring contractor! We wish you the best of luck with getting the flooring of your dreams installed in 2020!

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About the Creator

Faith Amert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqBH0rmp9V4

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