Can Epoxy Flooring Be Used Outside?

Epoxy flooring has a lot of different applications from car showrooms to garages and other commercial settings; but can epoxy flooring be used outside?

Epoxy flooring can be used outside, however, it is important to know that epoxy flooring does degrade under UV light slowly. This can be slowed by the application of UV-resistant coatings, but this needs to be repeated for long-term protection. 

In this article, we will take you through the pros and cons of using epoxy flooring outside so you can understand whether or not it is the right choice for your circumstances.

Let’s get straight into it.

Advantages Of Using Epoxy Flooring Outside

Price

Epoxy flooring is very affordable, which makes it a great choice for a budget.

Although there are a lot of variables that go into the cost, you can expect to pay around $4 to $9 per square foot.

Durability

Epoxy flooring is designed with durability in mind, and this is why it is so popular in commercial settings.

If your outdoor area is likely to have a lot of foot traffic and you need a durable solution, look no further than epoxy; it’ll keep free from scratches and cracks for a long time.

Range Of Colors

Epoxy flooring comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit your preferences.

Low Maintenance

Epoxy flooring requires very little maintenance when compared to other types of flooring.

It really only needs to be washed every so often and doesn’t require coats of paint or sealant multiple times a year as wooden floors can.

Disadvantages Of Using Epoxy Flooring Outside

It really is a balancing act when it comes to choosing any type of flooring, so let’s take a look at the negatives of using epoxy flooring outside to get the full picture.

UV Damage

Epoxy flooring is susceptible to UV damage.

While there are lots of options to limit this on the market currently, such as UV absorbers in combination with hindered amine light stabilizers, they are not permanent. If you decide to use epoxy flooring outside then speak to your installer to see what UV protection they recommend.

UV damage on epoxy flooring usually causes discoloration of the floor, most commonly in yellowing or browning.

Waterproof Issues

If you opt for a low standard of epoxy and use a cheap installer you may find that your flooring is water-resistant and not water-proof.

This can occur when the surface is not sealed correctly against water, or if there are voids in the surface due to a lack of aggregate. To avoid this you need to use a reliable installation team and opt for an entirely waterproof epoxy rather than a water-resistant option.

Slippery

When epoxy flooring gets wet it can become very slippery.

This is because the surface is usually finished completely flat and smooth, and this in combination with the waterproofing capabilities means that it can become very slippery quickly.

This is usually not an issue indoors where epoxy flooring is commonly used, but it becomes much more of an issue outside, especially poolside or in climates where rain is common.

Not A Premium Aesthetic

Some people love how epoxy looks, and that’s great, but most of the time it is not seen as a premium flooring option.

This is part of the reason why it is so affordable, and you can definitely choose a premium manufacturer of epoxy for an elegant finish, but it will never match the aesthetic of tiles or wooden floors.

Should You Use Epoxy Flooring Outside?

If you want a cheap and low-maintenance flooring option for an outside space that will last years and years then epoxy is a good option.

You just need to speak to the manufacturer about UV damage, and what options they have in place to protect against it. There are a lot of manufacturers who have their own technologies for protecting epoxy flooring from UV, and this will only get better with time, but make sure to ask before you get your floor installed.

Aren’t Most Types Of Outdoor Flooring Susceptible to UV Anyway?

Most types of outdoor flooring like concrete or even wood are susceptible to UV and require special treatment to protect against it.

It is just that in the case of epoxy most of the options available on the market are not permanent, and it is very noticeable if epoxy is damaged by UV because it will change color quite rapidly.

Final Thoughts

When deciding between using epoxy flooring outside or not you need to consider if you are willing to risk some UV damage, which will result in discolored areas of the floor.

This can be limited greatly by some new technologies on the market, but it is still important to consider whether this is worth it or not as you will likely need to have your floor treated every few years to maintain the UV resistance.

It’s ultimately a personal choice, and by weighing up the pros and cons above you should be able to figure out whether it is the right option for you or not.