Epoxy flooring is relatively new to the world of flooring and is designed with durability in mind, but a lot of people still question how durable they really are, especially when it comes to scratches. So, do epoxy floors scratch easily or is this just a myth?
Epoxy floors do not scratch easily at all, as they contain several layers of resin and hardeners mixed together which creates a tough surface. Some epoxy floors are also coated with a scratch-resistant finish as well which can further increase the resistance.
Let’s take a look at what epoxy flooring actually is as well as the pros and cons to understand why it is so resistant to getting scratched.
What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a resinous type of flooring that is created by a combination of polymer resins and hardeners. Once this mixture is created it can be applied directly to concrete where it forms a strong and instant chemical bond.
Epoxy can also be used as a coat for some type of flooring, but if the layer of epoxy is greater than 2mm then it is classified as epoxy flooring instead.
Why Is Epoxy Flooring Scratch Resistant?
The reason for epoxy flooring being scratch resistant is entirely due to the composition of the material and the combination of resins and hardeners that are used. Epoxy was designed with durability in mind, so it should come as no surprise that it is a good choice if you are worried about scratches.
Epoxy flooring can also have surface treatment in the form of finishes or topical coatings which can further boost the resistance.
If scratch resistance is one benefit of epoxy flooring then what are the others, and does this type of flooring have any drawbacks that are worth considering?
Benefits
Let’s take a look at the most important benefits of epoxy flooring, as some people assume it is only good for durability and nothing else.
Price
Epoxy flooring is a very affordable type of flooring, and this is because of two things – raw materials and installation difficulty.
Epoxy doesn’t cost a fortune to produce in bulk as polymers tend to be very cheap, if you compare this with hardwood flooring that requires a large investment in craftsmanship and raw materials you will quickly see why it is cheaper than most other types of flooring.
The other component of the low price is the installation cost. Installing epoxy is a straightforward process as it can be applied directly to the floor, assuming it has been cleaned.
Maintenance
Another benefit of epoxy is the ease of maintenance.
Epoxy is resistant to just about anything that you might end up spilling on it, and in most cases, you can simply use a mop with water on its own to get it looking like new again. It’s also very easy to vacuum as well as it doesn’t hold hair or other debris within it as carpet does.
Durability
Epoxy is highly durable due to its composition. There is a reason why it is a popular choice in garages and workspaces, which makes it the perfect choice if you want something that will last over the long term.
It won’t be affected by moisture or changes in humidity either, which is yet another reason why it is durable.
Longevity
Epoxy flooring lasts between 10 and 20 years typically, but it can last for much longer than this if it is properly maintained.
This is something to consider as well if you are looking for a longer-term solution.
Protects The Floor Underneath
Due to the way epoxy is installed, it effectively creates a barrier between the concrete underneath and the outside world.
This means that no moisture, or any other spills, can make its way to the concrete and cause damage. Over the long term, you won’t have to worry about the floor underneath as you can be sure that it will be protected.
Drawbacks
It’s all good knowing the benefits, but it’s important to know the drawbacks as well to get a full idea of what epoxy is really like.
Slippery
Epoxy floors can be quite slippery, especially after they are first installed. This will usually settle down over time, but it is normally due to the surface being completely smooth when it is first fitted.
This is quite common with resinous floors as they don’t have the benefit of a textured surface like other types of flooring such as hardwood.
Removal and Change Of Color
Another problem with epoxy floors is that they are difficult to remove or change if you decide that you want something different.
This, again, comes from the way that they are installed which makes the removing process very difficult. Epoxy is not similar to hardwood either in the fact that it cannot be stained or dyed a different color easily, so you are typically stuck with the choice that you make.
Preparation
In order to have a successful installation, any moisture, dust or debris must be removed from the concrete below.
This is a time-consuming process and is very difficult to do yourself. Typically a professional would include this as part of their service, but it is probably the most important thing to get right because once your floor is set there is no going back easily.
Final Thoughts
Epoxy flooring is a great option if you want to avoid scratches, especially when compared to other flooring types like hardwood that can scratch easily.
Although it can be difficult to change once installed, epoxy has a wide variety of benefits alongside scratch resistance that make it a great option.