The average American spends many hours every week in their garage, doing home projects or accessing it for storage. And many surveys have shown that an overwhelming majority of people are not satisfied with their garage and would like to renovate it.
Your garage is part of your home and is often the main, daily entryway for you and your family. Also, during the COVID pandemic, more Americans have made use of their garages as semi-outdoor gathering spaces.
If you are thinking about refinishing your garage floor, deciding between a polished concrete vs epoxy finish is a major decision. There are many advantages to each, as well as a few drawbacks.
Which one is best for you will depend on what you use your garage for. Keep reading to find out how to make this important decision.
Polished Concrete vs Epoxy
Three components make up polished concrete flooring: water; an aggregate (rock, sand, or gravel); and cement, which acts as an adhesive. It is then diamond polished. Epoxy is a mixture of resin and a hardening agent and has a naturally smooth sheen.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can only apply polished concrete to an existing layer of concrete. But you can add an epoxy finish to almost any foundation. Epoxy does require some extra preparation before application but no polishing on the back end.
Beyond this basic restriction, here are some reasons to consider polished concrete vs epoxy for your garage floor finish:
Surface and Design
Both finishes come in an array of colors and designs. You can add dyes to concrete to create unique color schemes. And epoxy floors come in a variety of colors and patterns as well.
The surfaces of these two finishes are distinct. One thing to keep in mind is that polished concrete can become very slick when it is wet. Epoxy surfaces provide more slip resistance.
Many people prefer the aesthetic appeal of epoxy. Although, polished concrete offers a basic, clean finish.
Durability
Both epoxy and polished concrete floors are long-lasting. Concrete floors can last decades but are more susceptible to chipping from dropped tools or car parts. So, they may not keep their original quality for as long.
Epoxy floors can last 20 or 30 years or more, with proper care. But epoxy is an extremely hard surface, so it is much more resistant to damage. This means it will look new longer.
Cleanup
Both polished concrete and epoxy finishes are very low maintenance. One big difference is that epoxy creates a surface that is resistant to stains.
Concrete floors, on the other hand, will absorb spills, especially things like motor oil or paint. That’s because it’s porous and absorbs liquids.
Cost
One big advantage to concrete is that epoxy tends to be slightly more expensive. And labor on epoxy can run a bit more as well since it requires special prepping of the surface. Although, the polishing process with concrete can also be labor-intensive.
As mentioned earlier, epoxy finishes can be laid on top of almost any surface. This can translate to big savings on labor, especially down the road, since the old finish–regardless of its type–does not have to be removed.
Get a New Garage Floor Today
Now that you have an idea of the pros and cons of polished concrete vs epoxy flooring, you can begin your garage floor renovation. It is important to note that the benefits of each are only possible with proper installation. Ensure your floor looks great and functions well for years to come.
Garage Vision has been installing garage flooring in the Carlsbad and San Diego region since 2004. We use the absolute best coating products in the industry, so you can be confident that your garage floor will stand the test of time. Contact us for a free quote on your next project.