Epoxy vs. Polyurethane Flooring: Which is Better for Your Business?

With a few different types of resin-based floor coatings available, it can be tough to choose the ideal one for your business. Epoxy and polyurethane (PU) flooring are both popular choices for commercial spaces, but there are a few characteristics that set them apart from each other and may be the reason you choose one over the other.?

In this article, we dive into the details of epoxy vs polyurethane flooring so you can decide which is the best coating for your needs.

Why flooring coatings matter

Regardless of the industry you operate in, it’s important to have a high quality and professional industrial flooring solution installed. In order for your flooring to be effective and durable, an epoxy or polyurethane floor coating is often needed as well. These can be applied on top of a standard industrial floor and make a huge difference. Adding resin to your floor makes it easier to maintain, saving you time, effort and potentially even costs on future repair work.

The floor becomes a breeze to clean as well as less damage prone and more hygienic. You can clean a resin floor much more easily than a porous concrete floor which traps materials and dangerous chemicals in the cracks. Hygienic floors also mean a safer environment for both staff and clients.

Floor coatings are specifically necessary anywhere where a hard wearing finish is required such as warehousing, pharmaceutical laboratories, kitchens, chemical plants and engineering workshops.

What is epoxy flooring?

Epoxy flooring is a type of synthetic resin floor system that is laid on top of concrete as a form of protection and decoration. It’s a surface coating that is made by mixing resin and hardener, creating a strong, seamless and glossy finish. Epoxy provides a safe, durable and low maintenance flooring option for commercial and industrial facilities where both durability and aesthetics are important.?

Epoxy is also used as an attractive finish. We used our RXEP Liquid Floortile 3000 to create a beautiful showroom floor at Magnet’s Darlington branch.?

With more advantages than disadvantages, epoxy flooring proves to be an excellent choice if you need your flooring to withstand heavy traffic and heavy equipment. We have installed epoxy flooring for a variety of industries?

What is polyurethane?

Polyurethane floors are considered an alternative to epoxy flooring or where epoxy may not be suitable. Polyurethane is a thermosetting polymer that is also used as protective and decorative coating for concrete floors. However it has differing qualities to epoxy such as its elasticity, and resistance to low temperatures.

The top benefits of epoxy and polyurethane coatings

Concrete floors, while a common choice for industrial spaces, often present challenges such as dust, damage, and difficult maintenance. Epoxy and polyurethane coatings offer a comprehensive solution to these problems, providing a range of benefits that can significantly improve the functionality and appearance of your space.

Dust Reduction

One of the most important advantages of these coatings is their ability to drastically reduce dust. This not only improves the overall cleanliness and aesthetics of your facility but also protects machinery and equipment from dust-related wear and tear. By minimising dust particles, you can create a healthier and more productive environment for your employees.

Enhanced Durability

Epoxy and polyurethane coatings form a strong, durable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic, machinery, and vehicle loads. This extends the lifespan of your floor and reduces the need for costly repairs or replacements. On average, epoxy resin flooring can have a life expectancy of 10 years when installed correctly. The robust nature of these coatings ensures that your workspace remains functional and resilient even under demanding conditions.

Easy Maintenance

Epoxy and polyurethane floors are simple to clean and maintain. Their smooth, non-porous surface repels dirt and stains, making routine cleaning quick and effortless. This reduces downtime and improves productivity. Additionally, these coatings are resistant to chemicals and spills, making them ideal for industrial environments where accidents may occur.

Improved Aesthetics

Beyond their functional benefits, epoxy and polyurethane coatings can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. These coatings are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, allowing you to create a customised look that reflects your brand or personal preferences. A visually appealing floor can contribute to a more positive and inviting atmosphere for employees, customers, and visitors. For our project with The Grove Hotel, we were tasked with coating their Potting Shed Restaurant Concrete Flooring. We removed their existing coating and used three coats of our Epoxy/Polyurethane Hi-Build system which produced a finish the client was absolutely delighted with.?

So which is better for your business?

It all depends on your unique needs. Both epoxy and PU have their own strengths and their own characteristics. Both coatings suit different applications and industries and are hard wearing and durable. While weighing the pros and cons of each type of coating, keep in mind the type of applications your floor will be used for.?

For any further information, feel free to contact us on 01462 422 260 and we’ll be happy to guide you on the right type of resin coating for your facility.?