The UK’s leading resin flooring specialist
Resin Flooring Pros and Cons: Is It Right for Your Project?
When specifying flooring for a commercial or industrial space, durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness are always at the top of the list. Resin flooring is a popular solution across sectors like warehousing, food production, pharmaceuticals, and retail. But like any building material, it isn’t perfect for every project. Understanding resin flooring pros and cons helps you make an informed decision before investing.
At Impact Flooring, we’ve installed resin systems in everything from high-traffic manufacturing plants to sterile laboratory environments. Below, we’ve broken down the real advantages and potential drawbacks of this flooring solution, along with practical advice for overcoming the challenges.
Pros of Resin Flooring
Resin flooring comes with a wide range of benefits that make it a go-to choice for demanding commercial and industrial environments…
Exceptional strength
Industrial and commercial environments subject floors to intense daily stress. These flooring systems excel under these conditions because they chemically bond with the concrete substrate, creating an impenetrable surface that eliminates weak points common in traditional flooring. The hard, seamless surface resists abrasions, impacts, and constant wear from forklifts, pallet trucks, or heavy foot traffic.
Unlike tiles or concrete that can crack under heavy machinery, resin floors maintain their structural integrity. Polyurethane resin is great in environments with thermal cycling or mechanical stress. It provides flexibility that prevents cracking whilst maintaining exceptional wear resistance.
Extended service life
Properly installed resin floors can typically last 15–20 years – significantly longer than vinyl tiles or standard concrete floors that will likely require major repairs within 5-10 years under similar conditions. Prone to gradual wear as well as surface cracks, concrete degrades much quicker than resin flooring. Resin’s resilience and longevity result in lower lifecycle costs, making it an economically sound long-term investment.
Seamless, hygienic, and easy to clean
Because resin floors are poured in place, they create a smooth, joint-free finish. That means there are no cracks, seams, grout lines, or crevices where dirt, bacteria, or chemicals can accumulate. You can clean resin floors with standard detergents, steam cleaning, or approved sanitising agents without concern about moisture penetration or surface degradation. There’s no need for waxing, sealing, or grout replacement, and minimal maintenance beyond quick basic cleaning. This seamless quality is one of the reasons resin flooring is often specified in food production, healthcare, and pharmaceutical environments where hygiene is critical.
Chemical resistance and safety features
Unlike untreated concrete, resin epoxy flooring can withstand exposure to oils, acids, solvents, and other harsh chemicals without deteriorating. Anti-slip additives can also be incorporated during installation for Health & Safety compliance. The non-slip aggregate improves grip underfoot, even in wet or oily conditions (ideal for commercial kitchens, laboratories, or automotive workshops). In high-risk areas, safety line markings can also be integrated into the resin system to mark pedestrian walkways or hazardous zones.
Fast installation; minimal downtime
Unlike traditional tile installations or concrete pours, resin floors cure quickly and can often be laid directly over existing substrates. Fast-curing MMA (methyl methacrylate) systems allow you to reopen sections of your facility within hours, not days. At Impact Flooring, we work with your team to minimise operational disruption, scheduling installations during planned maintenance windows or working around operational requirements overnight or over weekends to maintain productivity.
Customisable aesthetics
From high-gloss showroom finishes to subtle matte textures, colours, and decorative quartz or flake blends, this flooring solution is highly customisable. For public-facing environments like retail or hospitality, resin offers a clean, modern aesthetic that pairs functional benefits like durability with visual appeal.
Cons of Resin Flooring (And How to Manage Them)
Every flooring option has its limitations. It’s important to weigh up the potential drawbacks so you can make an informed decision and plan around them.
Proper substrate preparation
Resin flooring will only perform as well as the surface it bonds to. If the underlying concrete is uneven, cracked, or damp, the resin may fail prematurely. Preparation might involve diamond grinding, levelling, or moisture treatment, which can add to installation costs and time. The good news is that once properly prepared and structurally sound, the bond is extremely strong and long-lasting. However, experienced contractors understand these requirements and plan accordingly. Skipping or rushing this phase to save time or money inevitably leads to costly remedial work later.
Curing time considerations
Although some resin systems cure within hours, others may take several days to fully harden. Temperature and humidity also affect curing times. For businesses operating 24/7, this can create scheduling challenges. The solution is careful project planning: installations can be phased, scheduled around shutdowns and over weekends, or completed with rapid-cure formulations to minimise disruption.
Higher upfront costs
Resin flooring does come with a higher initial price tag compared to basic concrete or vinyl flooring. This cost includes materials, labour, and the essential substrate preparation work that ensures long-term performance. Nevertheless, lifecycle cost analysis typically favours epoxy resin flooring due to its extended service life, minimal maintenance, and reduced repair requirements. This flooring solution works out to be more cost-effective over its full life cycle.
Not always the best fit for every environment
While resin flooring suits many industrial and commercial sectors, it’s not always the right answer. For example, in areas subject to extreme UV exposure or environments prioritising acoustic dampening, alternative flooring options may be better suited. Environments with very specific aesthetic requirements that change frequently may find modular flooring systems more practical. While the flooring solution can be refinished, this process is more involved than replacing tiles. A professional assessment can help determine whether resin is the right match for your facility.
Why Choose Resin Flooring?
If you’re weighing up resin flooring pros and cons for your project, the Impact Flooring team can guide you through the decision-making process. If you’re considering this flooring solution for your facility, contact our team for a detailed assessment of your requirements and a specification tailored to your operational needs.