Types of Epoxy Flooring & Where to Apply Them?

It’s not a secret that epoxy flooring is one of the most popular and durable flooring solutions out there. This is largely because it is hard-wearing, durable, and looks great. But as we explain in this post, there are several types of epoxy that you can opt for, so we introduce them in detail and explain when you should use them. 

What is Epoxy Flooring? 

Epoxy is a type of resinous flooring that is common in industrial, commercial, and even residential settings. It’s comprised of polymer resins and hardeners, which combine to create a durable plastic material. 

The reason why epoxy flooring is so popular is that it’s hard-wearing, durable, and slip-resistant. It also looks great and can be customised in various ways. There are several types of epoxy flooring, but they are all at least two millimetres thick. If the epoxy is thinner than this, it is referred to as a coating as opposed to an epoxy floor. 

In recognition of the fact that there are various types of epoxy flooring, we introduce some of them below and explain when you should use them.

Types of Epoxy Flooring 

Five of the most common types of epoxy flooring include mortar, flake, gravelled, metallic, and self-levelling, and we introduce each of them in detail below.

Mortar Epoxy Flooring

The most solid epoxy flooring type is mortar and comprises 100% solid epoxies and graded sand. The resilience and durability of mortar epoxy make it a good choice on floors that receive large volumes of heavy traffic or are required to withstand significant impact.

Mortar epoxy is also used to repair cracks in current epoxy flooring, which then enables a different type of epoxy to be laid on top. If you need an epoxy floor that is tough, durable, and chemical resistant, then mortar is your best option.

Where to apply: Warehouses, mechanical workshops, commercial and industrial kitchens, restaurants, garages, manufacturing plants.

Flake Epoxy Flooring 

As the name suggests, this type of epoxy contains flake materials that are included in the surface as it is laid. For many people, the flakes improve the aesthetics of the epoxy flooring, but they also increase the safety of epoxy. 

This is because the flakes create subtle grooves on the floor and reduce the likelihood of your employees slipping on the surface. Another good thing about flake epoxy flooring is that it’s available in various colours and sizes, meaning that it can be customised for any space. This makes it an attractive option in spaces where the appearance of the epoxy floor is important. 

Where to apply: Car showrooms, sports locker rooms and venues, clinics. 

Gravelled Epoxy Flooring 

Similar to flake floors, gravelled epoxy is easily customisable and can be laid in various colours and with impressive designs. It’s perhaps the best option if you work in a creative space and want the floor to reflect the operations of your business.

Typically, gravelled epoxy flooring looks great when laid inside various buildings, but it’s best suited to commercial settings where customers are present. That being said, gravelled epoxy can also be laid at residential properties and is an ideal option for car garages and other outbuildings. 

Where to apply: Restaurants, clinics, waiting rooms, showrooms. 

Metallic Epoxy Flooring 

Another option to consider is metallic epoxy flooring, which looks absolutely stunning when laid. It differs slightly in terms of composition, as metallic epoxy contains a metallic additive, which enables the designer to be creative. For instance, you may have seen metallic epoxy floors with a swirl design, which has been achieved by using a roller or brush. 

Some people ensure their metallic epoxy has a shiny finish, whether gold, ruby, or silver. This really makes your epoxy stand out and is a great option for various commercial and residential interiors. Given so many designs are possible, metallic epoxy flooring looks excellent when laid and is one of the best options from an aesthetic perspective.

Where to apply: Residential settings – perfect for living & dining rooms, commercial showrooms, clinics.

Self-Levelling Epoxy Flooring

Self-levelling epoxy flooring is perfect for covering existing concrete surfaces or uncoated areas at your commercial or industrial property. It’s most commonly used for smoothening damaged, cracked, or old concrete floors, but it can also be laid on different surfaces. 

The laying of self-levelling epoxy flooring is less labour intensive than other types, which makes it an ideal choice if you’re undertaking a DIY project or are looking for some epoxy that doesn’t require a great deal of expertise to lay.

Where to apply: Gyms, workshops, home garages, office buildings.

Epoxy Floor vs Epoxy Paint 

As mentioned at the start of this post, there’s a difference between epoxy floor and epoxy paint, and its thickness typically defines it. While an epoxy paint layer will undoubtedly strengthen your floor or smoothen the surface, it doesn’t have the same durability as epoxy flooring and shouldn’t be considered as a viable alternative. 

If you’re looking to lay an epoxy floor for its strength and durability, you will need to make sure it is at least 2mm thick so it will withstand heavy vehicles or items and won’t crack under pressure. 

Final Thoughts 

Epoxy is undoubtedly one of the best flooring options out there, and there are several varieties of epoxy that are well worth your consideration. As you can see from our guide, the type of epoxy that you select for your floor will depend on where you’re planning to lay and use it. Hopefully, this guide will help you choose the perfect epoxy floor for your property, but if you have any questions, please do get in touch.