When Polished Concrete is a Better Choice than Epoxy

As a concrete and epoxy flooring contractor, we’ve found that many of the calls we receive for epoxy flooring end up finding that polished concrete is actually what they need. Epoxy is amazing, and we do a large portion of the epoxy flooring and epoxy repair services in the Denver Metro area. But, after discussing the needs with those that call us for epoxy, many customers choose epoxy flooring instead.

Reasons to Choose Polished Concrete Over Epoxy

Both epoxy and polished concrete are great options. They can also be combined, as many commercial properties put an epoxy coating over polished concrete. But there are several reasons why someone that was originally interested in epoxy might actually be interested in polished concrete. These reasons include:

  • Durability – Both flooring options provide exceptional durability, but polished concrete is especially suitable for high traffic areas. It resists abrasion, is very unlikely to chip or peel under impact, and can withstand very heavy loads when under pressure.
  • Maintenance – Epoxy is not *difficult* to maintain, but it does have special requirements and wears away over time, eventually requiring another application. Polished concrete can be wiped away with pretty much any mop or broom, and won’t leave any scratches or unsightly marks.
  • Finishing Options – Polished concrete can be finished in a variety of different styles. It can be glossy, matte, colored with different stains and dyes, and can even have decorative elements added in some cases. All of this makes customization easier.
  • Air Quality/Environmental Impact – Polished concrete is considered more sustainable and environmentally friendly than epoxy. It releases fewer harmful agents into the air and can be cleaned easier, leading to fewer allergens. It also has less of a carbon footprint.
  • Cost – Cost between epoxy and polished concrete is often pretty similar, which is one of the other reasons that polished concrete may be a useful option. Many people think epoxy to be more expensive. During the life of the flooring, the maintenance cost is also typically less.

Epoxy also has many benefits, and there are situations where it may be a better choice than polished concrete. We are always honest in our assessments, and can help you choose if you need guidance. Since the cost is roughly the same, we can help you weight the pros and cons of each and then decide which one is best for you.

But we do a lot of both epoxy and polished concrete, and *many* times, during our conversation, we find that the people that call us for epoxy actually want polished concrete. We encourage anyone that has been considering any of these commercial flooring options to give us a call, so that we can determine what the best option is for your property and budget.