Epoxy floors consist of synthetic resin flooring mixed with hardening agents. Together, these form a durable coating to install over concrete floors, most commonly garage and basement floors.
Epoxy flooring increases the durability of your concrete and is resistant to harsh chemicals, solvents, and acids. They also add a decorative touch and require minimal maintenance besides cleaning and the occasional recoat.
Garage floor tiles are less costly than epoxy flooring, costing about $3 to $5 per square foot, while epoxy costs between $3 and $12 per square foot. Garage floor tiles also come in various types and aesthetic options, including hard plastic, soft plastic, PVC, rubber, carpet, and vinyl. As a bonus, garage floor tiles are easy to install, adding just $1 per square foot for professional labor.
With proper care and maintenance, solvent-based and solid residential epoxy flooring can last 10 to 20 years, while water-based epoxy flooring usually lasts three to five years. Water-based epoxy is less durable, making it more susceptible to regular wear and tear. Commercial epoxy concrete flooring that experiences heavy foot traffic may only last two to three years.
Maintaining epoxy garage floors is relatively easy. You can sweep up dirt and debris with a broom, dustpan, or vacuum cleaner, then use a mild cleaning solution intended for epoxy floors to scrub away stains. You shouldn't use soap-based or chemical cleaners. Mopping an epoxy garage floor regularly with warm water can do the trick.