Many kitchen floors have concrete foundations, and many homeowners have decided to remodel their kitchens by pulling up their vinyl flooring or ceramic tile to expose the concrete and install an epoxy coating. Some of the more recent homes being built will also have epoxy floors in their kitchens instead of more traditional tile work. You can use epoxy flooring in a number of areas — from bathrooms and kitchen flooring to patios and garages. That’s why it has become such a popular flooring option. But like any other product, it has its advantages as well as its disadvantages.
Benefits of Installing Epoxy Flooring in Your Kitchen
Here are some of the benefits of having a kitchen with epoxy flooring:
- Excellent Durability — Epoxy floors can last for a long time. But if you research its average lifetime, you’ll find different numbers. The durability of epoxy flooring will depend on where it has been applied and whether it was installed properly. Public areas that get a great deal of foot traffic will do the worst. But in most cases, you can expect it to last a good 20 years.
- Resistance to Wear and Tear — You can expect an epoxy floor to resist peels, cracks, and corrosion. It will even resist chemical damage once it has been cured (including acids). Epoxy flooring has a great deal of water resistance, and it won’t be affected by heat. That’s why it’s a popular choice for industrial and commercial flooring.
- Affordability — When you compare it to other flooring options, epoxy has a lower overall cost. Part of it because it can be easily installed over an existing concrete surface without installing a separate flooring system. It has a higher upfront cost compared to concrete polishing, but it doesn’t cost as much to replace.
- Customized Design and Aesthetic Solutions — The color options for epoxy flooring are practically endless. The material can also be made to resemble many intricate patterns and geometric shapes. It can even be made to have a metallic look. Because this type of flooring is “non-stick,” the colors or patterns you choose won’t fade away after it has been installed.
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance — Epoxy flooring will create a smooth surface that’s easy to sweep and mop. Messes are a common occurrence in any kitchen, so being able to clean your floors in a matter of minutes can save you a great deal of time. Epoxy will also create a seamless surface, so you won’t have to worry about anything getting trapped between the seams.
- Slip Resistance — Accidents happen in kitchens. But if you install a non-slip epoxy coating, you can reduce the number of accidents in that space. You can also add an anti-skid grit to your floor, which will make it less slippery.
Be sure to speak to a professional for more information.
The Drawbacks to Having a Kitchen with Epoxy Flooring
While having a kitchen with epoxy floors can come with many advantages, it does have some drawbacks that you should take into consideration. These include the following:
- Demanding Installation Process — Preparing the surface for installation takes a great deal of time. Any underlying substances (such as oil and grease) will have to be removed, and you will need to follow the required rules during the installation process. You will also have to check the humidity levels before you install epoxy flooring because if there’s too much moisture in the air, it will affect the final result.
- Long Curing Time — Once you have installed epoxy flooring in your kitchen, you’ll have to wait a few days for it to cure completely. Some setups may even take as long as a week to completely dry and cure. The reason why it takes so long to cure is because the final result will be stronger and more durable, but it can be an inconvenience for some homeowners.
There are a lot of flooring options on the market, so you can choose from a variety of materials that have their pros and cons. Epoxy is a popular choice because of its affordability, versatility, and durability. But it does have some drawbacks. The installation process can be difficult, and it can take a long time to cure. It can also get slippery when it gets wet or oily, so it might be a good idea to look at non-skid options.
If you want more information about your options for installing an epoxy floor in Los Angeles, be sure to get in touch with the Fiber Coat Deck Company.