Epoxy vs Polyurethane flooring – Choosing Between The Two

You may need to decide between epoxy versus polyurethane to cover your concrete floor. This article will help you make your choice.

We look into the benefits of each, plus the critical differences between epoxy and polyurethane floor coverings. To aid your decision-making, we’ll consider the impact resistance and flexibility of flooring, plus heat, chemical and water-resistance properties. You will realise the better flooring for busy areas, locations with heavy traffic, outdoors or areas with vibrations from machinery.

Keep reading to help you to choose which flooring solution is the best match for your needs.

What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane flooring provides a protective layer for surfaces such as concrete floors. A tough, long-lasting substance, polyurethane is ideal for many different types of areas:

  • It is resistant to wear and tear and won’t scuff or scratch
  • It can be used in commercial and industrial areas where the floor may be exposed to chemicals.
  • Being impact and shock-resistant, it can be used in busy locations, with heavy machinery or foot traffic.

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy flooring solutions undergo a curing process to create a protective floor covering. Epoxy flooring has similarities with polyurethane, such as:

  • Provision of a durable, rigid surface
  • Ideal for workshops or factories and areas where chemicals like solvents, acids or oils may occur.
  • Suitable for busy locations, with a high resistance to wear and tear.

Rigidity and Adhesion

Differences in flexibility and rigidity should be considered when choosing your floor coating.

Polyurethane

Less brittle and more flexible, these floor coverings are ideal for floors which may be subject to vibrations or changes in temperature. It is less likely to crack if subjected to movement within a concrete floor.

  • Less Rigid
    • Due to their flexibility, polyurethane floors are suited to busy areas and those with heavy plant or machinery because they can absorb impacts without cracking.
  • Adhesive
    • polyurethane bonds firmly to a range of surfaces, providing long-term protection.

Epoxy

Not as flexible as polyurethane floor coverings, it creates a hard surface when the curing process has been completed:

  • Rigidity
    • More rigid and suitable for industrial settings or garages requiring sturdy floors.
  • Adhesion
    • As with polyurethane, this binds well with flooring such as concrete and lasts well. However, it may not be suitable for floors subject to vibration or movement since its rigidity could put it at more risk of damage.

Impact and Abrasion Resistance

Both floor coatings offer different advantages regarding their abilities to resist abrasion and handle impacts:

Polyurethane

  • Impacts
    • Being less rigid and more flexible, polyurethane flooring is better able to withstand impacts such as vibration.
  • Abrasion
    • This high-strength flooring will maintain its appearance for a long time.

Epoxy

Similar to polyurethane flooring, but:

  • Tougher
    • This type of flooring’s solid, more rigid nature makes it ideal for high-traffic areas.
  • Abrasive resistant
    • When fully hardened, it also provides a durable, abrasive-resistant surface.

Waterproof Capabilities

The flexible nature of polyurethane may provide an advantage when it comes to moisture resistance:

Polyurethane waterproofing

A polyurethane floor coating is an excellent choice for areas requiring water resistance:

  • Flexible
    • Its flexible nature means it can expand and contract with no cracking. This is vital for water resistance because it can be utilised in areas at risk of temperature changes or moisture exposure.
  • Sealed tightly
    • It forms an entirely seamless surface, leaving no gaps or cracks for water to get in.
  • Chemical and waterproof
    • Its chemical-resistant properties and longevity mean your floor can cover bathroom surfaces, for instance, where long-term waterproofing is needed.

Epoxy

Not as flexible as polyurethane, here’s how an epoxy floor copes with moisture:

  • Elasticity
    • Even though it is less elastic than a polyurethane floor surface, it delivers excellent waterproof capabilities in garages and warehouses.
  • Seamlessness
    • While also providing a seamless covering, it may not handle movement on a concrete floor.
  • Chemical Reactions
    • This is resistant to chemicals and can be used in locations where spills occur or chemicals are used for cleaning.

Heat Resistance

When you are considering epoxy vs polyurethane industrial floor coatings you should realise they may be subject to fluctuating or high temperatures, especially if the area has machinery or is outdoors and exposed to sunlight:

Polyurethane

Ideal for areas where fluctuations in temperature may be expected:

  • Tolerance:
    • Polyurethane can handle higher temperatures than epoxy before beginning to degrade.
  • Flexible:
    • Its flexibility means it keeps its bond with concrete floors in warmer conditions and is at less risk of cracking when temperatures increase.
  • UV light:
    • Performs well in outdoor areas or when exposed to the sun, with less risk of breaking down in direct sunlight.

Epoxy and heat

With excellent strength and long-lasting, this type of flooring has limitations regarding heat resistance:

  • Curing process:
    • While delivering a tough, rigid surface, the curing process can make the coating brittle with a risk of cracking when subjected to high temperatures, making it less suitable for higher-temperature areas.
  • Heat and chemical resistance:
    • Excellent chemical resistance, but its heat-resistant properties are more limited. Extra care may be needed to reduce the risks of heat damage.

Appearance and Finish

This final consideration for urethane vs epoxy will depend upon your specific requirements for overall finish and appearance:

Polyurethane:

Being more flexible, polyurethane floorings can feel softer underfoot, while the superior ultra-violet radiation (UV) resistance maintains their glossy finish.

Key benefits:

  • There is less risk of fading or turning yellow due to superior UV resistance
  • Softer feel, compared to epoxy
  • Likely to keep its vibrant, glossy look

Epoxy

With a mirror-like high-gloss finish, this kind of flooring can come in various colours and even incorporate colourful flakes or chips for a unique appearance. However, the long-term appearance may suffer when subjected to UV via sunlight.

Considerations:

  • The high-gloss appearance gives a more polished look
  • It can be customised with a range of colours or decorative finishes
  • Long-lasting in heavy-duty, busy areas.
  • More at risk of yellowing from prolonged UV exposure

Polyurethane vs epoxy flooring – Conclusion

Both floor coatings have different properties, so each suits various requirements and operating environments.

Polyurethane flooring is flexible and can contract and expand, so it works well in areas subject to changes in temperature or vibrations from heavy machinery. Its superior waterproof capabilities make it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, while the UV resistance means it can be used outdoors.

Due to its strength and rigidity, epoxy flooring works well in garages or industrial areas. High resistance to chemicals makes it a great choice wherever heavy cleaning is conducted or where there is a risk of chemical spillage.

Finally, the final decision will come down to your specific needs. Polyurethane may work best in the case of vibrations, temperature changes or high-UV exposure. Epoxy may be better suited to busy areas where chemicals may be present.

Both offer long-lasting layers for your concrete floors, so both are ideal coverings in most commercial or industrial locations.