Concrete is found everywhere. It’s used in the foundations of buildings, for creating driveways, and even as floors in a variety of different spaces. One of the main reasons it is such an attractive option is that it is strong, durable, and surprisingly cheap to install.

In fact, it may surprise you to realize that concrete is surprisingly environmentally friendly. But, what you may not have realized is that there is an abundance of different options when it comes to coating your concrete floor. Choosing the right one can transform the space.

1. Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy floor coatings consist of two components combined together. One is a resin, the other a hardener. Individually the compounds can be stored for long periods of time. But, once mixed you have a limited window in which to lay the epoxy flooring.

Once it has set it creates a durable floor coating. In fact, it can withstand a variety of heavy objects being dropped onto it. Epoxy floor coating is waterproof, stain-resistant, and available in a wide variety of colours and patterns. This makes it an attractive option, especially as it is easy to lay and adheres to concrete.

2. Polyurethane

Polyurethane is another popular coating for concrete floors. In appearance, this type of floor coating is very similar to epoxy floor coating. However, polyurethane is known as a thermosetting polymer. This means it is resistant to heat. That makes it the perfect choice in hot working environments or even outside.

Unlike epoxy, polyurethane coatings are softer and more flexible. This helps it to absorb shocks and is less likely that you’ll damage it.

In fact, its heat-resistant properties mean it is also a good option in freezing environments, such as a carpark floor. But, this type of floor covering is sensitive to moisture, meaning that the car park would have to be a covered, inside one.

3. Acrylic Floor Coatings

Acrylic floor coatings are created by mixing at least two monomers together. In many cases, they are mixed with water as a solvent. Although this flooring offers a similar finish to epoxy and polyurethane, it is not as robust. However, it is cheaper to install.

The trade-off is a need to regularly buff and polish the floor to ensure it is always looking its best. If you don’t do this it will quickly look tarnished and worn.

However, acrylic floor coatings can be enhanced to offer great slip resistance and even be resistant to UV rays. That can be a useful bonus.

4. Polyaspartic Floor Coatings

The fourth most common option is a type of polyurea floor and is another two-part system where the resin is combined with a catalyst. Again, this gives you a limited amount of time to apply the flooring before it sets.

This gives a similar finish to epoxy and a similar level of durability. It can also be used as both a floor and a topcoat. This is also a good choice if you want to adjust drying times and other key characteristics, it is the easiest type of concrete flooring to manipulate.

All the above are viable options but epoxy is generally agreed to be the most durable and often the best long-term choice.