Resinous Flooring Systems: Epoxy vs. Polyurethane

When it comes to commercial flooring in the U.S., the terms epoxy flooring and resinous flooring are often used interchangeably. What many people don’t know is that resinous flooring covers various floor coating types including epoxy, the most popular type, and polyurethane. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Epoxy is an extremely durable floor coating that excels in high-traffic areas. It dries to a hard surface that is waterproof, resists chemicals, abrasions, and impacts, and adheres well with concrete and other substrates. Self-leveling epoxy is quite effective for correcting floor cracks and other blemishes. A variety of formulations are available depending on the application in which it will be used. Epoxy is more cost-effective than polyurethane but takes much longer to cure.

Polyurethane, like epoxy, is waterproof and extremely durable. Its elasticity makes it more resilient against abrasions and impacts than epoxy floors. Polyurethane is more resistant than epoxy against natural chemicals like lactic acid, UV-resistant, and less likely to fade or yellow over time. It retains its gloss and is often preferred for its aesthetic appeal. Polyurethane flooring systems cure more quickly, but they can be tricky to apply and are more costly than epoxy floors.

Both of these resinous floor types have their own distinct benefits. Oftentimes a facility’s best option is to utilize epoxy and polyurethane together, with epoxy as the concrete primer and build coat, followed by a topcoat of polyurethane for enhanced performance.

For more information on epoxy, polyurethane, and resinous flooring system selection, please contact SRI & Co. at 973-832-7627.