According to experts, the best epoxy for restaurant floors is the one that has high build and non-slip qualities. To ensure you don’t have to deal with high maintenance costs, it also has to be scratch-resistant as well as capable of safeguarding the floor from bacteria buildup.
Epoxy floors are constructed by combining resin and hardener and then applying them to the existing base surface. Note that immediately after it solidifies or cures, the epoxy becomes a very sturdy, seamless, and glossy finish that is quite easy to maintain and can be overly durable.
Also, note that epoxy flooring offers you the platform to customize it with varying colors and designs, and this makes it a very valid alternative for modern restaurants. This sort of flooring began as an easy way to ensure that the concrete floors of establishments stay clean. Also, note that it has proven to be far better especially when compared to tile and grout that tend to degrade over time.
Top Epoxy for Restaurant Floor
While there are many options to pick from, have it in mind that the following three systems have proven to be the most reliable and popular choices for restaurants:
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Urethane Concrete System
Urethane concrete is, without a doubt, one of the most popular among restaurants. Have it in mind that it has become a go-to for restaurants and other businesses in the hospitality industry because it is overly durable, chemical-resistant, and tends to hold up well to thermal shock.
These businesses tend to go for urethane concrete systems with three-component systems. Also, note that it’s possible to add a fourth component utilizing a pigment pack or decorative quartz for aesthetic appeal.
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Perdure HBE
This is a very sturdy and reliable option for restaurant businesses on a tight budget. Even though it doesn’t come with the thermal shock resistance of urethane concrete, have it in mind that you will relish its nonslip and durability. Since it leverages a high-build epoxy system, it offers you the platform to add coatings to reinforce the floor even more.
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Perdure SLE
This is another valid option among food businesses especially commercial kitchens and establishments with high traffic. Have in mind that this is an epoxy mortar system that can be topped with advanced coatings.
Since it sets up as a dense material, it boasts of having very solid chemical and abrasion resistance. Most often, professionals inculcate polyurethane or polyaspartic polyurea coating to ensure that it can retain the floor’s gloss and add an extra layer of strength.
Even though Perdure SLE doesn’t really have the thermal shock resistance of urethane, it’s indeed one of the budget-friendly options for commercial kitchen owners.
Pros and Cons of Epoxy for Restaurant Floor
Truth be told, epoxy floor coatings remain one of the best and most diligent flooring solutions not just only for restaurants but also for hospitality and other commercial enterprises. Although no flooring system is perfect, have it in mind that the benefits offered by epoxy resin supersede any perceived disadvantages. Nevertheless, below are the pros and cons of epoxy coating for restaurant floors.
Pros
- Very well-installed epoxy coating tends to be very solid, and sturdy and can last for many years with little or no maintenance
- Epoxy flooring has proven to be quite easy to install and can be carried out on a weekend by a DIYer or contractor
- They are very easy to clean and tend not to require special cleaners or treatments
- Epoxy floors can be customized to align with your brand or just about any color or design
- They are also slip-resistant, and this makes them a valid choice for restaurants
- Also, note that epoxy coating can be put directly over existing concrete floors
Cons
- Epoxy flooring installation can really take days, but this will depend on the sort of epoxy coating and the intensity of the project.
- When not done or applied appropriately, epoxy floors can peel or crack over time
- Epoxy flooring might really not be the cheapest flooring option for restaurants
- During the epoxy application process, wet epoxy tends to produce an unpleasant smell.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Epoxy Flooring for a Restaurant
Same as with every other type of flooring, there are pertinent factors you will have to take into consideration before making this decision.
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Color Choices
Aside from the fact that you can choose different colors to suit your brand, it is pertinent you consider how you can use the customization benefits of epoxy to streamline your operational activities. Note that epoxy floor coatings can be color coated to designate specific purposes for each area of your restaurant.
Have it in mind that by “work zones,” you can better enhance the flow of traffic within your establishment. With time, it will most definitely help to limit workplace accidents and incidents, as well as boost your restaurant safety record.
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Chemical Resistance
Owing to the amount of cooking and spills that take place in a restaurant, particularly the kitchen area, it is recommended you consider extra flooring protection. Epoxy flooring could also be customized with resistance to mishaps from spills of things like oil and grease. Ideally, this strength and resistance over time will help you prevent structural damage to the building.
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Reflectiveness
Don’t forget that epoxy coating can heighten your establishment’s visibility without needing extra lights to be installed. You need to understand that its overly reflective quality can make the everyday activities of your restaurant easier and safer for your employees and can save money on electricity bills by limiting your need for electric overhead lighting or even task lights.
Conclusion
Indeed, there are numerous things to consider when choosing the ideal flooring for your restaurant. However, note that epoxy ticks all the boxes for practicality, style, and safety.
Aside from that, it is quite easy to install and maintain, strongly resistant to stains, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, as well as being non-toxic and safe for food preparation areas. Owing to that, epoxy resin remains a wonderful choice for any restaurant looking for an efficient and distinctive solution.
Also note that when properly done by a professional, this type of flooring will ensure you enjoy years of trouble-free service.