Are Epoxy Basement Floors Durable [And How Long Do They Last]?

Epoxy floors are the perfect solution if you’re planning to get busy using your basement as a workshop, or if you’re just looking to upgrade it for leisure. But you might be wondering, are epoxy basement floors even durable? And if so, how long do they last? We asked trusted experts that same question, and here’s what we found.

Epoxy floors have a flexural strength of about 10,000 psi or more. They can withstand anything from chemicals to heat and has strong resistance to spills, stains, and cracks. Depending on the installation, thickness, traffic setting, and maintenance, epoxy basement floors can generally last for at least 5 to 10 years and even longer. 

Home experts recommend considering epoxy when it comes to floor maintenance due to its exceptional durability. However, other factors determine how much longer you can make it last. Keep reading as we further discuss these in detail below.

The Lifespan of Epoxy Flooring Depends on Certain Factors

Like other floor options, there are many advantages and disadvantages to getting epoxy flooring. While it’s a common fact that epoxy floor systems are already made to be long-lasting, knowing other factors that directly affect the longevity of your epoxy basement floor can help you extend its lifespan. 

Proper Installation

Many people think DIY installation will always be the cheapest route. That may be true for most other things, but for epoxy floors, you couldn’t be more wrong! 

If you want beautiful, well-built epoxy flooring for your basement, it is highly recommended that you get it professionally installed. It would take hired professionals to know the correct application process it requires to achieve the perfect, long-lasting results for your home.

This is because professionals are trained to understand the type of epoxy flooring system that is compatible with your floor’s surface, including other issues such as multi-layering and top coats needed. Plus, you would be provided a warranty which can save you quite a lot of money and trouble. 

Thickness: Epoxy Paint Vs. Epoxy Coating

True epoxy coating is a two-part product composed of epoxy resin and a polyamine hardener. On the other hand, epoxy paint is epoxy mixed with acrylic paint. The difference is that coating cures, whereas paint dries.

Epoxy coating has a 2 millimeters minimum of thickness when it cures, and has a much longer lifespan than any epoxy paint. The percentage of solids in your epoxy coating also determines its thickness after it cures. A higher percentage of solids means there will be better protection and durability your floor can have.

Check out the "Pros & Cons of Epoxy Floor Coating."

Traffic Setting

The life expectancy of your epoxy basement flooring will also depend on how much traffic it endures. This can be tested by finding out the Abrasion Loss rating. 

Since you’re only getting epoxy flooring installed for the basement of your home, it’s safe to say it won’t be expecting much traffic aside from the regular medium-foot traffic from family members, and maybe some visitors or pets.

But if you’re planning to turn your basement into a workshop of some sort, it could face more stress, especially if heavy appliances will be involved. Also, constantly dragging heavy or sharp-edged furniture across the epoxy flooring will cause quite a bit of damage.

Considering how much traffic you expect your epoxy floors to endure will surely help determine the right flooring solution to withstand any damage that can happen over time, so be sure to let your contractors know! 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Being meticulous when it comes to cleaning and maintenance will extend the lifespan of your epoxy basement floor a great deal. 

Depending on traffic impact, epoxy floors require regular sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping to prevent any permanent damage that can be caused by prolonged exposure to dust and dirt. Diluted ammonia is also one of the best cleaning solutions to keep your epoxy floors looking bright and attractive.

It is suggested to avoid using abrasive scrubs or brushes when cleaning epoxy floors as this can cause it to wear and lose its shiny appearance. If you need to, you can use softer brushes to clean. 

Do Epoxy Floors Scratch Easily? 

Epoxy floors are known to be one of the most durable flooring options out there.  You can expect them to be generally scratch-resistant due to the product composition. However, the sturdiness of an epoxy flooring system may still depend on how much impact it endures. 

While it can withstand the average foot traffic at home, epoxy floors in commercial settings are more prone to abrasion and other damages due to increased traffic and the impact it endures from heavy-duty equipment.

Check out, "Are Epoxy Basement Floors Slippery [With 6 Non-slip Solutions!]"

Are Epoxy Floors High Maintenance? 

One of the major advantages of epoxy flooring is the minimal effort required for maintenance. For its incredibly smooth and flat surface, you would only need to sweep or mop to keep your epoxy floors spotless.

For more difficult stains, industry experts recommend a cup of ammonia mixed into a gallon of warm water as the best solution. 

Here’s a tip: Use a doormat. It will not completely protect the epoxy floor, but every time someone comes in, it can lessen the dust and dirt particles that come into contact with it which can reduce the potential damage to the epoxy flooring. 

When you start to notice wear and tear on your epoxy floors, it would be smart to call the professionals in for repair. Maintaining epoxy floors in pristine condition is important to keep a safe environment whether it’s for your home or industrial facilities.

How Much Does it Cost to Epoxy Basement Floors? 

Epoxy flooring costs a total of between $4 to $9 per square foot depending on the quality of materials used, and who does the work. But the majority of the expense is in the labor cost, so while it can be cheaper to DIY or hire a local handyman, you may find it’s a lot more worth it to get your epoxy flooring professionally installed for better durability and longevity. 

As for the materials, you can expect a range of $200 to $600 from basic to the best quality there is. 

Do Epoxy Floors Increase Home Value? 

Renovating is one of the many ways to increase home value, and we have good news for you: Epoxy floors can increase your home value by an estimate of $8 per square foot!

Cost-effective and appealing, it’s a sure way to brighten up anyone’s home without having to spend too much on renovation. With its long lifespan and complete adherence to the floor surface, it can save you or the next homeowner a lot of time and money.

To Conclude

Getting epoxy flooring for your basement can definitely improve your home life! As long as you make sure not to overlook the important factors to consider, and properly keep up maintenance, you’ll have a strong and beautiful epoxy basement floor with a lifespan that can go beyond years and years.