Are Epoxy Basement Floors Slippery? [With 6 Non-Slip Solutions]

Thinking of installing epoxy coating on your basement floors? That's a great choice, especially since epoxy flooring has plenty of advantages. It can protect your basement floors from moisture and last long for years to come. But are they slippery? Can they pose safety threats to members of your household? We've done the research to discover the answer to this important question.

Epoxy floors tend to be slippery when wet. Water, mud, leaks, and all types of liquid spills on epoxy floors can make its surface quite slippery, which can be hazardous to senior adults, pets, and children. However, there are effective ways to make epoxy flooring less slippery, including:

1. Aluminum oxide additive
2. Quartz sand
3. Shark grip
4. Pumice flakes
5. Carpet runners

Read on further as we get into the particular qualities of each non-slip option. We'll also give you the answers to more of your questions about epoxy flooring so you can make the right decision for your basement.

6 Non-Slip Solutions For Your Epoxy Flooring

Because epoxy flooring is water-resistant by nature, it doesn't absorb liquids from spills. This means that liquids stay on their surface, making them quite slippery. This is one of the most concerning disadvantages of epoxy flooring.

If you want epoxy floor coating for your basement, the good news is that there are ways to make it slip-resistant! Here are some of the most effective anti-slip solutions for epoxy flooring:

1. Aluminum oxide additive

Aluminum oxide additives are designed to provide an aggressive and durable anti-slip surface for floor coatings such as epoxy. They have an extremely high grit that suspends in the floor coating and offers maximum grip, making the epoxy slip-resistant and safe to walk on.

If you're concerned about how an additive would change the gloss or other physical traits of your epoxy coating, don't worry. Aluminum oxide additives have no impact on the appearance of your flooring. They also bond well with epoxy,

Better yet, it's easy to use. Simply mix your aluminum oxide additive into the final top coat of your epoxy before applying it.

However, the downside of aluminum oxide additives is that their aggressive grip and coarse texture can be harsh on the skin. You may find it uncomfortable to walk barefoot through it.

Your kids may also skin themselves if they trip and fall on the floor. In addition, it catches dirt and mop strings which makes it challenging to clean.

Click here to see this aluminum oxide additive on Amazon.

2. Quartz sand

Also referred to as silica sand, quartz sand is often used to make epoxy flooring skid-resistant. It creates a rough, bumpy texture that gives you more security and stability as you move through the floor.

Granules are typically spread over a wet coat of epoxy to achieve the anti-slip surface. Top tip: larger granules result in stronger slip resistance!

Plus, quartz sand comes in different colors. So it will also add a decorative finish to your epoxy flooring and give you the freedom to choose a color that goes best with your basement's palette.

Unfortunately, quartz sand can be prone to cracking and wear and tear, especially with frequent use and heavy foot traffic. It can also buckle under heavy loads.

Click here to see this quartz sand on Amazon.

3. Shark grip

This polymer grit is mixed with concrete sealers to provide an extremely tough and slip-resistant surface to your epoxy coating. It's designed to create a fine texture that's not as aggressive as aluminum oxide additives but still prevents slipping.

Additionally, shark grip mixes well with epoxy, so you won't have to put in a lot of elbow grease when applying it. It also doesn't affect the viscosity of the epoxy. Another advantage of this anti-slip solution is that it's easier to clean and more comfortable on the feet than aluminum oxide additives.

A potential downside to shark grip is that it reduces gloss, which may be concerning for those who want to keep the signature shine of epoxy flooring intact.

Click here to see this shark grip additive on Amazon.

4. Pumice flakes

For anyone who wants their epoxy flooring to look stylish while having excellent slip resistance, this non-slip solution is for you! Pumice flakes add a decorative touch of elegance to your flooring, making it look more eye-catching and aesthetically pleasing.

It also delivers on providing a tough grip for an anti-slip surface that's very effective at preventing unwanted accidents. If you're applying it yourself, you can adjust the number of flakes to suit your preferences as to how textured you want your epoxy flooring to be.

Like shark grip, pumice flakes can also lessen the gloss of your epoxy flooring. Make sure to take this into consideration especially if you're concerned with the look of your floor coating.

Click here to see this box of pumice flakes on Amazon.

5. Carpet runners

Perhaps the simplest way to reduce the slippery quality of your epoxy flooring is to install carpet runners Not only are they non-slip, but they also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit your tastes. This way, you can choose a style that goes with the aesthetic of your home.

Another great advantage of carpet runners is that they're easy to clean. You can simply wash off any spills or stains and they'll be good to go. You can also try different runners to go with different seasons or whenever you feel like sprucing up your basement without much effort.

This is the ideal solution for those who already have their epoxy floor coatings installed, unlike other non-slip solutions which require mixing in with the epoxy coating in order to be effective.

Click here to see this patterned carpet runner on Amazon.

Should you epoxy a basement floor?

Epoxy floor coating is an excellent flooring option for basements! They provide protection for your basement floors, shielding them against leaks and spills which can lead to mold, mildew, and water damage.

They've also been proven to be strong and durable. In fact, they can last decades with proper maintenance!

Plus, they give your basement floor a stunning glossy finish that elevates the look of your space and creates a modern, sophisticated appearance. They're also easy to install - you can even do it yourself.

Want to find out if you can epoxy your basement floor on your own? Learn how by reading this article: "Can You Epoxy A Basement Floor?"

What is the disadvantage of epoxy flooring?

Of course, epoxy flooring is not without its disadvantages. Besides being slippery when wet without non-slip solutions, they can also be quite cold under the feet. This makes it uncomfortable for anyone walking barefoot.

Installing epoxy flooring is a tedious process that involves a lot of prep work. It takes at least seven days to cure properly, during which time you may not be able to use your basement. Plus, they emit toxic fumes during installation, which can be bothersome especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions.

Still weighing your options? Discover more benefits and drawbacks of epoxy floors by checking out this post: "Pros & Cons of Epoxy Floor Coating."

How do you maintain an epoxy floor?

Epoxy floors are fairly easy to maintain! All you need to do is make sure they're clean by mopping your floors once a week and vacuuming at least once a month. It's important to keep your epoxy flooring free from dirt to prevent damage.

When you're cleaning your epoxy flooring, make sure to steer clear of soap-based cleaners or vinegar. Warm water is enough for simple cleaning.

If you have any stubborn spills or stains, use mild soap and a kitchen sponge or scrub to remove them. Make sure to rinse the floors thoroughly after doing this. You can also look into cleaners specifically formulated for epoxy floors.

In Closing

Epoxy flooring can be quite slippery, which is a concern for anyone looking to install it in their basement. Fortunately, there are solutions to increase the slip resistance of epoxy floors and make them safe for the whole household.

If your heart is set on installing epoxy flooring in your basement, you can look through these non-slip solutions and choose the one that best fits your needs.