Epoxy vs. Polyurethane Flooring: A Comprehensive Comparison

Both epoxy and polyurethane flooring result in a smooth, seamless floor that is tougher than paint. They share similarities in some ways and have the same application in residential, commercial and industrial environments.

There are many notable differences, however. To ensure that floors are durable and long-lasting, it is essential to choose the right coating. In this guide, we take a look at how epoxy and polyurethane flooring compares to help you determine the best coating for your floors.

Epoxy vs Polyurethane Flooring

Here are the key differences between epoxy and polyurethane flooring and how they affect the quality of your floors.

What is Epoxy?

Epoxy is the name for epoxide groups. This material is the core ingredient of epoxy resin. Typically used in applications such as flooring, the resin is added to a hardening chemical. It is applied to smoothed, prepared concrete flooring.

Over the course of a couple of days, the resin and the hardening chemical form a chemical bond onto the floor, turning into a hard plastic floor. Usually, two or three layers are applied as the mixture hardens.

At a glance, it looks like paint. Although it is available in a variety of colours and finishes, it is different from paint. It is far tougher than paint, with multiple layers that can reach two or more millimetres.

Once it is applied and fully hardened, epoxy flooring is seamless and smooth. As it is plastic, it lacks elasticity, which can affect the longevity and the strength of the floor over time.

What is Polyurethane?

Polyurethane is a type of polymer made of units that are connected by urethane links. There are numerous types of polyurethane. Thanks to its extreme toughness, flexibility, versatility, and resilience, it is a material that is widely used in many different applications.

Polyurethanes are elastomeric polymers in the plastics family, which also includes rubber. Although this material is often confused with rubber, there are many major differences.

It has the elastic properties of rubber, with the durability of plastic. This combination of flexibility and toughness makes it ideal for vehicle linings, flooring, marine, waterproofing, and many other applications.

Polyurethane is sprayed onto floors, creating a seamless, water and slip-resistant surface in a variety of colours and finishes.

Polyurethane spray-applied flooring by Rhino Linings 

As you can see, polyurethane offers an ideal choice of coating for floors. It can be used in any type of environment, including industrial environments that have a high level of machinery traffic and heavy-duty equipment.

Rhino Linings is the trusted supplier of high-quality spray-applied flooring. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our polyurethane flooring solutions.