How much does epoxy flooring cost?

Pricing depends on the system, square footage, and surface condition. Residential flake floors typically range from $5–$7/sqft. Metallic floors are $12–$15/sqft. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for every project.

How long does epoxy flooring last?

With proper installation and care, epoxy floors last 20+ years. We back our work with a 20-year warranty against peeling and bond failure. The key is professional surface preparation, which we always include.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for the installation?

Yes — please clear the area of all furniture, vehicles, and personal items before our arrival. We handle all surface preparation including grinding, crack repair, and cleaning. The space needs to be empty and accessible.

Can epoxy be installed over existing flooring?

Epoxy is best applied directly to concrete. Existing coatings, paint, or tiles typically need to be removed first. During our free estimate, we assess your current floor condition and recommend the best preparation approach.

Do you serve areas outside Vancouver?

Yes! We serve the entire Lower Mainland including Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Abbotsford, Delta, and New Westminster.

EducationAugust 2, 20266 min read

Polyaspartic vs. Epoxy: What's the Difference and Which Is Better?

Contractors throw around 'polyaspartic' and 'epoxy' like they're interchangeable — they're not. Here's what each actually is, and why the best floors use both.

If you've been researching floor coatings, you've probably seen both "epoxy" and "polyaspartic" mentioned — sometimes as competitors, sometimes together. The confusion is understandable. Here's a clear explanation of what each is, how they differ, and why the best floors use both.

What Is Epoxy?

Epoxy is a two-part thermosetting polymer (resin + hardener) that creates an extremely hard, chemical-resistant surface when cured. It's been the industry standard for floor coatings since the 1960s.

Strengths:

Exceptional chemical resistance

Extremely hard surface (resists abrasion)

Excellent adhesion to concrete

Thick build-up capability (can fill imperfections)

Cost-effective for base coats

Available in unlimited colours and effects (metallic, flake, solid)

Weaknesses:

Yellows and chalks when exposed to UV light

Slow cure time (24-72 hours between coats)

Temperature sensitive during application

Can become brittle over time without a topcoat

What Is Polyaspartic?

Polyaspartic is a newer technology — a type of aliphatic polyurea that cures through a different chemical mechanism than epoxy. It was developed specifically to address epoxy's weaknesses.

Strengths:

100% UV stable (never yellows or chalks)

Extremely fast cure (walkable in 4-6 hours)

Flexible (resists cracking from concrete movement)

Superior abrasion resistance

Works in wider temperature range (-30°C to +50°C)

Crystal-clear finish that enhances colours beneath

Weaknesses:

More expensive than epoxy

Very fast pot life (requires experienced applicators)

Less chemical resistance than epoxy alone

Thinner application (not ideal as sole coating)

Why the Best Floors Use BOTH

Here's what most companies won't tell you: the ideal floor coating system uses epoxy as the base and polyaspartic as the topcoat. Each product does what it's best at:

Our System (What We Install):

1. Primer: Moisture-blocking epoxy primer bonds to concrete

2. Base coat: 100% solids epoxy with colour/flake/metallic (thick, hard, chemical-resistant)

3. Topcoat: Polyaspartic clear coat (UV-stable, abrasion-resistant, glossy)

This combination gives you:

The chemical resistance and thickness of epoxy

The UV stability and clarity of polyaspartic

The flexibility to resist concrete movement

A surface that never yellows, even in direct sunlight

Maximum durability from the synergy of both materials

Beware of "Polyaspartic Only" Systems

Some companies market "1-day polyaspartic" systems as superior to epoxy. While polyaspartic is an excellent topcoat, using it as the ONLY coating has drawbacks:

Thinner overall system (less protection)

Less chemical resistance than epoxy base

Higher cost for equivalent thickness

Fast cure means less time to achieve decorative effects

The "1-day install" sounds appealing, but it often means a thinner, less durable system. Our 2–5 day process allows proper thickness and cure time for maximum longevity.

Beware of "Epoxy Only" Systems

Conversely, systems that use only epoxy without a polyaspartic topcoat will:

Yellow within 6-12 months of sun exposure

Chalk and lose gloss over time

Become brittle and prone to chipping

Require more frequent maintenance

What to Ask Your Contractor

When getting quotes, ask:

1. "What's your full system? Base coat AND topcoat?"

2. "Is the topcoat UV-stable?"

3. "What's the total system thickness in mils?"

4. "Is the base coat 100% solids epoxy?"

If they can't answer these questions clearly, they may be using inferior products.

The Bottom Line

Don't choose between epoxy and polyaspartic — choose a system that uses both. Epoxy provides the foundation (thickness, chemical resistance, adhesion), and polyaspartic provides the armour (UV stability, abrasion resistance, clarity). Together, they create a floor that performs flawlessly for 20+ years.

That's exactly what we install on every project. Book a free estimate and we'll explain our full system in detail.