Comparing Epoxy, Microcement & Polished Concrete: Which Flooring System Suits You?
The type of floor is a major decision to make when attempting to renovate or buy a home in Australia. The right floor is supposed to be durable, smooth and long-living, and should be capable of bearing the heat, daily use, and heavy traffic. In case you are confused upon choosing between modern and durable products, there are three most popular, namely Epoxy Flooring, Microcement, and Polished Concrete.
1. Epoxy Flooring: Strong and Durable
- Very Durable and Chemical-Resistant: Epoxy is not absorbent and can withstand stains, oil, grease as well as rough chemicals. This is why it is ideal to garages, workshops, commercial kitchens and factories.
- Personalisable appearance: There are lots of colors and designs, such as solid colors, metallic finishes, or decorative flakes, which are available as well.
- Hygienic and clean: The non-porous surface is sanitary and simple to take care of. To make it safer in wet areas, it can be provided with slip-resistant materials.
- Protects Against Moisture: Epoxy applied properly is also a moisture resistant material, and so it prevents water penetration in the concrete underneath.
- UV exposure: The default epoxy turns yellow or chalky when subjected to direct UV light, and this is also a significant factor when applied to the outside or to a high-energy light (we fight this with UV-stable polyurethane topcoats).
- Installation Sensitivity: Proper concrete preparation (grinding) is essential. A poor substrate bond will lead to delamination, making professional installation vital.
- Very Durable: Since it is concrete in nature, it is very strong, and it can withstand heavy foot traffic and machines over a few years.
- Homely appearance: It is a raw, antique, industrial design. The amount of stone inside of the concrete that comes out can be determined to create various effects.
- Long-Lasting: A well-maintained polished concrete floor capable of surviving the longest impact of the building.
- Crack Risk: Concrete naturally shrinks and expands. Cracking is highly probable, requiring the use of control joints which break the seamless look.
- Mess and Disruption: The grinding process is long, noisy, and produces significant dust, making it a highly disruptive process for existing homes.
- Thickness Limitation: This system is only suitable where a minimum of 100mm concrete slab exists or can be poured. It cannot be applied over existing tile or timber floors.
- Porous: Even when sealed, the surface remains somewhat porous and is more susceptible to staining acids, oils, and spills if not cleaned immediately.
- Unrivalled Versatility: The minimal thickness and excellent adhesion allow Microcement to be applied directly over virtually any stable substrate, including existing tiles, concrete, plasterboard, and benchtops. This saves demolition, time, and labor.
- Seamless Design: Microcement does not require expansion of joints as is the case with polished concrete. It may be poured out of the floor, onto a wall or other surfaces to create a clean, modern appearance.
- Good in Wet Areas: With a high-quality topcoat which covers the area, microcement would be completely waterproof and resistant to Mould and thus would be a good fit in bathrooms, showers and outdoors.
- Customisable Style: You can have the colour, the texture and finish, rough, natural to extremely smooth and sleek.
- Highest Installation Cost: Due to the specialised materials and the artisan skill required for application (it’s applied entirely by hand), Microcement typically has the highest installation cost per square meter.
- Skilled Application Only: This is absolutely not a DIY product. The longevity and aesthetic success depend 100% on the installer’s expertise.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Cost, Durability, and Application
|
Feature |
Epoxy Flooring |
Polished Concrete |
Microcement |
|
Typical Use |
Garages, Commercial, Workshops, Kitchens |
Large Open Areas, Industrial, New Slabs |
Residential Renovations, Bathrooms, Walls, Benchtops |
|
Total Thickness |
1-5mm |
Min. 100mm Slab Required |
2-3mm (Seamless Overlay) |
|
Best Substrate |
Existing Concrete |
Existing or New Concrete Slab |
Almost any stable surface (tiles, wood, concrete) |
|
Waterproof |
Excellent (non-porous) |
Fair (requires re-sealing) |
Excellent (when properly sealed) |
|
Cracking/Joints |
Low risk; no joints are needed. |
High risk; requires expansion of joints. |
Very low risk; no joints needed (flexible). |
|
Aesthetic Look |
Uniform, glossy, metallic, or flake. |
Raw, exposed aggregate, industrial. |
Natural, textural, hand-trowelled concrete look. |
|
Installation Time |
3-5 days |
4-7 days (highly disruptive) |
4-6 days (less disruptive) |
|
Cost Profile |
Mid-Range to High |
Low-Range (Existing Slab) to High |
High-End (Premium) |
The Resin Crew Verdict: Matching the Floor to Your Space
Ready to Define Your Space?
At Resin Crew, we don’t just supply products; we offer years of hands-on expertise in installing, finishing, and teaching these advanced systems. Whether you are a homeowner seeking a flawless seamless floor in Australia or a professional looking for industry-leading Resin Floors Training, we are your trusted partner.
Contact Resin Crew today for a consultation and a detailed, obligation-free quote to bring your custom concrete or resin floor, or even an incredible Venetian Plaster wall finish, to life.
