Both polished concrete and epoxy coatings are widely used in warehouse environments; but they perform very differently over time. While epoxy offers a protective film over the slab, polished concrete chemically hardens and densifies the surface itself. That difference matters when you're managing thousands of square metres under forklift loads.
In most warehouse settings, especially where long-term cost and low maintenance are priorities, polished concrete is the smarter, more durable solution. This guide breaks down how the two compare on cost, performance, repairability, and real-world suitability.
While the initial cost of polished concrete may be similar to epoxy, it has far fewer ongoing expenses. No recoating, no delamination repairs, and minimal downtime mean you're not reinvesting every few years. Over a 10-year span, polished concrete can cost 30 to 50 percent less to maintain than a coated floor.
Epoxy coatings can peel under wheel loads or moisture vapor pressure. Polished concrete, being part of the slab itself, won’t peel or bubble. That makes it ideal for high-traffic facilities where downtime for repairs is expensive. Even if scuffed, the floor can be reburnished without stripping or recoating.
Epoxy systems often fail due to slab moisture, curling, or joint movement. Polished concrete can handle all of that with fewer problems. It's breathable, so it won’t trap vapor, and there's no film layer to crack. This makes it a safer choice for new builds or older slabs without vapor control layers.
A properly polished floor can reflect 30 to 50 percent more ambient light than an unsealed or coated surface. That improves warehouse visibility and may allow for lower lighting energy costs. Epoxy coatings can achieve similar results when new, but tend to yellow or dull over time; especially under UV.
Warehouse teams prefer polished concrete because it doesn’t require recoating, sanding, or reapplication. A standard floor scrubber and neutral cleaner are enough. Epoxy floors need patching and top-up coats; often with long cure times and sectioned-off work areas. With polished concrete, you can clean and get back to work without disruption.
If you'd rather skip the stress and get a flawless concrete floor polished by professionals, we’ve got you covered. From precision prep to polished perfection, we handle it all.
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