There are many alternatives when you think about basement flooring solutions, epoxy basement floors are considered one of the best. Its stunning design options, ease of cleaning, and resistance to mold enhance the basement surface for a longer duration.
The epoxy basement floor is a mixture of a hardener and a resin. The solution is then applied to the surface, then left to cure through a chemical reaction process. The result will be a hard layer on the basement surface.
This article will focus on what epoxy basement is, its benefits, how to apply it, cost and pricing, some examples, potential downside, and a lot more. Keep reading for more information.
About the epoxy basement floor
The epoxy basement floor is a flooring solution that is considered to be environmentally friendly due to its material. It is the combination of a resin and a hardener and the proportion of the mixture is largely determined by the instruction from the manufacturer. The successful installation of the mixture on the basement floor will cause a chemical reaction that will form rigid plastic material.
Unlike other flooring materials, epoxy basement floors are durable, visually appealing, easy to install, water resistant, and form a strong bond on the basement surface. In most cases, epoxy basement floors require the use of a primer and it could be applied in layers. Another unique thing about it is that you can use it for different designs of choice and colors.
How to apply epoxy basement floor – step by step
It has been stated earlier that epoxy basement floors are easy to install. Some of the items you will need for the project are a watering can, plastic bag, roller and pole, garden hose, gloves, bristle brush, paintbrush, duct tape, and scraper. Here are some of the conditions and the steps on how to apply epoxy basement flooring products.
Time is a crucial condition
Though the application of epoxy basement floor is very easy, your timing is a crucial condition. Once you have mixed the hardener with the resin, you have a maximum duration of two hours for you to complete the project. This is because the solution will begin to harden once you finish the mixture.
Get enough epoxy product
The quantity of the epoxy product that you will buy depends on the size of the project. It has, however, been stated earlier that epoxy basement floors are applied in layers. The implication of this is that you should get a product that will be enough for application on the basement surface at least twice.
Prepare the surface
You might not get the desired result if you just buy the product, mix the solution and then apply it to the surface without preliminary preparation of the surface. You should make the surface even, clean, and dry.
For instance, if you are applying epoxy on an old basement floor, you should first get rid of any item such as carpet and tile that might be covering the surface. You can then remove the debris from the surface, clean it with water, then allow it to dry.
Apply duct tape
Though the epoxy basement floor is beautiful, the way you apply it is very important. You can create straight lines on the surface by marking the edges with duct tape. This will make it easier to install the mixture on the surface.
Mix the product according to the instruction of the manufacturer
There are many epoxy basement floor products in the market. For you to achieve the desired solution, you should mix the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You can contact the customer support team of the manufacturer if you are confused or have any questions. All you need is to get the specified mixture quantity of the resin and the hardener, then mix them.
Apply the mixture to the surface
With a paintbrush, you can apply the first coating of the mixture on the basement surface. To avoid getting trapped in a corner, it is recommended that you start from the edges and then plan for your exit. You should leave the first coat to dry for a minimum duration of 12 hours before you apply the second coat.
Benefits of the epoxy basement floor
There are many basement flooring alternatives but epoxy basement stands out due to the following benefits.
Ease of maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance of the basement could be a tedious task, depending on the type of material that was used for the flooring. Unlike other basement flooring materials, the epoxy basement is easy and safe to clean. To make it stress-free, the top coat of the epoxy basement will not attract or retain dust. You can either vacuum or mop the place to restore it to its unique look. However, ensure that you avoid using strong chemicals for cleaning the epoxy basement floors.
Easy to install
If you are considering a basement floor that you can handle without any prior knowledge, you should consider using this alternative. It is the perfect choice for people interested in DIY because you can install it by following the manufacturer’s instructions and then applying it to the surface. Nevertheless, you can hire professionals if you want a perfect job or avoid spending money to fix patches.
Durable surface
The lifespan of the flooring material is one of the crucial factors that homeowners consider before they opt for any. If you want a strong and durable basement floor with a single installation, you should consider an epoxy basement floor. This will guarantee you value for your money spent and a basement that will still look beautiful after many years of installation. It doesn’t crack, peel, or stain.
Beautiful finish
Apart from having a basement that will last for a longer duration, epoxy basement floors also ensure that you have a visually appealing basement floor. It is produced in different colors and could be installed in different designs, depending on your preference. You can be assured of a beautifully finished basement in your preferred style when you opt for an epoxy basement floor.
Mold resistant
The basement is one of the places for breeding different kinds of harmful bacteria. Since epoxy flooring does not entertain dampness or moisture which makes it easy to clean, you will not worry about mold issues in your home.
The common issue of using epoxy basement floor
Though epoxy is one of the best basement flooring materials, how you install it also matters. The use of unskilled workmanship could lead to poor results. Here are some of the common issues of poorly installed epoxy basement floors.
Color issue
One of the basic things that could make or mar epoxy is the mixing process. Poor work at this level could lead to inconsistency in color. Moreover, the preliminary work of cleaning the surface could also cause color issues.
Bubble build-up
You could be having either air or moisture bubbles build up under the floor for different reasons. For instance, this is likely going to be the result when you do not clean, allow the basement to dry properly, or install epoxy under direct sunlight.
Peeling
The epoxy basement floor is regarded as one of the most durable. However, the basement surface could begin to peel a few months after installation, especially when you fail to do the right thing during the preparatory stage and the application of the mixture. You will likely experience this when you apply the mixture to the basement surface under direct sunlight, and fail to get rid of the dirt, oil, and debris from the basement surface before application.
Epoxy basement floor cost and pricing
The cost of installing epoxy depends on the type of epoxy product, the size of the project, the method of application, the condition of the surface, the timing, and the labor that you use. If you intend to get a DIY epoxy flooring kit and do the task yourself, the price of the kit ranges from $100 to $600, depending on some of the conditions that have been mentioned earlier. You could be spending more than that if you are buying some of the required tools for the task such as gloves, solvent brush, and many more.
Furthermore, if you intend to hire a professional installer, the cost ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot. This will cover both the cost of labor and the material needed for the project. The average cost for 1,000 square feet ranges from $3000 to $12,000.
Epoxy basement floor examples
Here are a few samples of epoxy basement floor beautiful finishing from Pinterest.
Metallic epoxy basement finishing
Epoxy Basement finishing that looks like wood
FAQs
Is epoxy good for the basement floor?
Though epoxy is not the only option for basement flooring, it is, however, a great option that could help prevent some of the popular basement issues such as mold issues. It is also durable and beautiful when installed properly.
Conclusion
There are many good reasons and benefits why homeowners should consider epoxy for basement flooring. If you intend to apply the DIY method, it is strongly recommended that you choose a quality epoxy basement flooring product from the numerous products on the market.
