If you're looking for new industrial concrete floors for your facility, you're probably curious about the cost along with other factors. Most facilities have concrete-coated floors, and those that don't will typically switch over to that option when their floors need replacement.
Why? Concrete floors with the proper coating not only last a long time but they stand up to significant wear and tear. If you're not sure how much budget to allocate to higher-level coatings, it's essential to do your research.
Knowing the differences between coating types and having a good idea of what each type will cost you is an excellent way to make the best decision for your facility. Here's what to know about the different kinds of coatings and the costs you can expect with them.
Low-Level Coatings are More Budget-Friendly
If you have a facility that handles light manufacturing, food and beverages, or pharmaceuticals, you might consider epoxy coatings. These are some of the most basic coatings, but that doesn't mean they won't give you a great floor that will last a long time. Epoxy is durable and typically only costs a few dollars per square foot.
Don't let the low cost or the "low-level" terminology fool you, though. Epoxy will hold up well for a lot of applications that include basic foot traffic and light equipment like hand trucks and carts. If you have a facility that needs a more durable coating for its concrete floor, though, you may want to consider a mid-level coating instead.
Mid-Level Coatings Can be Effective for Many Facilities
An excellent mid-level coating is polyurethane. It's more durable than epoxy and will have a longer lifespan. It's also less likely to get damaged but costs more. You can expect to pay somewhere between $5 and $15 per square foot in many cases, depending on the size of the space and any customization you want or need.
General industrial facilities can use this kind of coating, and it's also a good choice for auto storage, food and beverage facilities, and any industry where you need good protection from spills and chemicals. It's a high-performance coating, especially when compared to epoxy, and it doesn't need much maintenance, either.
High-Level Coatings May be Needed for Your Industrial Operation
If you have a facility that deals with a lot of chemicals and compounds that could be harmful to your flooring, or you operate in an industry that's hard on the floors in other ways, Novolac coating could be the right choice for you. It offers exceptional resistance to chemicals and heat, along with protection from acids and solvents.
Additionally, this flooring is very durable for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic and offers a two-layer application that adds to the durability and value of this coating. It works well for chemical processing facilities, acid troughs, paper mills, acid drum storage, and much more. If you have this kind of facility, you want to have the best flooring you can get. You may spend upward of $10 per square foot on this coating, but you'll know you can trust it to last.
Some Specifics to Consider Before Choosing Your New Floor
Before you choose between low, mid, and high-level coating, take a careful look at the kind of facility you have and how it's used, along with any adjustments or changes to its use that you're aware of for the near future. That can help you choose the best flooring based on the type and level of protection your facility needs.
The Bottom Line When Choosing New Industrial Floors
Your facility's floors are one of the most important areas to consider, and the right coating will help them stay protected and looking great for a long time. The cost matters, of course, but it's not the only thing to think about when you're choosing which coating is going to be right for your needs. Don't settle for flooring that doesn't work for your facility just to save a little money. In the end, you'll be glad you chose quality concrete floor coating that will last for years.