What Is Epoxy Stone Flooring?

If you are looking for a low-maintenance way to incorporate natural elements into your home, you may want to consider epoxy stone flooring. This flooring blends natural stones and epoxy, with the epoxy working as a durable glue to hold and seal it all together. It showcases the natural beauty of stone and readily installs in many areas of the home, both in and out of doors.

You can install stone epoxy flooring over existing flooring. While most people opt to install it on concrete, you can also install it on plywood subfloors. It is a great choice if your subfloor or concrete is damaged because the small pebbles fill any cracks, though you will still need to repair any major damage before installation. Nevertheless, this type of flooring can save you on the costs of replacing the subfloor.

Epoxy stone flooring is not the only epoxy option when it comes to floors. Standard epoxy floors do not have stone or pebbles and are made in a wide range of colors, including metallics, and have a smooth surface. You also have options like epoxy paint or epoxy floor coverings for a variety of customizations that go beyond what you will find with linoleum and hardwood.

Benefits of Epoxy Stone Flooring

Epoxy stone flooring works well for driveways and walkways, where it adds a touch of elegance to a natural material. But its versatility extends to the indoors, too. Here are some of its benefits and advantages over other types of flooring, indoors and out.

Moisture Resistant

Epoxy creates a moisture resistant surface that is good for pool areas, patios, driveways, and walkways. It is also ideal for garages and basements. If you are installing epoxy pebble flooring outside, there are UV-rated and weatherproof epoxies that offer higher durability. The UV protection helps to ensure the flooring will maintain its original bright colors.

And because it is moisture resistant, you do not have to worry about water pooling on the surface, which can lead to mold and other types of damage.

Durable

If installed properly, the epoxy stone flooring can last for years with high resistance to mold. In general, this type of flooring will last longer than carpet and tile. Unlike carpet and tile, epoxy stone flooring can withstand worst-case scenarios that involve chemical or oil spills, high heat, and extreme temperature changes.

Low Maintenance

Epoxy stone flooring is nonporous, so you do not have to worry about liquids seeping into its surface, causing mold or discoloration. Additionally, loose stones and chipped areas are easily fixed with an epoxy repair kit.

However, epoxy flooring can be damaged by dropping heavy objects. An impact can break the seal and create large cracks, requiring the replacement of large portions of the epoxied area.

Cost Effective

Installing stone epoxy flooring costs $3 to $7 per square foot, including materials and labor. In comparison, carpet installation costs fall between $3 to $11 per square foot, with tile running between $15 to $20 per square foot. It is comparable to either, and even at the high end of epoxy flooring costs, can save money over more expensive carpets and tile options. 

How to Install Pebble Stone Epoxy Flooring

Installation takes some time, but it is DIY-able if you have some experience. 

1. Clean the installation surface: This type of floor can work over a concrete or plywood subfloor, but either will need a thorough cleaning before installation. In some cases, that could mean scraping the floor to remove adhesive, and in others it could mean pressure washing the area. The area must be free of debris, adhesives, oils, chemicals, and any other substance that could interact with the epoxy.

2. Prime the installation surface: Both concrete and plywood subfloors require a primer to seal and waterproof the surface. Check the epoxy manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the primer and epoxy will work together. Let the primer dry before moving to the next step.

3. Mix the epoxy and stone: Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions, then mix the stones with the epoxy. Make sure the stones are completely coated before applying them to the installation surface.

4. Apply the epoxy mix: Pour the mix in small batches and use a trowel to spread the stones evenly across the floor. Watch for bare patches and fill in holes as needed with the epoxy/stone mix. 

5. Let the area dry: Let the area dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. The drying time varies by the climate and location, with outdoor locations requiring a longer drying time. During this time, do not use the area. 

6. Clean the surface: Blow or sweep off the surface to get rid of loose pebbles or dust. 

7. Apply another layer of epoxy: Use a roller to apply another coat of the epoxy over the area (no pebbles unless you want to fill the floor in). 

8. Let the top coat dry: Do not use the area until the top coat has completely dried. The epoxy can take longer to dry in humid climates

Epoxy Stone Flooring Maintenance Tips

Epoxy stone flooring is fairly low maintenance. You will need to:

• Sweep to remove debris and dirt

• Clean grease and spills with water, a gentle soap, and a sponge

• Use a soft brush to clean any cracks or crevices on the pebbled surface 

• Use a pressure washer occasionally (outdoor areas only) 

CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS:

Mr. Steve (International Sales Manager)

Phone: +84 936 181 398

Email: export4@shcgroup.vn

Skype: export4@shcgroup.vn