Decorative metallic polyurethane floors offer a multitude of benefits, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial applications.
But it can be confusing to know what the differences are between PU floors and epoxy floors. Here are some key advantages of polyurethane as a material:
| Polyurethane | Epoxy |
|---|---|
| Flexible | Hard |
| Chemical resistant | Strong |
| Resistant to extreme temperatures | Temperature sensitive |
| Durable – can last twice as long as epoxy | Less durable |
| Doesn’t fade or yellow | Yellows when exposed to UV light |
| Resistent to scratches and abrasions | Prone to scratches and abrasions |
| Solvent-free | Most contain solvents |
| Emits minimal odour during installation | Emits intense odour during installation – Mask needed |
| Endless variety of designs | More limited design possibilities |
| Matte or gloss | Gloss |
Now let’s delve deeper into how these characteristics translate into real-world benefits. The choice between polyurethane and epoxy depends heavily on the specific needs of a project, including environmental factors, anticipated wear and tear, and aesthetic requirements. We have a definite preference for polyurethane floors and here are a few of the reasons why:
Durability
- Highly resistant to wear and tear: Polyurethane is exceptionally tough and can withstand:
- Heavy foot traffic: Perfect for high-use areas like hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafes, shopping centres and other public spaces.
- Impacts and abrasions: Makes it ideal for areas with heavy machinery or constant movement of objects.
- Some chemicals: While not as resistant as epoxy floors, polyurethane can handle specific chemicals like oils and solvents better.
- Long-lasting: With proper care, these floors can last for many years, minimising the need for frequent replacements.
- Low maintenance: The seamless nature and smooth surface make them easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort.
Versatility and Aesthetics
- Seamless and decorative: Polyurethane floors create a continuous, non-porous surface, eliminating cracks and crevices where dirt and bacteria can accumulate.
- Variety of colours and finishes: You can choose from a wide range of colours and finishes to suit your desired aesthetic, making them suitable for both modern and traditional spaces.
- Fast curing: Polyurethane cures quickly, reducing downtime during installation.
Other Benefits
- Food-grade options: Certain varieties are safe for contact with food, making them ideal for kitchens, restaurants, and food processing facilities.
- Hygienic: Due to the seamless nature and ease of cleaning, these floors promote good hygiene and are suitable for areas requiring high cleanliness standards.
- UV stability: Resistant to sunlight, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications where they won’t fade or discolour.
- Anti-slip properties: Complies with the European R9/10 regulations for slip resistence and we have additives that can boost the anti-slip properties.
- Low odour: Compared to other types of resin flooring, polyurethane typically emits minimal odour during installation, making it a good choice for areas sensitive to strong smells.
While the initial cost might be higher than epoxy, the long lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and diverse benefits can ultimately make decorative metallic polyurethane floors a good investment that has a high ROI in terms of giving your space a unique look.
Our custom formula for decorative metallic PU floors is made in Germany and EMICODE EC1 Plus certified low emissions.