The Truth About Epoxy Flooring in Workshops: What No One Tells You!

Have you scrolled through countless articles about epoxy flooring?
And did every single one of them tell you how great it is – shiny, strong, long-lasting, the “perfect” solution for any workshop?

We’re not about to do the same, so you might want to read on…

While epoxy flooring definitely has its place, it’s not the right fit for every workspace.
So before you invest in it, let’s break down the real cons of epoxy flooring – the things most installers won’t tell you upfront.

1. Tricky Installation

• The concrete surface needs to be as clean as possible before application.
• Large amounts of oil in the concrete or moisture egress can cause bubbling or peeling later on.

2. Long Curing Time

• Once applied, epoxy needs time to fully harden – usually anywhere from 24 hours to several days.

• During that time, the area can’t be used, which means some downtime for your business or workspace.

• The curing process is also temperature-dependent, so cold weather can make it take even longer.

3. Temperature Sensitivity

• Concrete floors can expand or contract with changes in temperature.

• In areas that get very hot or cold, this movement can cause cracking or delamination of the coating.

4. Slippery When Wet

• That smooth, glossy finish looks great – but it can become very slippery when wet or oily.

• This increases the risk of slips and falls, especially in work environments.

• You can add non-slip additives to improve traction, but it changes the appearance and adds some cost.

5. Hard to Maintain & Repair

• While epoxy is easy to clean and sweep, repairs are difficult to make look seamless.

• If part of the floor gets chipped, cracked, or worn, patching it often stands out.

• In many cases, the entire surface needs to be re-coated to restore a uniform finish.

6. Fading

• Some types of epoxy discolour or yellow when exposed to sunlight or UV rays.

• This is more noticeable in areas with natural light or near doorways and windows.

• Over time, it can make your floor look aged or uneven in colour.

7. Costly

• While epoxy might seem cost-effective upfront, surface preparation, labour, and downtime add up.

• You may need re-coating or touch-ups every few years depending on wear.

• For large or high-traffic areas, that can mean higher long-term costs than expected.

What Should You Do Now?

Reach out to us! We’ll listen to your pain points, assess your facility, talk through the pros and cons, and recommend a flooring solution that suits your factory or warehouse.

Call us on 1300 590 505 or email enquiries@cotewell.com.au to start talking.

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