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Why Retail Giants Like Walmart Choose Commercial Epoxy Flooring?

James Wilson

April 24, 2024

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Choosing commercial epoxy flooring can impact the functionality and aesthetics of your business space. If you’ve ever visited Walmart, you might have noticed the smooth, shiny floors that seem to handle heavy traffic effortlessly. These are epoxy floors—a popular choice among retailers for their durability and sleek appearance.

Why do leading businesses choose epoxy flooring? It’s simple. This type of flooring offers durability, low maintenance, and visual appeal. Epoxy flooring is an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Understanding the benefits of commercial epoxy flooring can help you decide on your business needs.

In this guide, explore what makes epoxy flooring a smart choice for commercial settings. Continue reading to discover its benefits, and determine whether it’s the right fit for your retail environment. Let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics of Epoxy Flooring

An epoxy floor is a type of flooring that consists of many layers of epoxy resin applied over a floor surface. This resin is a mix of hardeners and polymers that, when combined, create a strong, durable bond. Epoxy flooring is known for its smooth finish and can be applied over concrete, wood, and other types of floors. This is why you’ll often find them in places with heavy foot traffic, like Walmart and other large retail stores.

One of the great things about epoxy floors is their versatility. They come in a variety of colors and styles, making it easy to customize the look to match any decor. Not only does it enhance the appearance of the floor, but it also provides a resistant surface that can handle lots of foot traffic and heavy loads. This makes epoxy floors a smart choice for businesses that need their spaces to look good and function well under high-demand conditions.

Why Commercial Epoxy Flooring Is A Smart Choice For Businesses?

Let’s explore the key benefits of choosing commercial epoxy flooring. Here’s what makes it such a popular choice for businesses across various industries:

Durable

Epoxy flooring is known for its durability, making it a top choice for areas that see a lot of activity. Here’s how it stands up to different challenges:

  • Abrasion Resistance: Epoxy floors are tough, which means they don’t wear out easily. It can handle this constant movement without showing signs of wear. This is because the surface is very hard and designed to withstand a lot of contact over time. It’s like having a shield on the floor that helps it stay looking new for longer.

  • Impact Resistance: Epoxy flooring is also excellent at absorbing shocks. If something heavy falls on the floor, like a box or a tool, the epoxy doesn’t just crack or dent easily. This feature is especially important in busy stores or warehouses where accidents can happen.

  • Chemical Resistance: This type of flooring is also resistant to spills from chemicals. These chemicals include cleaning products, oils, chlorine, or other substances that could stain or damage other types of floors. Epoxy acts as a barrier that doesn’t let these spills penetrate. So, if a cleaning solution or a drink spills, business owners don’t have to worry about it leaving a permanent mark.

Epoxy flooring is ideal for busy commercial environments where the floor needs to look good and perform well under all kinds of stress. This durability reduces the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

Low Maintenance and Stain Resistance

One of the biggest advantages of choosing commercial epoxy flooring for your business is how easy it is to keep it looking great. Here’s a closer look at what makes epoxy flooring a low-maintenance option:

  • Easy Cleaning: Epoxy floors are known for being straightforward to clean. Unlike some other flooring types that can be difficult to keep clean, epoxy doesn’t hold onto dirt and grime. You can usually take care of most spills and messes with just a mop and some mild cleaning products.
  • Stain Resistance: Nobody likes stains on their floors, especially in a professional setting. Epoxy flooring resists staining very well. Whether it’s a dropped coffee cup or muddy footprints, epoxy floors won’t absorb these substances. Its stain resistance property helps them to stay spotless and stain-free. This resistance is especially valuable in high-traffic areas where spills are common.
  • Low Maintenance: Epoxy flooring requires much less upkeep compared to other flooring options, which often need regular deep cleaning or special treatments to stay in good shape. With epoxy, you won’t have to worry about special coatings or frequent touch-ups. Its durability and resistance to wear mean you spend less time and effort on maintenance.

Choosing epoxy flooring keeps maintenance simple and straightforward. This allows business owners to focus on their operations without worrying about difficult cleaning tasks.

Aesthetics

When choosing a flooring solution for your space, the look is just as important as the functionality. Epoxy coating offers an attractive and aesthetic option that can transform any dull area into a vibrant and appealing environment.

  • Customizable Colors: One of the greatest benefits of epoxy flooring is the vast array of colors it comes in. There are specific shades to match your brand identity, and customizable options are nearly limitless. You can choose any color of the dye to blend into the epoxy, creating a look that is tailored to your personal or business needs.

  • Seamless Finish: Epoxy coating provides a seamless finish that contributes to a cleaner and more coherent space. Without seams or joints, the flooring flows uninterrupted across the area. This enhances the overall look and makes it easier to maintain.

  • Smooth Surface: The smooth surface reflects light better, which can brighten up the space and make it appear more open and inviting.

With these features, epoxy flooring can enhance the visual appeal of any environment. It combines durability with beauty, making it an ideal option for achieving a stylish yet practical flooring option.

Suggested Reading: Discover the Beauty and Strength of Epoxy Concrete Floors

Performance

When it comes to commercial flooring, performance is key to ensuring a safe and efficient environment. Below, we’ll discuss how epoxy flooring excels in slip resistance, electrostatic discharge (ESD) control, and thermal insulation, enhancing both safety and operational effectiveness.

Slip Resistance: Safety is a top priority in any busy commercial space. Epoxy floorings prevent slips and fall, making it a smart choice for places like retail stores or warehouses where there’s a lot of foot traffic. The surface of epoxy floors can be textured to provide extra grip, which means less worry about accidents.

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control: In electronic stores or areas with lots of computing equipment, static electricity can be a real issue. It can damage electronics or even ignite flammable materials. Epoxy flooring can be formulated to control static electricity, safely discharging it and protecting both equipment and people in these sensitive areas.

Thermal Insulation: Epoxy flooring also helps keep a space comfortable and can even save on energy costs. Its thermal insulation properties help maintain a stable temperature inside. This makes epoxy floors an energy-efficient choice.

Cost-Effectiveness

Epoxy flooring is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on quality or durability. Here’s how:

  • Long Lifespan: One of the best things about epoxy flooring is that it lasts an average of 10 to 20 years. Once installed, expect it to keep looking good and performing well for many years. This means business owners won’t have to spend money on new flooring anytime soon, which is great news for any business!
  • Low Installation Cost: Besides lasting a long time, epoxy flooring is also very budget-friendly to put down. It costs less than many other types of commercial flooring. This reduces the effort and expenses involved in the installation process, making it a smart choice for businesses looking to save on upfront costs.
  • Reduced Maintenance Expenses: Epoxy floors are easy to take care of. They don’t stain easily and can be cleaned with a quick sweep and occasional mopping. This ease of maintenance not only saves business owners time. It also cuts down on the money spent on cleaning supplies and professional cleaning services. With epoxy, you keep your floor looking spotless without the high upkeep costs.

Choosing epoxy flooring is an investment that pays off by reducing the need for frequent replacements and costly maintenance.

Safety

Epoxy flooring offers exceptional safety features that make it a popular choice among business owners. One of the standout benefits of epoxy flooring is its slip and fall prevention capabilities. Epoxy floors provide extra grip that prevents accidents. This way, employees and customers can move safely even in busy environments.

Additionally, epoxy flooring complies with rigorous safety standards. These floors adhere to industry regulations, providing peace of mind for business owners who prioritize safety. Whether it’s resistance to fire, chemicals, or slips, epoxy floors are built to offer robust protection.

Another significant advantage of epoxy flooring is its ability to improve visibility. With a high-gloss option, these floors can reflect up to 300% more light than traditional flooring solutions. This enhanced brightness increases safety by making it easier to see potential hazards. It is particularly beneficial in areas where lighting might otherwise be inadequate.

Versatility

When choosing the right flooring for retail spaces, versatility is key. Commercial epoxy flooring stands out as an exceptionally versatile option. Here’s how:

  • Compatibility with Various Substrates: It adheres to various substrates, which makes it a good choice for most types of base floors. Whether it’s concrete, metal, or another material, epoxy flooring bonds effectively.

  • Suitability for High-Traffic Areas: Epoxy flooring is suited for areas often found in retail environments. It handles the constant foot traffic and the wear and tear from carts and equipment without degrading in quality or appearance. This durability makes it a practical choice for busy stores where the floor must withstand heavy use day after day.

  • Adaptability to Different Store Layouts: Epoxy flooring is adaptable to different store layouts. It can be applied in a seamless finish across vast spaces or fitted into more intricate designs. This adaptability allows retailers to customize their floor’s appearance with versatile colors and patterns that align with their branding.

Suggested Reading: Epoxy Resin Flooring: Modern Design Guide & Trends

Environmental Benefits

Epoxy flooring uses materials that have low levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals that can easily turn into vapors or gases, and they are often found in paints and cleaners. By having low VOCs, epoxy flooring contributes to better indoor air quality and less pollution in the air we breathe.

Moreover, epoxy flooring is good for the planet because it uses recyclable materials. This means that when an epoxy floor reaches the end of its life, its materials can be processed and used again for new products, reducing waste.

Another significant environmental benefit of choosing epoxy flooring is its reduced impact on our environment. Because it’s durable and requires little maintenance, it doesn’t need to be replaced as often as other types of flooring. This means fewer resources are used over time for repairs and replacements, which helps conserve energy and raw materials.

How Professional Contractors Ensure a Perfect Commercial Epoxy Floor Installation

Here’s how professional contractors install commercial epoxy flooring:

  1. Prepare the Surface: The first step is making sure the floor surface is ready for epoxy. This means the floor must be clean, dry, and free of any dust, dirt, oil, or other substances. Sometimes, the existing floor might need repairs or smoothing before moving forward.

  2. Prime the Floor: Next, professional installers pour a primer to the floor. This helps the epoxy floor coating stick better to the surface. It ensures a smoother and more uniform finish.

  3. Mix the Epoxy: The epoxy itself comes in two parts — a resin and a hardener. These need to be mixed just right. This step is crucial because once mixed, the epoxy will start to harden, so timing is important.

  4. Apply the Epoxy: After mixing, the epoxy is applied to the floor. This is usually done using rollers or squeegees. The professionals work quickly to spread the epoxy evenly before it begins to set.

  5. Add Color or Chips: If the floor design includes colors or decorative chips or flakes, these are added while the epoxy is still wet. This can enhance the look of the floor and make it match the business’s style.

  6. Seal the Floor: Finally, a top coat or sealant is applied. This layer protects the epoxy, adds shine, and can make the floor slip-resistant.

  7. Cure Time: The last step is waiting. The epoxy needs time to cure and harden completely. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days, during which the floor shouldn’t be walked on or used.

Once cured, the floor is all set to handle the hustle and bustle of daily business activities. It’s not only strong and easy to clean but also adds a sleek, professional look to the space.

Ready to transform your space with a professional epoxy floor? Apex Flooring offers expert installation for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Contact us today to discuss your flooring project and how we can help!

FAQs

Absolutely! Epoxy flooring is a fantastic choice for commercial spaces. It’s durable enough to handle heavy foot traffic and resist wear and tear, making it ideal for stores, warehouses, and offices. Its resistance to stains and chemicals keeps it looking clean, which is essential for maintaining a professional appearance.

With proper installation and basic maintenance, a commercial epoxy floor can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. The exact lifespan will depend on the amount of traffic and the type of activities conducted on the surface.

Yes, epoxy flooring is increasingly popular in the commercial sector. Businesses value it for its practical benefits, like durability and low maintenance, as well as its aesthetic qualities, such as a wide range of colors and finishes that can match any decor. Its versatility makes it a top choice for many types of commercial environments.

While epoxy flooring has many advantages, there are a few downsides to consider. The installation process involves strong fumes from the resins and hardeners, which can be unpleasant and require adequate ventilation. Once the floor is laid, it takes several days to fully cure before it can be used. Also, if the floor is not properly maintained, it can become slippery when wet, although this can be mitigated with texturized finishes.

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Written By:

James Wilson

James Wilson’s extensive experience as a construction manager is apparent in his practical advice on epoxy floor installation. Having managed numerous projects after his studies at Purdue University, his contributions offer step-by-step guides and insider tips that ensure successful flooring projects for Apex’s audience.

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