If you are a fitness enthusiast, there is a good chance that you have put some thought into your home gym. For some, a repurposed garage or extra space in the basement provides the perfect space to set up a gym. There is only one problem—concrete can be slick and dangerous when working out. But not to worry, a niche market of floor coatings has risen to the occasion to solve that problem. From rubber floor mats to garage floor coatings, there are options for every style and budget.
What to Know About Concrete Coatings
There are two types of concrete floor coatings used for gym floors. These include epoxy and polyurea. Both products are a two-part resin that provides self-leveling, durable protection that looks great. And both products can be combined with colors and textures to get the look and durable safety that you need. So, what’s the difference?
Epoxy is a great-looking and economical choice for a resin concrete floor coating. It can provide an added layer of safety to your existing concrete floors. Our solid color epoxy is the perfect way to enhance the look of your cracked, chipped, or worn concrete floor.
Polyurea is four times stronger than epoxy. It is also significantly more flexible and UV resistant. When you install a solid color polyurea, you won’t have to worry about the color fading over time due to sunlight exposure from nearby windows. Our gym floor coatings are also resistant to chemicals and abrasions, pre-tinted for uniform color distribution, and finished with an anti-slip coating.
How do Floor Coatings Measure Up to Rubber Mats?
Rubber mats or rolls of rubber flooring material are another popular alternatives for adding layers of protection to your home gym flooring. And in some cases, like rental properties where you need a semi-permanent or temporary solution, these products can be the right choice. But for long-term durability, homeowners should consider these features:
- Cleanliness
- Durability
- Cost
- Quality of Product
High-quality rubber flooring can be impermeable to sweat and other liquids, making it slightly more hygienic. However, homeowners looking to save cash might be influenced to compromise on low-quality rubber mats that end up harboring bacteria and degrading with cleaning solutions. With highly durable and chemical-resistant concrete floor coatings, you can skip the smelly locker room feel and enjoy a fresh and clean home gym experience.
And when it comes to durability, keep in mind that most rubber mats are designed to last one to three years. By comparison, concrete floor coatings can last a decade or more. And when installing rubber mats, you can expect a cost of around $10 per square foot for materials and $2 per square foot for installation. By comparison, concrete coatings typically cost between $5 to $7 per square foot. So, at the end of the day you are getting three times the mileage for half of the cost with concrete coatings.
Of course, these costs and generalizations are an average. There are some high-quality rubber mat products on the market that will last longer and cost more. And there are some budget-friendly options that cost a lot less. That is why every homeowner needs to make their own decision based on their unique priorities.
The Takeaway on Gym Floor Coatings
There are several good options for adding protection and durability to your gym floor. Rubber mats and concrete coatings are among the top choices for most homeowners. While rubber mats have their place, there is almost no contest between the two when it comes to durability, cleanliness, cost, and quality. Premium floor coatings come in epoxy and polyurea and can be tinted and treated with a variety of materials to customize the look and performance of your concrete floors. Etek custom coatings is a leader in gym floor coatings for the Kansas City area. We provide personalized service, exceptional products, and efficient installation. Call our office to schedule a free consultation today.
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