Flooring is more than what meets the eye. It sets the tone for the entire space. Many people regret later for not thinking it through before installation. That’s because it’s not a decision where you just blindly dart at the first choice that comes your way.
The most popular options for flooring are tiles and epoxy. Before designing your property (garage, basement, bathroom etc.) you need to know the difference between these two. In this article, we will compare the expenses and functionality of epoxy and tiling side by side to find out which one is more cost-effective.
Aesthetic Appeal
In commercial use, epoxy is much more beneficial than tiles. Their non-porous surface:
- resists stains
- is waterproof
- is highly durable
Tiles are also low maintenance like they can be made squeaky clean with just water and a mild cleaner. Another thing about tiles is that they have a natural texture which makes them relatively more slip resistant.
But enough about commercial use. Let’s talk about their visual appeal.
Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring gives off a super modern, steampunk vibe. And it’s great if you’re going for that sleek layout. The glossy finish makes the space feel bigger and brighter. Imagine those futuristic lofts you see in movies or video games. Plus, you can customize it with cool colors, metallic effects, or even flakes to make it stand out. It’s perfect for spaces like garages, and basements, or if you’re into that edgy, urban aesthetic.
Tile Flooring
On the other hand, tile flooring is way more versatile and gives you a lot of options. Tiles come in tons of materials—like ceramic, porcelain, or stone—so whether you’re aiming for something warm and rustic or elegant and classy, there’s a tile for that.
They add a lot of texture and personality to a room, especially with different layouts and patterns like herringbone or mosaics. Tiles are great if you’re into a more traditional or timeless vibe.
Expenses
Even though epoxy flooring and tile flooring both are equally sought out options for homeowners and businesses alike, they have their differences in terms of cost.
The costs can be divided into two subsets— a. upfront and b. installation.
Upfront Costs
Depending on the quality of the epoxy, it costs between $3-$12 per square foot. In contrast, tiles usually cost between $2-$50 per square foot. Here’s a chart:
| Flooring Type | Material Cost(sq. ft.) | Installation Cost(sq. ft.) | Total Cost(Per sq. ft.) |
| Epoxy | $3-$12 | $4-$8 | $7-$20 |
| Ceramic Tile | $2-$10 | $5-$15 | $7-$25 |
| Stone Tile | $5-$25 | $10-$30 | $15-$55 |
Installation Cost (Epoxy)
Epoxy flooring is made up of two main things, epoxy resins and polymer hardeners. Mixing these two together causes a chemical reaction that starts the curing process. This reaction creates a really tough and stable layer that bonds with the surface, sealing and protecting it.
Let’s imagine that you’re trying to renovate your garage floor. The more your surface area, the more money you’ll have to spend. Epoxying a 250 ft garage will be about somewhere between $750-$3000. And that’s just the cost of epoxy coating.
There’s also the extra cost of labor. The labor cost for epoxy flooring is usually between $1 and $7 per square foot. Since the floor needs to be prepped, coated, and sealed, prepping the area will cost around $500 for two experts to do it in a day.
Installation Cost (Tiles)
Ceramic tiles are made up of clay. They are then kiln-fired to achieve hardness. Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic clay but fancier. And natural stone tiles (marble, granite, slate) are cut from stones.
Installing tiles is basically like a big puzzle. You start by putting down a layer of sticky mortar, then you place each tile on top of it. Once all the tiles are in place, you fill the gaps with grout to lock everything in and give it that finished look.
To tile a medium-sized living room, say 216 square feet, it’ll cost you in-between $1512-$6480. By the way, this is a rough summary excluding the labor fees.
Choosing the Right Flooring
This actually depends on where you are installing the flooring. For homes, aesthetics and comfort will always come on top when making a decision on this matter. Tiles feel nice on barefoot and they provide great insulation. Which is why most people prefer tiles over epoxy in a homely environment.
Tiles require extra care because, over time, they accumulate debris, and get grout lines, scratches, and all kinds of damage. Not very cost-effective, are they?
But when we think about offices or restaurants, the same thing doesn’t apply. Industrial or commercial areas, however, always look for something low maintenance and durable. Think about factories or laboratories— they are prone to accidents like spillage or breakage. In this scenario, an epoxy flooring is a superior option.
Not just industrial areas though, epoxy’s easy-to-clean nature makes it ideal for kitchens or basements as well.
Conclusion
So, whether epoxy flooring is cheaper than tiles really depends on a few things like cost, durability, and maintenance.
Epoxy might hit your wallet harder at first for installation, but it’s super durable and needs way less maintenance. And it can save you cash later on. Tiles might seem cheaper upfront, but they can need more fixing and upkeep down the line. In the end, it really comes down to what you need, what you can spend, and the vibe you want for your space.
