Offering a safe & hygienic flooring solution, epoxy is a great alternative to classic tiles which can get slippery and attract mould and bacteria in the grout. But which option is cheaper and more cost-effective in the long run? Tiling is still one of the most popular choices for Perth kitchens and bathrooms, but innovative materials such as epoxy resin are easier to install and maintain. If you are not sure which option is right for you, here is what you need to consider!
The Cost of Materials
When purchasing ceramic tiles, you always need to buy 10% more material than you’ll actually need. Depending on the producer, quality and design, the prices of tiles have huge variations. For some styles, you may have to pay more than $125 per square meter, and you need to add other materials to the final bill. Epoxy resin coating normally costs about $30-$35 per square meter, even though the price might be a little higher if you want a special design or extra coatings.
The Cost of Installation
While installation of tiles requires special skills and tools, epoxy resin is easy to apply. If you want to apply the coating yourself, all you need to do is prepare the surface and paint your floor using brushes and rollers. You can do it yourself or hire a professional, but the cost of installation will be considerably lower in any case. Expect to pay between $30 and $40 per square metre for the basic painting job or between $70 and $100 if you need surface preparation and special requirements regarding decoration work and finishing touches.
The Speed of Installation
While the installation of tiles can take days or weeks, the job takes much less time when you choose epoxy flooring. Perth residents often opt for DIY projects or hire a local handyman because it is an easy painting job. Even if you count in surface preparation and application of multiple coatings, it won’t take more than two days to fully renovate your garage, bathroom or kitchen floor.
Durability
Designer resin floors are strong and durable due to the unique chemical formula. They can last much longer than tile floors because they are extremely resilient to chipping, peeling, cracking, discolouration and bacteria. Once you apply the coating, your new floor can last for years without any maintenance, while tiles might need to be replaced because they crack and chip much easier. Our pro tip is to clean and level the surface well before applying the coating because your epoxy floors will last even longer if you prep them well.
Maintenance
Due to their impeccably smooth and seamless surface, resilient to chemicals and regular wear and tear, epoxy floors require minimal maintenance. This means you can save on professional cleaners and frequent renovations which are usually inevitable when you install tiles. Epoxy floors pay off in the long run, especially when you opt for quality coatings and when you invest in professional installation.
