Side by side
| Factor | Epoxy coating | Polished concrete |
|---|---|---|
| What it actually is | A film applied on top | The slab itself, refined |
| Installed cost | $8-$18/sq ft | $6-$14/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | 30+ years |
| Can it delaminate? | Yes, if prep or moisture is wrong | No, there is no film |
| Re-coat cycle | About year 10 in commercial traffic | None, burnish and re-guard only |
| Colour control | Unlimited | Limited to dyes |
| Hides a damaged slab | Yes | No, it reveals every repair |
| Chemical resistance | High | Moderate |
| Slip resistance | Built in via broadcast texture | Needs a traction guard |
Gold marks the stronger option for that factor. A tie is shown in neutral text.
Choose epoxy when
The slab is patched, cracked, stained or was poorly poured, because a coating covers all of that and a polish exposes it. Also when you need a specific colour, brand palette or safety zoning, when chemicals are involved, or when you want broadcast texture for grip that lasts as the surface wears.
Choose polished concrete when
The existing slab is sound, reasonably flat and well poured, and the space is large enough that twenty-year maintenance cost matters. Warehouses, retail and restaurants are the classic cases. It is also the right answer when you want a floor with no failure mode at all.
The slab decides, not the brochure
A slab used as a construction floor for a year, trenched for services, or poured with an inconsistent mix will polish unevenly and show all of that history. We test-grind a one-metre patch before recommending a polish, specifically so nobody discovers it after the whole floor is committed. There is also a middle option nobody mentions: grind and seal, which costs less than both and looks similar to a low-gloss polish for a few years.
Not sure which applies to your slab?
The site visit includes a moisture reading and an honest look at the concrete, then a written fixed price. We will tell you when the cheaper option is the right one.