Homeowners use their basements for a variety of different things. From additional living spaces and storage, to at-home gyms and laundry rooms, basements can be used for just about anything. No matter what you use your basement for, it’s always a good idea to treat it as you would the rest of your home. Aesthetics are a huge reason why someone would want to apply coatings to their basement floor. But they actually offer many additional benefits as well.
When it comes to basement flooring, concrete coatings remain a top option due to their low maintenance and durability. Concrete coatings are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they protect your concrete and increase its lifespan. Although there are many different coatings options out there, one concrete coatings system outshines them all. Let’s take a look at what that concrete coatings system is and compare it to the other options.


Polyurea and Polyaspartic Coatings
Polyurea/polyaspartic concrete coatings are superior to other choices for various different reasons. Unlike traditional epoxy coatings, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings have very low VOC levels (volatile organic compounds) that are not environmentally friendly. This also lowers the amount of toxic odors emitted into the air. Another factor that limits the odor is its remarkably fast cure time. Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are fully cured in 24 hours whereas epoxy coatings typically take 3-5 days to dry. Their quick turnaround time creates less of a hassle for homeowners as their basement is only out of service for 1 day vs. up to 5 with epoxy.
Unlike traditional epoxy, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are 100% UV stable. This means that they will not yellow or discolor over time when exposed to UV rays. This is crucial for basements that are exposed to excessive sunlight in certain areas. Over time those areas would begin to discolor and have a different appearance than the parts of the floor.
When polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are installed by professionals, they typically come with a 15 year warranty on residential applications. This warranty is provided with the consideration of wear and tear from vehicles, exposure to weather elements, etc. When you apply these coatings in a basement that only sees foot traffic, they are almost guaranteed to last forever. Choosing a flooring option that will only have to be installed once will end up saving you time and money.

Epoxy Floor Coatings
Epoxy coatings were a very popular flooring option for basements in the past. They are so appealing because they are available in a variety of different styles and color. Due to their extensive cure time (3-5 days), many homeowners opt for faster options. They also have a higher VOC content and paired with their lengthy dry time make for a stronger odor that lingers longer periods of time.
Due to the way that polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are designed, it is difficult to achieve certain solid colors and impossible to achieve a metallic finish. In these circumstances where a metallic finish is desired, epoxy coatings would be the only option. Epoxy coatings are also still used for DIY projects as they are more forgiving and user-friendly than polyurea/polyaspartic coatings.


Concrete Floor Paint
Concrete floor paint is a good option for homeowners looking for a cheap, quick fix. Concrete floor paints are available as latex or oil-based and provide a satin, slip-resistant finish. Latex floor paints are harder and more stain resistant as they contain a small amount of epoxy resin. Concrete floor paint is not very durable and needs to be removed and reapplied every few years.
How Much Do Concrete Coatings Cost?
How much your basement floor coatings will cost will vary depending on which option you choose. The most inexpensive option (initially anyways) will be concrete floor paint. However, this option will end up being more costly in the end due to the fact it only lasts a few years. On average, epoxy is generally about $2-$3 a square foot less than polyurea/polyaspartic coatings. While epoxy lasts longer than concrete floor paint, it only lasts 5-10 years on average until it needs to be replaced.
Now that you’ve learned about your coatings options and your particular needs for the coatings, you can make an educated decision on which is best for you. If you are looking for a quick fix that you can do yourself, concrete floor paint is going to be your best option. When seeking a DIY friendly option that will last for a considerable amount of time, epoxy will be your best choice. But, if you want a professional coating installed that is going to look amazing for a lifetime, polyurea/polyaspartic coatings are the option for you.


Looking to have polyurea/polyaspartic coatings installed on your basement floor?
Are you located in Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids or anywhere in between? Call Durable Coatings – Iowa today or fill out our inquiry on our website to schedule your free estimate!