Decorative Quartz Flooring Choices: Epoxy, Urethane, or MMA Resin?

Seamless decorative quartz floors can be used anywhere that durable, attractive flooring is required. Research labs, manufacturing plants, bathrooms, locker rooms, kitchens, restaurants, healthcare facilities, showrooms, garages, warehouses and schools are just a few uses for decorative quartz flooring. The installation of a decorative quartz floor involves the application of a resin body coat over a surface (usually a primed concrete substrate) and broadcasting (or troweling) colored quartz granules to achieve a seamless high performance floor. The body coat may be applied in one layer (single broadcast) or applied in two layers (double broadcast) to provide a thicker, stronger floor.

In the interest of versatility, manufacturers provide a few different options of resin body coats to choose from. The three most commonly used resin body coats are Epoxy, Urethane Concrete (also called Cementitious Urethane) and Methyl Methacrylate (MMA).

Contractors, do-it-yourselfers or anyone else who wants to install a decorative quartz floor may have questions about which type of resin-based quartz flooring to purchase. If this is you, keep reading. Below we explain the advantages of each of the three most popular resin body coat choices for seamless quart flooring.

1. Epoxy Based Quartz Flooring

The biggest advantage of using an Epoxy resin based quartz flooring system is cost. Epoxy resin is less expensive than its urethane and Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) resin counterparts. Epoxy resin flooring provides a super-strong and durable surface that is impact, moisture and abrasion resistant. It can be made chemically resistant with the use of a polyaspartic topcoat. Watch this video to see the installation of an epoxy based double broadcast quartz system.

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If your deadline is tight or you have moisture issues with the substrate, one of the other options below may better suit your needs.

2. Urethane Concrete Based Quartz Flooring

If you suspect your project’s concrete substrate has a moisture vapor emission problem, or may develop one, then choose a Urethane concrete based quartz flooring system. In addition to the strength and durability of epoxy flooring, Urethane concrete will not bubble or crack on high-moisture substrates. Old, new, on grade, or suspended slab—just about any concrete substrate can be beautified with a Urethane based floor. When applied at a thickness of 1/4″ or greater, it is generally accepted that Urethane Concrete systems are unaffected by substrate moisture. It is important to follow the installation instructions exactly to ensure a trouble-free floor for years to come.

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3. MMA Based Quartz Flooring

When a speedy installation and quick return to service are your primary project requirements, look no further than Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) resin based decorative quartz systems. Since MMA resins cure at extremely low temperatures, they are excellent for use in freezers and cold storage areas. MMA resin based decorative quartz floors are also suitable for exterior surfaces like pool decks, driveways and walkways. One limitation of MMA is that it cannot be installed in occupied buildings due to its strong odor.

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Duraamen Industrial and Polished Concrete Flooring Products are designed to provide labor saving and long lasting flooring solutions. Talk to an expert about your flooring challenges call +1 973-230-1301 or email us.