Epoxy, Polished Concrete & Urethane Flooring — A Vancouver & BC Buyer’s Guide to Performance, Style & Value (2025)
Why the Right Concrete Floor System Matters in Metro Vancouver
Your concrete works harder here. Vancouver’s long rainy seasons track in grit that acts like sandpaper; brief cold snaps test adhesion and repairs; and sunny breaks expose ramps and aprons to UV. A floor that looks perfect on day one can disappoint within a year if the system isn’t matched to the slab and the local environment. The good news: when you combine the right product with professional surface prep and clear installation standards, you get a surface that’s attractive, safe, and cost-effective for years.
This guide compares three proven approaches—epoxy coatings, polished concrete, and urethane (including polyaspartic) topcoats—and shows where each shines in homes, strata parkades, retail, restaurants, studios, warehouses and healthcare across Vancouver and all BC. It’s built for action: expect real-world examples, ballpark pricing, a comparison table, and a practical checklist you can use to evaluate quotes.
Three Smart Options for BC Concrete Floors
Epoxy Coatings — Seamless Protection with Design Flexibility
Epoxy bonds to properly prepared concrete and cures into a rigid, dense surface that stands up to vehicles, carts and regular cleaning. It’s a favourite in Richmond, Surrey and North Vancouver garages because it balances durability, cleanability and aesthetics. Choose from professional solid colours, flake broadcasts that hide imperfections, or metallic effects that turn a floor into a statement piece.
- Best fit: garages, shops, showrooms, light industrial, labs, clinics.
- Standout qualities: chemical resistance, easy cleaning, wide design range, line markings & safety zones.
- Build options: thin-mil for light duty; high-build & mortar for impact zones; UV-stable clear topcoats where sunlight hits.
Polished Concrete — Natural Look, Long Life, Low Maintenance
Polished concrete isn’t a coating—it’s a mechanical process. We refine the slab with multiple grinding steps, apply a densifier that hardens the surface, then polish to your desired sheen. The result is a clean, modern floor that resists dusting and handles foot traffic with ease. It’s a go-to for restaurants and retail from Kitsilano to Metrotown and for distribution space in Delta, Surrey and Abbotsford.
- Best fit: retail, restaurants, lobbies, galleries, studios, large warehouses.
- Standout qualities: natural aesthetic, low ongoing cost, excellent light reflectivity, no topical coating to yellow outdoors.
- Options: matte to high-gloss; selective aggregate exposure; stain protection plans; safety striping and inlays.
Urethane & Polyaspartic — UV Stability and Fast Return-to-Service
Urethane topcoats (including polyaspartic variants) bring superb abrasion and chemical resistance with the added advantage of rapid cure. They’re excellent as a protective clear layer over epoxy systems and as the finishing touch on high-wear areas and exterior ramps. In Downtown Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster parkades, that fast turnaround keeps disruption to a minimum.
- Best fit: exterior ramps/aprons, parkades, food & beverage production, high-traffic retail.
- Standout qualities: top-tier UV stability, strong abrasion resistance, quick reopening for foot/vehicle traffic.
- Options: clear or pigmented, slip-resistant textures, chemical- and stain-resistant formulations.
Where Each System Performs Best (Vancouver & Across BC)
Epoxy: Everyday Workhorse with Curb Appeal
- Residential garages in Richmond, Langley, Coquitlam: decorative flake finishes brighten spaces, resist road salts, and clean easily.
- Auto bays & detailing in Burnaby, Port Coquitlam: chemical resistance stands up to oils, cleaners and brake fluid; add high-build in impact zones.
- Retail & showrooms in Vancouver & West Vancouver: metallic epoxy makes a brand-forward statement while staying practical.
Polished Concrete: Minimalist Style with Serious Durability
- Restaurants, cafes & breweries in Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, Gastown: resilient under chairs, strollers and nightly cleaning.
- Studios, galleries & lobbies in Yaletown, Olympic Village: neutral canvas that enhances natural light and modern interiors.
- Warehousing & fabrication in Delta, Surrey, Abbotsford: densified surface reduces dust and handles forklifts and pallet jacks.
Urethane / Polyaspartic: High-Performance Finish for Heavy Use
- Condo parkade ramps in Downtown Vancouver & New Westminster: UV-stable, textured topcoat improves traction and reopens quickly.
- Outdoor aprons & loading zones in industrial Richmond: impact- and abrasion-resistant with clear safety markings.
- Food & beverage in Surrey & Burnaby: resistant to sanitizers and spills with options for thermal shock in hot-wash zones.
Quick Comparison — Epoxy vs. Polished Concrete vs. Urethane
| Criteria | Epoxy | Polished Concrete | Urethane / Polyaspartic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtime / Cure | Light traffic 24–72 hrs; full cure up to 7 days (system & temp dependent) | Areas can reopen in phases during polishing; no resin cure time | Fast cure: some systems reopen within 2–24 hrs |
| UV Stability | Needs UV-stable topcoat in sunny/exposed areas | Excellent (no topical resin) | Excellent; ideal for exterior exposure |
| Chemical Resistance | Strong; upgradeable with high-build/mortar | Good housekeeping needed; add guard as specified | Excellent; favoured for F&B, parkades, retail |
| Design Options | Solid colours, flake blends, metallic effects, line markings | Matte to mirror sheen, aggregate exposure control | Clear or pigmented, textures, high-gloss protection |
| Best Use Cases | Garages, shops, retail, labs, clinics | Retail, restaurants, lobbies, warehouses | Ramps, outdoor aprons, fast-turn projects |
| Budget (Installed) | $$ — strong value, scalable to heavy duty | $$ — low lifecycle cost, minimal consumables | $$$ — higher material cost, saves downtime |
Built for BC: Testing, Prep & Details That Decide Longevity
Longevity is won or lost before the first coat goes down. Our Lower Mainland installations follow a process designed for damp climates and busy facilities:
- Moisture assessment: we can perform in-slab RH (ASTM F2170) or equivalent testing to identify vapor drive.
- Mechanical profile: diamond grinding or shot-blast for a clean, roughened surface. We don’t acid-etch.
- Repairs done right: crack chasing, joint rebuild, patching, and levelling for a smooth, consistent finish.
- System specification: primers, base coats, decorative layers, and topcoats chosen for your traffic, chemistry and light exposure.
- Handover plan: you’ll get the cure schedule in writing—who can walk, when vehicles can park, and how to clean on week one.
Pricing Guide for Vancouver & BC (2025 Ballpark)
Every slab and scope is different, but these ranges help with planning. Your written quote will reflect actual prep, repairs, square footage and finish selection.
- Epoxy (solid / flake / selected metallic): typically $8–$20 / sq ft with high-build and specialty effects higher.
- Polished Concrete: typically $7–$18 / sq ft depending on grind level, densifier steps and desired sheen.
- Urethane / Polyaspartic: typically $16–$28 / sq ft based on build, texture and cure speed.
Example: A 450 sq ft two-car garage in North Vancouver might price at $5,400–$9,000 for a decorative flake epoxy, while a fast-turn urethane/polyaspartic system could run $7,200–$12,600 depending on prep and product selection.
Maintenance That Protects Your Investment
- Keep grit out: entrance mats and quick sweeping reduce abrasion on coatings and preserve polish.
- Clean smart: use pH-neutral cleaners for routine mopping; avoid harsh solvents unless specified.
- Spot re-coats: refresh high-wear lanes every 5–10 years depending on traffic and environment.
- Polish upkeep: burnish or re-polish as needed to restore sheen in retail and lobby settings.
- Seasonal checks: look at door thresholds and ramps after winter to plan small, low-cost touch-ups.
Fast Decision Guide
- Pick Epoxy if you want maximum design control and strong durability for garages, shops and retail—great value in most residential and light commercial spaces.
- Pick Polished Concrete if you want a natural, modern aesthetic with low lifecycle cost for retail, restaurants, lobbies and warehouses.
- Pick Urethane / Polyaspartic if fast reopening, UV stability and heavy abrasion resistance are top priorities (ramps, aprons, parkades, F&B).
Serving Vancouver & all BC: Homeowners in Kitsilano, Dunbar and Mount Pleasant; strata parkades in Downtown Vancouver and Coal Harbour; retailers in Burnaby and Metrotown; restaurants in Richmond and Steveston; auto bays in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam; industrial floors in Delta and Surrey; hospitality and healthcare across the North Shore, Tri-Cities, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan.
FAQ—Answers for Vancouver & BC Property Owners
Will my new floor be slippery when wet?
We tune traction to your space. Epoxy and urethane can include non-slip aggregates, and polished concrete can be finished to target friction levels. Exterior ramps typically get a light texture for all-weather confidence.
How do you prevent peeling and bubbles?
Peeling and bubbles are usually moisture or contamination issues. We mechanically profile the slab, test for vapor, repair defects, and select primers/topcoats fit to the site conditions.
How quickly can I use the space again?
Urethane/polyaspartic systems can reopen in 2–24 hours depending on temperature and build; epoxy generally allows light traffic after 24–72 hours; polished concrete has no resin cure and can often be phased to keep areas open.
Do you provide a warranty?
Yes—your quote includes workmanship terms and product warranty information matched to your system and use case.
Next Steps—Get a Plan & Price You Can Trust
- Book a free, on-site assessment anywhere in Metro Vancouver or BC.
- Receive a written scope detailing prep, repairs, product build, cure times and maintenance.
- Choose the finish that fits your budget, timeline and long-term goals.
Want inspiration and technical details? Explore: Garage Epoxy • Polished Concrete • Urethane/Polyaspartic
Priority One Epoxy Flooring — #120 – 11300 River Road, Richmond, B.C V6X 1Z5 • Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM • Sat 9AM–5PM • Sun CLOSED • Serving Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam and all BC.
