1: They are Seamless  

Unlike traditional flooring choices or quarry tile which is common in commercial kitchens, epoxy and urethane cement floors are completely seamless.  They are poured on to the floor and spread across the surface.  There are no seams, grout lines or gaps that can get dirty or grow mold and mildew over time.  The materials are also somewhat flexible and can handle minor surface movement without the worry of cracks developing as is common with quarry tile.

2:  They are Anti-microbial

Not only does the surface not have the typical gaps, voids and grout lines where mold, mildew, and bacterial can be a problem, but the material itself is manufactured with anti-microbial additives so no part of the surface is conducive to bacteria growth.  This makes it ideal for kitchens where cleanliness is of the utmost importance.

3. They can be Installed with Integral Cove

Both epoxy and urethane cement can be used to build integral cove.  As the floor is constructed, the individual coats chemically bond to one another.  When integral cove is formed and subsequently coated in the install process, it becomes a part of the floor.  There are no gaps or voids where mold, mildew or bacterial can grow as there is a smooth transition from the floor to the wall.  Integral cove makes cleaning the edges of the floor easier.  It also meets the strictest standards of health departments for food production facilities.

4. They are Slip-Resistant

Hard surfaces are typically slippery, especially when they are wet.  Commercial kitchens often have wet floors.  Whether it is from the dishwashers, or the constant mopping necessary to keep things clean, water is almost always present.  Epoxy floors or urethane cement floors can be installed with aggregate to create a non-slip surface.  The top-coat thickness can also be adjusted, as well as the size of the aggregate leaving more or less texture in the surface to suit the environment where the coating is being installed.  According to the National Flooring Safety Institute, 1 million people slip and go to the emergency room every year. Slip-resistant floors prevent worker injuries and keep employees safe.

5. They are Durable

Commercial kitchens are one of the most abusive environments for flooring. Whether it is the high traffic, constant mopping, hot grease, animal fats, or cleaning chemicals both epoxy and urethane cement floor can handle it.  Both floor systems use a decorative quartz additive making them extremely hard, difficult to scratch, and extremely long lasting.  Most traditional flooring types have a finite lifespan before they will have to be replaced.  An epoxy or urethane cement application can last indefinitely with the proper care.

If you are considering flooring options for your new commercial kitchen, or considering replacing worn traditional flooring, we would be happy to talk with you about an epoxy or urethane cement application to find out which may be right for you.  Contact us today.  (425) 586-0706