Why Commercial Floors Are Coated
Commercial floors take heavy traffic, spills, cleaning chemicals, and sometimes forklifts or rolling carts. Bare concrete is porous, so it holds grease, odors, and bacteria and wears unevenly. A seamless coating gives the floor a sealed, cleanable surface with no grout lines or open seams where dirt can collect.
Biloxi has a lot of businesses with these needs: restaurants and seafood kitchens, hotels and casino-area hospitality, retail units, boat and marine storage, and warehouses. Each has different demands, so the right coating is not the same for all of them.
- Restaurant kitchens generally need floors that are smooth, non-absorbent, and easy to clean. Check the current requirements with the Mississippi State Department of Health and your local inspector.
- Urethane cement is a common choice for hot, wet kitchens. Standard epoxy suits dry areas, storage, and retail.
- Slip resistance matters as much as cleanability in wet areas.
- Project length depends on the system, the size of the space, and how much prep is needed.
Coating Systems for Commercial Use
| System | Where it is used | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard epoxy | Retail floors, storage, back-of-house areas, showrooms | Cost-effective and durable in dry areas. Can scuff or discolor under heavy wear or strong sun. |
| Urethane cement | Commercial kitchens, food prep, breweries, wet areas | Handles hot water, thermal shock, and frequent washdowns. Higher cost. |
| Polyaspartic | Entryways, sun-exposed areas, fast turnaround jobs | Cures quickly and resists UV yellowing. |
| Metallic / decorative epoxy | Lobbies, showrooms, bars, retail | Seamless, decorative finish with a high-end look. |
| Chemical-resistant epoxy or novolac | Industrial, auto shops, battery rooms, marine | Formulated for acids, fuels, and solvents. |
Restaurant and Commercial Kitchen Floors
Kitchen floors face grease, hot water, steam, and constant cleaning. Tile and grout often fail in these spaces, because grout lines absorb moisture and can harbor bacteria. A seamless coating removes those joints.
- Thermal shock. Pouring boiling water on a standard epoxy floor can cause it to delaminate. Urethane cement is designed to handle these temperature swings.
- Slip resistance. A textured finish, often created with an aggregate broadcast, helps prevent falls when floors are wet or greasy.
- Coved edges. Many kitchens use a cove base, where the coating curves up the wall, so there is no corner for debris to collect.
- Drains and slope. The coating has to work with existing floor drains and slopes so water does not pool.
- Health code. Food-service floors generally need to be smooth, non-absorbent, and easy to clean. Confirm requirements with the local health department.
Hospitality, Retail, and Showrooms
Lobbies, bars, boutiques, and showrooms often choose decorative coatings: metallic epoxy, colored quartz, or polished-looking finishes. These floors are chosen for looks as well as durability. Slip resistance still needs attention in entrances, where rain and tracked-in water are common on the coast.
Industrial, Marine, and Warehouse Floors
Warehouses, auto shops, boat storage, and fabrication areas need floors that resist impact, fuel, oils, and abrasion from carts and forklifts. Chemical-resistant epoxy or novolac systems are used where harsher exposures are expected. Coastal humidity and salt can add to wear on bare concrete, so sealing the slab helps keep moisture and chlorides out.
Planning a Commercial Floor Project
- Define the use. Note the traffic, temperatures, chemicals, and cleaning methods the floor will see.
- Inspect and test the slab. Check for cracks, spalling, old coatings, contamination, and moisture. Slabs near the coast can transmit moisture that causes bubbling.
- Choose the system. Match the coating to the exposure, as above.
- Schedule around the business. Many commercial jobs are done after hours, over a weekend, or in phases. Ask about cure times and when the floor can be used.
- Plan for ventilation and odor. Some coatings give off strong fumes during installation.
What Affects Commercial Floor Pricing?
- Total square footage, since larger jobs usually cost less per square foot
- The coating system, from basic epoxy to urethane cement
- Condition of the concrete and any repairs or old-coating removal
- Moisture mitigation
- Cove base, drains, and detail work
- After-hours scheduling and access
Commercial prices vary widely. Request written quotes that spell out the system, thickness, and warranty.
Questions to Ask a Commercial Installer
- Which system do you recommend for my space and why?
- How do you test and treat moisture in the slab?
- How will the floor handle my cleaning routine, hot water, or chemicals?
- What slip-resistance rating or texture will the finish have?
- How long will the space be out of service?
- What does the warranty cover, and are you licensed and insured in Mississippi?
Frequently Asked Questions
What floor coating is best for a restaurant kitchen?
Urethane cement is widely used in commercial kitchens because it tolerates hot water, thermal shock, and frequent washdowns better than standard epoxy.
Can a commercial floor be coated while the business stays open?
Often it can be done in phases or after hours. Fast-curing systems shorten downtime, but the schedule depends on the system and the space.
How much does commercial epoxy flooring cost per square foot?
Commercial coatings vary widely, often from a few dollars per square foot for basic epoxy to considerably more for urethane cement systems. Written quotes are the reliable guide.
Is epoxy slippery when wet?
A smooth, glossy coating can be slippery. Installers add texture with aggregate or anti-slip additives to improve traction in wet areas.
How long does a commercial epoxy floor last?
With proper prep and a system matched to the use, commercial floors commonly last for many years. Heavy traffic, harsh chemicals, and moisture problems shorten the life.
Do I need to remove an old floor before coating?
Concrete is usually ground and coated directly. Tile, vinyl, or failing coatings generally have to be removed first. An installer can advise after inspecting the floor.
See also: garage floor coatings and patio and pool deck coatings.