Contrary to what many think, an epoxy coating works great on wood. Of course, polyurethane is more flexible than epoxy, but with an epoxy coating, the total layer thickness is limited, which limits the difference in flexibility.
Think about how this is like a thin elastic band. When you try to pull on a thin elastic band, it breaks quickly.
When the elastic is thicker, this difference is clear. This is also the case with a polyurethane-cast floor, which is less flexible than an epoxy-cast floor because it has thicker layers.
Also, epoxy coating for wooden floors is better than polyurethane coating in a few ways. For instance, the time it takes to process each package is now 1.5 hours instead of +/- 20 minutes.
It’s also a little bit more opaque, and it’s very easy to apply without streaks when you layer it.
The wood coating can be used in many ways. Do you want to know which finish on wood will work for your project?
Polyurethane vs epoxy resin casting for wood floor
If you want a cast floor, pick one made of polyurethane or epoxy resin.
Both epoxy and polyurethane floors have pros and cons that make epoxy floors more common in businesses and polyurethane floors more common in private homes.
The choice is ultimately up to you, and an epoxy-cast floor may be a better choice for your home in some situations.
So, we’ve put together a list of everything you need to know about these two types of synthetic resin so you can make an informed choice.
The differences between a polyurethane resin and epoxy-cast floor
There are a few differences between these two types of synthetic resin, affecting how both floors look and feel.
People often say that polyurethane is warm, soft, flexible, and quiet, while they say that epoxy resin is cold, hard, stiff, and loud.
Epoxy floors are solid and can handle heavy loads without any problems. They are also resistant to all kinds of harmful substances.
Polyurethane floors are completely waterproof but don’t protect against acids and other harmful things. Since they are soft and stretchy, they are not as good for carrying heavy things.
Because of this, they don’t make much contact noise, which can be a problem on an epoxy-cast floor. Epoxy floors feel cold, and polyurethane resin floors feel warm.
When do you choose polyurethane resin?
So it shouldn’t be surprising that polyurethane resin is used more in homes. Because it can stretch and shrink, it is a great material for underfloor heating. Less contact noise is a big benefit inside or in an apartment complex.
If you have kids, they probably spend a lot of time playing on the floor, so it’s nice that it’s warm. They also have a softer fall than a floor made of epoxy cast.
In theory, polyurethane resin can be used anywhere in the house. However, there are times when epoxy is better.
People like PU or polyurethane wood coating because it has a high gloss level, is resistant to UV light, and is flexible.
Polyurethane can be used to work with wood, and it can also be used to fill small cracks. Polyurethane can protect the wood and make it look nice because it can be mixed with any color.
You also have a lot of options for how to finish it. Satin, high gloss, or matte are just a few choices. It costs more than epoxy.
When do you choose epoxy?
Epoxy-cast floors are better where oils, acids, and chemicals are often spilled.
That could be in your garage or your kitchen, for example. Epoxy is what some people like to use in the bathroom. Epoxy is also better for places like your garage or workshop where the floor will be used.
Your floor won’t get damaged by leaks from the car, the weight of the car, or dropping tools. In theory, an epoxy-poured floor can be used in any situation where it shouldn’t be able to stretch and shrink.
However, it’s cold, hard, and noisy, so it’s not the best choice for private use. Not all surfaces are suitable, but you can try Flexible Epoxy For Wood Floors.
Epoxy is a great way to protect, preserve, or fix wood floors. It can be applied on clear or with a color. Epoxy coating is known for being scratch- and wear-resistant and resistant to chemicals.
Epoxy coating for wood is very hard and is often used to waterproof wood. Epoxy isn’t as good for use outside because the coating isn’t resistant to UV light. This might be able to be fixed with a top layer that is resistant to UV light.
Floor casting on wood, is that possible?
Do you have a wooden floor and aren’t sure if you can put a cast floor on top of it? Before putting in a cast floor, the surface needs to be completely level. Most of the time, this is not something a wooden floor does.
When putting a cast floor on wood, it’s important to do some prep work first. Also, it is detailed work that requires the right skills and knowledge.
Options with a wooden surface
You could get rid of the wood subfloor in your home. After that, the surface can be made ready by making it level.
But this isn’t always the best way to move forward. For example, in older homes, the wood subfloor is the main part of the building. In that case, the wooden structure that holds it up stays where it is.
Then, we process these in a way that lets us make a cast floor on wood.
Preparation
Check the floor first for loose plank pieces if the wooden frame is still in place. Check the quality and condition of the structure that holds it up. If any parts of the floor are loose or in bad shape, you should replace them.
There are gaps between the floorboards, which you can fill with polyurethane foam or acrylic sealant. Installing a floor that absorbs sound is also something you should do.
This is because a wood subfloor usually makes a lot of noise, which can be annoying. It is easy to avoid contact noise when putting a cast floor on wood.
Putting in a floating screed will take care of that. As Fermacell plates, MDF, or Multiplex, for example.
Leveling floor
Level the surface after you’ve filled the cracks, and maybe put down the floating screed. The thinnest part of the leveling floor is only a few millimeters thick.
Not only does equalization matter, but so do other things. Cracks can’t happen because of how flexible it is. After doing all these things, you can put a PU cast floor on wood.
Disadvantages
Cast floors are not the best thing to put directly on the wood. So, one of the problems is that the process takes a lot of work. It’s not impossible, but the prep work takes more time.
Noise is another problem, but you can get rid of that by choosing a layer that absorbs sound. This event has a benefit in terms of how well it keeps heat in, which means your energy bill will be lower.
Which type of resin is best for you?
In the end, it’s up to you to decide. The only time you really can’t use an epoxy floor is if you have underfloor heating.
Aside from that, you can look at the pros and cons of both materials and decide that way. A professional can also tell you the pros and cons of a polyurethane cast floor and an epoxy cast floor.
You will always make the best choice if you know as much as possible.
Final Thought
Epoxy is more rigid and sticks better than polyurethane, which makes it better for harder surfaces.
Even though polyurethanes aren’t as strong as epoxies, they usually last longer on surfaces like wood and are, therefore, the better choice.
A polyurethane coating can be used for many different things. The coating makes floors waterproof, seamless, durable, and resistant to dirt.
Because of these qualities, this type of coating can be used in a wide range of places, including public buildings, shops, offices, and homes.