THE HONEST VERDICT
For basements, garages, sunrooms, mudrooms and patios, epoxy is the only one of the two that belongs there at all.
Flooring guide
EPOXY VS HARDWOOD
These two rarely compete for the same room. Hardwood belongs in conditioned living space; epoxy belongs anywhere concrete, water or weight is involved.
| Epoxy | Hardwood | |
|---|---|---|
| Below grade | Yes | No |
| Water | Sealed and waterproof | Cups, swells, delaminates |
| Refinishing | Recoat the top layer | Sand and refinish |
| Pets & claws | No scratching concern | Scratches show |
| Cost | $4–$12 / sq ft | $8–$18 / sq ft |
Below grade
Epoxy: Yes
Hardwood: No
Water
Epoxy: Sealed and waterproof
Hardwood: Cups, swells, delaminates
Refinishing
Epoxy: Recoat the top layer
Hardwood: Sand and refinish
Pets & claws
Epoxy: No scratching concern
Hardwood: Scratches show
Cost
Epoxy: $4–$12 / sq ft
Hardwood: $8–$18 / sq ft
WHEN HARDWOOD IS THE RIGHT CALL
Pick hardwood for main-floor living rooms, hallways and bedrooms.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Can epoxy look like wood?
- It can be poured in warm wood-toned metallics, but it reads as stone or metal movement rather than plank grain. Most clients who want warmth choose a soft marble or a copper-toned metallic.
- Can epoxy go over a wood subfloor?
- Sometimes, with the right primer and a stiff, well-fastened substrate. We inspect deflection before committing — a springy floor cracks any rigid coating.
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