Combine strength and beauty to create flooring that rocks your interior
Pebble stone epoxy flooring is durable, water resistant, and low maintenance.
This versatile flooring can be installed indoors or out.
Installation takes four to six days, and can include exposure to chemical fumes.
If you would like to incorporate natural stone in your home, there are many great flooring options to choose from. While there are sophisticated stones like travertine and marble, there is also a different option if you are more interested in a down-to-earth and wallet-friendly solution: epoxy stone flooring. Whether you are DIYing or calling in a pro, epoxy stone flooring (interchangeably called epoxy pebble flooring) makes a great choice for many reasons.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance way to incorporate natural elements into your home, you may want to consider epoxy stone flooring. This flooring blends natural stones and epoxy, with the epoxy working as a durable glue to hold and seal it all together. It showcases the natural beauty of stone and readily installs in many areas of the home, both in and out of doors.
You can install stone epoxy flooring over existing flooring. While most people opt to install it on concrete, you can also install it on plywood subfloors. It is a great choice if your subfloor or concrete is damaged because the small pebbles fill any cracks, though you will still need to repair any major damage before installation. Nevertheless, this type of flooring can save you on the costs of replacing the subfloor.
Epoxy stone flooring is not the only epoxy option when it comes to floors. Standard epoxy floors do not have stone or pebbles and are made in a wide range of colors, including metallics, and have a smooth surface. You also have options like epoxy paint or epoxy floor coverings for a variety of customizations that go beyond what you will find with linoleum and hardwood.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Moisture resistant | Installation time |
| Durable | Chemical fumes during installation |
| Low maintenance | Slippery when wet |
| Cost effective |
Epoxy stone flooring works well for driveways and walkways, where it adds a touch of elegance to a natural material. But its versatility extends to the indoors, too. Here are some of its benefits and advantages over other types of flooring, indoors and out.
Epoxy creates a moisture resistant surface that is good for pool areas, patios, driveways, and walkways. It is also ideal for garages and basements. If you are installing epoxy pebble flooring outside, there are UV-rated and weatherproof epoxies that offer higher durability. The UV protection helps to ensure the flooring will maintain its original bright colors.
And because it is moisture resistant, you do not have to worry about water pooling on the surface, which can lead to mold and other types of damage.
If installed properly, the epoxy stone flooring can last for years with high resistance to mold. In general, this type of flooring will last longer than carpet and tile. Unlike carpet and tile, epoxy stone flooring can withstand worst-case scenarios that involve chemical or oil spills, high heat, and extreme temperature changes.
Epoxy stone flooring is nonporous, so you do not have to worry about liquids seeping into its surface, causing mold or discoloration. Additionally, loose stones and chipped areas are easily fixed with an epoxy repair kit.
However, epoxy flooring can be damaged by dropping heavy objects. An impact can break the seal and create large cracks, requiring the replacement of large portions of the epoxied area.
Installing stone epoxy flooring costs $3 to $7 per square foot, including materials and labor. In comparison, carpet installation costs fall between $3 to $11 per square foot, with tile running between $15 to $20 per square foot. It is comparable to either, and even at the high end of epoxy flooring costs, can save money over more expensive carpets and tile options.
Although there are many great reasons to choose epoxy pebble flooring for your home and property, it is not the best fit for every situation. Consider these disadvantages when weighing your possibilities.
The installation time for this type of flooring varies depending on the location of the project, whether indoors or outdoors. Either location typically takes two to six days and, during that time, you cannot use the epoxied area. Many people, however, find the investment of time and money to be worthwhile.
The fumes from liquid epoxy and partially-cured epoxy can cause respiratory issues, and you should never inhale epoxy dust that is present during the curing process. Consequently, if you are doing the installation yourself, you need to use proper safety equipment to avoid inhaling these harmful fumes.
The best practices for installation include allowing the floor to properly cure for 24 to 72 hours and doing a thorough cleaning after the curing process. While the floor cures, avoid the area and ventilate well if it is indoors. The good news is that, once the floor is cured, you do not have to worry about chemical fumes or toxicity.
If you are susceptible to chemical fumes, consider hiring a professional flooring installer or explore other floor covering options.
Epoxy flooring can be slippery when wet, but pebble/stone epoxy flooring tends to be more slip-resistant than other types. The pebbles or stones naturally offer a better grip. Plus, you can opt for a non-slip additive for improved grip in slick places like poolside, walkways, and driveways.
In general, the materials for epoxy stone floor installation cost between $1 to $2 per square foot, with the total costs, including labor, falling between $3 to $7 per square foot. Additional factors, such as a difficult-to-reach location or a more expensive pebble or stone, may drive up the price. Check with a local contractor in your area, as labor and material costs can vary by location.
Installation takes some time, but it is DIY-able if you have some experience.
Clean the installation surface: This type of floor can work over a concrete or plywood subfloor, but either will need a thorough cleaning before installation. In some cases, that could mean scraping the floor to remove adhesive, and in others it could mean pressure washing the area. The area must be free of debris, adhesives, oils, chemicals, and any other substance that could interact with the epoxy.
Prime the installation surface: Both concrete and plywood subfloors require a primer to seal and waterproof the surface. Check the epoxy manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the primer and epoxy will work together. Let the primer dry before moving to the next step.
Mix the epoxy and stone: Mix the epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions, then mix the stones with the epoxy. Make sure the stones are completely coated before applying them to the installation surface.
Apply the epoxy mix: Pour the mix in small batches and use a trowel to spread the stones evenly across the floor. Watch for bare patches and fill in holes as needed with the epoxy/stone mix.
Let the area dry: Let the area dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. The drying time varies by the climate and location, with outdoor locations requiring a longer drying time. During this time, do not use the area.
Clean the surface: Blow or sweep off the surface to get rid of loose pebbles or dust.
Apply another layer of epoxy: Use a roller to apply another coat of the epoxy over the area (no pebbles unless you want to fill the floor in).
Let the top coat dry: Do not use the area until the top coat has completely dried. The epoxy can take longer to dry in humid climates.
Epoxy stone flooring is fairly low maintenance. You will need to:
Sweep to remove debris and dirt
Clean grease and spills with water, a gentle soap, and a sponge
Use a soft brush to clean any cracks or crevices on the pebbled surface
Use a pressure washer occasionally (outdoor areas only)
An epoxy stone driveway can last 10 to 12 years if installed and maintained properly. The actual lifespan will depend on the quality of the underlying concrete and the amount of foot traffic. You can repair chips or loose rocks with epoxy repair kits, which are available at most home improvement stores or online.
Yes, it is possible to install epoxy stone flooring yourself, although it is a tough job. You will want to prepare properly for the DIY job. Keep in mind that the pebbles are quite heavy, the project will last several days, and you should wear protective gear to avoid inhaling the chemical fumes from the epoxy.
Epoxy flooring is used in many outdoor applications. Pebble epoxy flooring, in particular, is a great choice for most areas like porches, patios, and walkways. It adds visual appeal while adding texture using natural materials. The surface, however, can be slick when wet. Consider adding a non-slip additive if the area gets heavy foot traffic or if you live in a wet climate.
