When building or renovating your Perth home, there will come a time you need to decide what flooring you want. What ground will you walk over everyday.
As you get out of bed, as you walk to the kitchen and as you get home after a busy day, the team at PM Industries knows that the surface beneath your feet dictates the entire “feel” of your space.
Do you want something warm under your feet, something easy to clean and maintain? There are hundreds of flooring options but it really comes down to what you prioritize.
Another thing to take into consideration is the weather. We live in a climate that is, frankly, pretty brutal.
Between the Perth sun baking our driveways and the salty air drifting off the coast in places like Cottesloe or Fremantle, our building materials have to work twice as hard as they do anywhere else.
If you spend time in your garage or work around a warehouse, you’re probably familiar with the cracked or stained concrete look.
Now, you’ve probably heard of epoxy. But here’s the thing, not all epoxy is created equal.
High-quality epoxy floor isn’t just a coat of paint. It’s a chemical bond that becomes apart of the slab of concrete.
Whether you’re a homeowner tired of tracking dust into the house or simply a manager needing a surface that can withstand heavy machinery, I’m going to walk you through why epoxy is taking over.
Why Epoxy Actually Works in the West
If you have lived in Perth for a while now you know how unique it can be. Our climate is up and down, all over the place.
Our UV rays are brutal, and the costal air can be destructive. Our sandy soil shifts leading to concrete movement, meaning traditional floor paints and cheap sealers just don’t cut it.
These types of floorings don’t work in Perth because they sit on top of the concrete. Epoxy is different.
It’s a two-part thermosetting resin that undergoes a chemical reaction during the curing process.
This reaction creates a cross-linked polymer structure. It’s a fancy way of saying the floor becomes incredibly tough and resistant to impact, chemicals, and heat.
Most importantly it seals the concrete. PM Industries uses a preparation process that grinds away that weak surface layer, allowing the resin to penetrate deep into the pores of the slab.
The Myth of the One-Size-Fits-All Floor
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming epoxy is just one product. It isn’t. Depending on what you’re trying to achieve, the way to get there changes.
For residential garages, the Full Broadcast Flake system is the undisputed king. It’s not just about the aesthetics, it’s about durability.
By broadcasting decorative flakes into a wet base coat until it’s completely saturated, we create a floor that is thicker and provides much needed slip resistance.
If you’re pulling a 4WD into your garage after a trip to the beach, you dont want a floor that turns into a skating rink when it gets wet.
In commercial settings, the requirements shift. You might need high build coatings that can handle the weight of forklifts or chemical-resistant resins for a workshop environment.
It’s worth mentioning that the shiny finish people associate with epoxy can be adjusted. You can go for a high gloss showroom look or a matte finish that hides scratches better in areas that may get scratched up.
Common Questions We Get Asked
How long does it take? Most projects are different but typically, you’re looking at a 2 to 3 day process. Day one is all about prep and the base coat. Day two is for reclaiming the flake and applying the topcoats. You can usually walk on it in socks after 24 hours, but we recommend waiting about 5 to 7 days before parking a heavy vehicle on it to allow for a full chemical cure.
Does it smell? Modern professional resins are much lower in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) than they used to be. While installing the flooring there may be a smell from the chemicals, this is completely normal and the scent will go away after it has cured. Epoxy has come along way from the flooring from 20 years ago.
Can it fix my cracked concrete? Yes and no. Epoxy is great for filling hairline cracks and minor pitting. However, if your slab is physically moving or has a structural heave, the epoxy will eventually reflect that movement. We use specialized epoxy mortars to repair the surface before coating, this makes sure that the finished product is as smooth as possible.
Designing Your Space
A major benefit to epoxy flooring is the unlimited possibilities. You can have the classic epoxy flooring with one bold colour or you can experiment with metallic shades or even flake systems.
- Metallic Epoxies: These use metallic pigments to create a marbled, 3D effect. No two floors are ever the same. They’re popular in retail spaces or modern design man caves if you’re looking for that wow factor.
- Solid Colours: For a clean, industrial look. Great for workshops where you need to find small dropped parts easily.
- The Flake System: The most popular choice for WA homes. This creates a speckled flooring look.
The PM Industries Difference
Why choose us? It’s not just because we have the equipment; it’s because we understand the local conditions. We know about Perth, we know what resins perform best in the humidity of a coastal morning and which ones can handle the heat of an inland summer.
We don’t believe in good enough. We believe in done once, done right. When we take on a project, we’re looking at it through the lens of a decade long lifespan.
We use premium, Australian sourced materials that are designed for our environment.
Moving Forward
Dont just take my word for it. Take a look at your flooring and really consider if you need something foxed or change. Does it make work easier? Does it look the way you want it to?
Whether you’re in Joondalup or Mandurah, we’re here to help you figure out what system makes sense for your specific space and budget. We are open to creating new unique floorings or working off inspiration.
Take a look at the work we do at PM Industries. Get in touch with our team to find our any missing information or details you may be interested in. You’ll see that a floor can be more than just something you walk on, it can be a foundation for everything else you do in your home or business.
Let’s build something that lasts.