03 Jun Thinking of Epoxying Your Wood Floors? Read This First
Concrete epoxy flooring has long been the go-to solution for commercial spaces and garages in in San Diego, but a rising trend has people asking: Can you epoxy wood floors too?
If you’re tempted by the idea of applying a glossy, durable epoxy coat over wood—whether it’s in your living room, hallway, or commercial venue—there are a few critical things you need to understand before diving in.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether it’s possible, the pros and cons, alternatives you might consider, and when to opt for true concrete epoxy flooring instead.
For expert assistance, Pristine Coatings offers consultations and installations tailored to your space—whether it’s wood, concrete, or something in between.
Can You Put Epoxy Over Wood Floors?
Technically, yes—you can apply epoxy over wood floors, but it’s not as straightforward as it is on concrete. The biggest concern is movement. Wood is a flexible, expanding, and contracting material. Epoxy is rigid.
When wood naturally swells or contracts due to humidity and temperature changes (common in San Diego), it can cause the epoxy layer to crack, delaminate, or peel.
The Challenges of Epoxying Wood
⚠️ Challenge | ❌ Impact |
Wood Movement | Cracking, lifting, and peeling of epoxy |
Surface Porosity | Uneven bonding, bubbles, or air pockets |
Moisture Retention | Risk of delamination and fungal growth |
Structural Instability | Unstable flooring leads to epoxy failure |
Is Epoxy Ever Suitable for Wood?
In some cases, epoxy coatings are used as a sealant or finish for wooden bar tops, counters, or small craft projects—not large-scale flooring. These projects involve a special type of epoxy resin, different from industrial concrete epoxy flooring used in garages or warehouses.
If you’re set on using epoxy with wood floors:
- Use marine-grade or flexible epoxy systems
- Ensure the wood is fully cured and sealed
- Apply over plywood or engineered subfloors (not hardwood planks)
- Expect to re-coat or replace within a few years
For longer-term, high-performance flooring, San Diego property owners are better off transitioning to concrete-based solutions—a specialty of Pristine Coatings.
Why Concrete Epoxy Flooring is the Better Choice
Concrete epoxy flooring remains the most reliable, durable, and cost-effective flooring system for high-traffic areas.
If your space includes a wood floor but you’re dreaming of that epoxy aesthetic and performance, you might consider:
🔨 Removing the Wood
Remove existing hardwood or laminate, and refinish the concrete slab beneath with epoxy. This opens the door to garage floor epoxy coatings or decorative finishes in your residential or commercial space.
🧼 Concrete Resurfacing and Polishing
If your concrete slab is intact, consider concrete polishing for a sleek, industrial look. Polished concrete provides a glossy finish, similar to epoxy, with lower upfront costs and fewer complications.
🏢 Commercial Considerations
In commercial settings, epoxy over wood is rarely recommended. Instead, we offer tailored commercial epoxy flooring solutions built to withstand forklift traffic, foot traffic, spills, and more.
What If I Really Want a Glossy Floor?
If you’re aiming for that high-gloss designer aesthetic but have wood floors, alternatives to epoxy include:
- Water-based polyurethane: More flexible than epoxy, ideal for wood
- Engineered hardwood with high-gloss finish
- Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) that mimic polished concrete
- Stained concrete with epoxy clear coats
Still not sure? Our expert team at Pristine Coatings is happy to help you assess your floor and make a recommendation based on material, durability, and style.
Flooring Comparison: Epoxy vs Other Finishes
Flooring Type | Best For | Lifespan | Maintenance | Suitable for Wood? |
Epoxy (Concrete) | Garages, Commercial, Warehouses | 10–20 yrs | Low | ❌ |
Epoxy (Wood) | Small projects, bar tops | 1–5 yrs | Medium-High | ✅ (Limited) |
Polished Concrete | Retail, Modern Homes | 15–25 yrs | Low | ❌ |
Polyurethane (Wood) | Residential Wood Floors | 5–10 yrs | Medium | ✅ |
LVT or Vinyl Plank | Budget Projects | 10–15 yrs | Low | ✅ |
Why San Diego Homeowners Are Choosing Epoxy (For Concrete)
In warm, coastal climates like San Diego, epoxy over concrete is far more popular and practical than on wood.
🌞 Climate-Resistant
Epoxy holds up to moisture, humidity, and spills—ideal for garages, pool decks, or indoor-outdoor living spaces.
🏡 Property Value
A professionally finished epoxy garage or showroom floor adds appeal to your home or business, which is a big plus in San Diego’s competitive market.
💪 High Performance
Whether it’s your garage, commercial shop, or pickleball court, epoxy delivers top-notch resistance to scratches, chemicals, and impact.
Real-World Case: From Wood to Epoxy
A local San Diego client wanted to upgrade their aging hardwood garage floor. After consultation, we removed the planks, polished the concrete, and installed our high-grade garage epoxy system. The result? A sleek, spill-proof, and zero-maintenance floor.
Check out our recent transformations in the Pristine Coatings blog and get inspired.
Final Verdict: Should You Epoxy Over Wood?
If you’re considering epoxy for wood floors, it’s essential to weigh the risks. While it’s technically possible in some instances, it often leads to more problems than benefits. A better path for durability, style, and cost-efficiency? Choose concrete epoxy flooring.
Ready to take the next step? Pristine Coatings is here to guide you.
📞 Get a Free Quote Today
Whether you’re looking to restore, replace, or upgrade your floors, we’ve got you covered.
- Explore garage floor epoxy
- Discover modern concrete polishing
- Learn about custom pickleball court surfaces
- Browse the full blog for ideas and maintenance tips
👉 Contact us for a free consultation. Let us help you transform your space—without the guesswork.