Choosing a floor coating is a lot like shopping at a flea market. You walk in expecting to find one thing, but then you discover options you didn’t even know existed. Suddenly, you’re debating between a vintage record player and a neon beer sign, unsure which one will really tie the room together. The same thing happens with epoxy flooring. You know you want something durable and good-looking, but then you hear about flake coatings and quartz coatings, and now you’re wondering—which one is better for your space?
Both flake and quartz coatings are fantastic choices, but they serve slightly different purposes. Whether you’re looking for a sleek garage, a safe and slip-resistant patio, or a heavy-duty commercial floor, understanding the differences will help you make the right choice.
Before we get into the details, if you’re already considering a new floor coating, STL Coatings has all the resources to help you decide. Now, let’s break down what makes flake and quartz unique.
What is Flake Flooring?
Flake flooring, also called decorative flake or vinyl flake, consists of tiny chips of acrylic or vinyl mixed into an epoxy base. These flakes come in a variety of colors, giving the floor a textured and visually interesting finish.
The process starts with an epoxy base coat, followed by broadcasting the flakes across the surface. A clear topcoat seals everything in, creating a durable, stain-resistant, and slip-resistant floor.
Flake flooring is popular in garages, basements, patios, and commercial spaces because of its customizability and durability. It’s great for hiding imperfections in the concrete and gives the floor a slightly textured feel without being rough.
What is Quartz Flooring?
Quartz flooring, on the other hand, is a blend of quartz granules mixed into an epoxy or polyaspartic resin. These granules are much smaller and finer than vinyl flakes, giving the floor a more uniform texture.
Quartz floors are extremely strong, slip-resistant, and chemical-resistant, making them a favorite for commercial kitchens, pool decks, locker rooms, hospitals, and high-traffic industrial spaces. The texture is rougher than flake flooring, providing extra grip for wet or high-risk areas.
The process is similar to flake flooring—epoxy is applied, quartz is broadcast, and a topcoat seals it all in—but the final look is more uniform and speckled, rather than the larger, varied flakes of decorative flake flooring.
Key Differences Between Flake and Quartz Flooring
- Appearance
- Flake Flooring – Larger, irregular flakes create a more decorative, random pattern with various color options.
- Quartz Flooring – Smaller, uniform granules create a more even, sand-like texture with subtle color blending.
- Texture
- Flake Flooring – Light texture, enough for slip resistance but still smooth underfoot.
- Quartz Flooring – Coarser texture, designed for maximum slip resistance in wet areas.
- Durability
- Flake Flooring – Strong and impact-resistant, great for garages and home applications.
- Quartz Flooring – Even stronger, designed for industrial and commercial environments.
- Slip Resistance
- Flake Flooring – Provides a good grip but remains comfortable for everyday use.
- Quartz Flooring – Offers superior slip resistance, ideal for areas exposed to water or chemicals.
- Customization
- Flake Flooring – Wide range of color combinations, patterns, and finishes.
- Quartz Flooring – More limited in design but available in subtle, natural tones.
- Cost
- Flake Flooring – More affordable for residential and general commercial use.
- Quartz Flooring – Higher cost due to increased strength and industrial-grade durability.
Which One is Right for You?
Choose Flake Flooring If:
- You want a decorative, stylish floor for your garage, basement, patio, or showroom.
- You like a variety of color options and design choices.
- You need moderate slip resistance without a rough texture.
- You’re looking for a cost-effective way to upgrade your space.
Choose Quartz Flooring If:
- You need maximum slip resistance for wet areas like pool decks, locker rooms, or commercial kitchens.
- You’re in an industrial or high-traffic commercial setting where durability is key.
- You want a uniform, speckled texture rather than a decorative flake look.
- You don’t mind a slightly rougher feel underfoot for extra safety.
A Floor That Fits Your Needs
When it comes to picking the right floor, it’s all about how you plan to use the space. If you’re upgrading your home, a flake floor is a fantastic choice for adding personality and function. If safety and durability are your top concerns, quartz flooring will hold up under pressure.
Either way, both coatings provide a level of protection and longevity that basic concrete can’t compete with. They resist stains, cracking, and wear, making them a long-term investment for any space.
Flooring and the Art of Finding Hidden Gems
Choosing between flake and quartz flooring is a lot like visiting the Wentzville Flea Market. You start out with a rough idea of what you want, but then you see something unexpected that makes you rethink your plan. Maybe you came for a vintage clock but left with a cast iron skillet and a stack of vinyl records. You didn’t know you needed them, but now they’re your new favorite finds.
Floor coatings work the same way. You might walk in thinking you need a simple epoxy floor, but then you realize a flake finish would add just the right touch of personality, or a quartz coating would give you the durability and grip you didn’t even know you needed. If you’re ever in Wentzville and looking for a weekend adventure, the flea market is worth a visit. You never know what you’ll find, and you might just walk away with the perfect addition to your home. Wentzville Flea Market.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose flake or quartz flooring, you’re getting a tough, long-lasting surface that will transform your space. Flake coatings bring a stylish, customizable look with light texture, while quartz coatings provide industrial-grade strength and slip resistance.
The right choice depends on your needs, your budget, and how much wear and tear your floor will see. Either way, you’re getting a floor that’s built to last and easy to maintain.
If you’re ready to explore the best coating for your space, STL Coatings has everything you need to make the right decision. Finding the perfect floor might not be as spontaneous as a flea market treasure hunt, but with the right information, it’s just as satisfying.