Resin flooring costs can vary hugely, depending on the supplier, type of product and the application it is required for — we spoke to the experts to bring you all the information you need
(Image credit: Sphere8)
The topic of resin flooring costs can be a rather confusing one as there are so many variables that can affect it — which is why we headed straight to the experts on the subject to get some clarification.
Resin is a beautiful option when it comes to types of flooring, holding many advantages over other materials for owners of both traditional and contemporary properties alike.
Resin floors are extremely durable and long lasting, available in an enormous range of colours, patterns and effects and low maintenance — which is why they are often seen in industrial settings. However, the range of designs, along with all their benefits means that they are now often being selected by homeowners, particularly as an alternative to poured a concrete floor.
Here, we take a look at the different types of resin flooring available and what you can expect to pay if you decide this is the right choice for you.
Which factors affect resin flooring costs?
As with so many things related to building or renovating a house, there are a number of factors that will affect what you end up paying for your resin floor — making it hard to provide an exact figure.
For one thing, just as there are many types of wood flooring, there are several different types of resin floor available.
"Our company offer a variety of floor systems which allows us to cater to people's specific floor requirements, for example slip ratings, impact sound reduction and hygiene ratings," explains Isabel Dennis from Sphere8. "These various requirements mean that different systems recommended, with each system having a slight variation in price."
Although there are different types of resin flooring, in general they are made from synthetic materials, such as epoxy and polyurethane. That said, there are now some manufacturers offering resins that use natural materials. Resin flooring is poured on site and results in a super level finish.
In general, resin flooring comes in three different forms:
PMMA: PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), is a synthetic resin. It is basically the same substance used in products such as perspex and falls into the category of thermoplastic resins. It is very quick to install thanks to its fast curing times and can be customised to be slip resistant. In addition, is it easier to repair if damaged than some other resins. It is also the most expensive type of resin floor.
Polyurethane (PU): This type of resin flooring is know for its resistance to high temperatures and is great at absorbing impact. On the downside, they take far longer to cure than PMMA.
Epoxy: This is one of the strongest types of resin and also the most commonly used. However, it also takes the longest to cure (up to 10 days).
Petrochemical-free resin: Certain manufacturers, such as Sphere8, are now producing more environmentally friendly, natural products. For example, Sphere8 floors are made from environmentally-sustainable, natural biopolymers that release no harmful emissions and are free from harmful solvents and impurities.
Poured resin floors, such as this from Sphere8, are perfect for contemporary interior schemes. (Image credit: Sphere8)
What are the benefits of resin flooring?
While resin flooring is certainly not one of the cheapest options out there (it tends to be on a par with polished concrete) for homeowners choosing a new floor, it holds many advantages over other flooring materials.
It is waterproof, easy-to-clean and maintain, can be specified to be anti-slip and is compatible with the majority of underfloor heating systems. It is also highly durable and won't crack, warp or fade over time. In addition, it is warm and soft underfoot and available in colours, textures and designs to suit all interior schemes.
"In comparison to tiles, having a resin floor means you avoid the staining of grout lines and the accumulation of dirt," adds Isabel Dennis. "Also, the seamless surface makes a space appear larger and more ‘open’.
"In comparison to poured concrete, our resin does not crack and so therefore doesn’t normally require movement/expansion joints," continues Isabel. "Moreover, we use bio-polymer resins made from castor beans which makes for a more environmentally friendly product."
Poured resin floors come in all kinds of colours. Sphere8's products use bio-polymer resins. (Image credit: Sphere8)
How much does resin flooring cost?
While resin flooring definitely doesn't fall into the category of cheap flooring ideas, neither is it the most expensive option out there.
"The overall price gets cheaper per m2 the larger area of floor you have," explains Isabel Dennis — this is similar for other types of flooring such as poured concrete.
"Our lowest cost system is the EconoSphere system, with prices averaging £80 - £100 per m2 of flooring," continues Isabel. "The main reason for the EconoSphere system having the lowest cost is because it has a reduced build-up, and therefore also has a quicker installation time. EconoSphere is mostly used in commercial environments where time limitations and tight budgets need the most cost-effective option."
So how about the options for residential settings?
"For the rest of our systems, there is a larger build-up and so installation times increase, and more resources are used, hence the price starts to go up," explains Isabel. "Most of our clients (residential and commercial) choose our systems that average between £130 - £160 per m2 , with the following factors driving the price up:
If anti-slip grip coatings are required
Having a poor quality subfloor
If the client has underfloor heating, an additional fibreglass base coat is required to prevent cracking from the underfloor heating causing expansion and contraction of the subfloor.
"Our highest costing system is our BrecciaSphere system with the price averaging £270 - £350 per m2. This is often chosen by our clients for its close resemblance to concrete terrazzo and excellent durability," says Isabel.
Warm underfoot and compatible with most UFH systems, it is easy to see why resin flooring is becoming increasingly popular. (Image credit: Sphere8)
How can you reduce the cost of resin flooring?
If you have been left worried that your budget won't stretch to a resin floor, there are ways to keep costs lower, as well as alternatives to consider.
Isabel Dennis has a few tips on how to reduce the cost of poured resin floors:
Laying onto sand/cement screed subfloor is best
Not having underfloor heating
Having a project with a larger area will have a larger overall cost, however the price per m2 will decrease.
And finally, if you decide that you would like something a little lower in price but love the appearance of poured resin, you could consider rubber flooring that is sold in rolls, as tiles with interlocking edges or as straight edged tiles.
While it is not as durable as poured resin, being prone to scratches and dents and can fade when exposed to sunlight, it does come with a lower price tag — around £40-£65/m2 for rubber floor tiles.
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Natasha is Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and has been a member of the team for over two decades. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she has written for a number of homes titles. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project. She is now looking for her next project — something which is proving far harder than she thought it would be.
