Flake Epoxy Floors in Markham & GTA: The Complete Guide for Homeowners
- SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring
- 11 hours ago
- 10 min read
Published by SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring | Serving the Greater Toronto Area
Summary: Thinking about flake epoxy flooring for your Markham garage, basement, or commercial space? This guide covers everything you need to know — what flake epoxy is, the pros and cons, how long it lasts, what it costs in the GTA, and answers to the most common questions homeowners ask before booking an install. SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring serves Markham and all of the Greater Toronto Area with professional, long-lasting flake epoxy systems.
If you've been researching garage or basement flooring upgrades in Markham, there's a good chance you've come across flake epoxy floors. They're everywhere — showrooms, garages, gyms, and commercial spaces across the GTA — and for good reason. They look incredible, they're tough as nails, and when installed properly, they last for years.
But not all epoxy floors are created equal. In this guide, we'll break down everything Markham homeowners need to know about flake epoxy flooring, from how it works to what it costs, so you can make the right decision for your home.
What Is a Flake Epoxy Floor?
Flake epoxy floors — also commonly called epoxy chip floors, broadcast flake systems, or simply chip floors — are a multi-layer floor coating system where decorative vinyl flakes (chips) are broadcast into a wet epoxy base coat. Once the base coat cures, the excess flakes are scraped off, the surface is sealed with a clear topcoat (usually a polyaspartic or urethane), and you're left with a seamless, textured, incredibly durable floor.
Are Epoxy Chip Floors and Flake Floors the Same Thing?
Yes — 100%. Epoxy chip floors, flake floors, broadcast flake floors, and vinyl chip floors are all the same product described with different names. The industry uses these terms interchangeably, so don't let it confuse you when shopping around.
Why Do People Add Flakes to Epoxy?
The flakes serve two important purposes. First, they're decorative — they give your floor a professional, showroom-style look with depth and colour. Second, and just as important, they add texture that makes the floor significantly more slip-resistant than a smooth solid-colour epoxy finish. For Markham homeowners dealing with snowy boots and wet tires tracked in from the driveway, that slip resistance matters.
Where Is Flake Epoxy Flooring Used in Markham Homes?
Flake epoxy is one of the most versatile flooring systems available, and we install it throughout Markham and the GTA in a wide variety of spaces:
Garages are by far the most popular application. Whether you have a single-car garage in a Markham townhouse or a three-car garage in a Unionville estate home, flake epoxy transforms the space while standing up to oil, salt, vehicle traffic, and temperature swings.
Basements are another great fit. Markham's older homes in particular often have unfinished or dated concrete basement floors that benefit enormously from an epoxy upgrade — especially if you're converting the space into a home gym, rec room, or workshop.
Commercial spaces including retail stores, warehouses, auto shops, and restaurants across the GTA rely on flake epoxy for its durability and easy maintenance.
Laundry rooms, utility rooms, and garages of condos in Scarborough, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill have also become popular applications as more condo owners look to upgrade their storage and utility spaces.
The Pros and Cons of Flake Epoxy Flooring
The Pros
Incredible durability. A properly installed flake epoxy floor with a quality topcoat can withstand heavy foot traffic, vehicle loads, dropped tools, and chemical spills. For Markham homeowners who use their garage as a real workspace, this durability is non-negotiable.
Looks amazing. The full-flake broadcast finish gives floors a depth and richness that paint or concrete stain simply can't match. With dozens of flake colour blends available, you can match any style — from understated neutrals to bold, eye-catching combinations.
Slip resistance. The texture from the flakes, combined with an anti-slip additive in the topcoat, makes flake epoxy significantly safer underfoot than smooth concrete, especially when wet.
Easy to clean. No grout lines, no porous concrete to absorb oil and stains. A quick sweep and a mop with diluted Dawn dish soap (or a degreaser like Simple Green for tougher messes) keeps your floor looking brand new.
Great ROI. An epoxy-coated garage or basement is a selling feature in Markham's competitive real estate market. Buyers notice — and it adds perceived value.
Resistant to moisture, chemicals, and stains. Epoxy creates a dense, non-porous barrier over your concrete that resists road salt, automotive fluids, water, and most household chemicals.
The Cons
Requires proper prep — no shortcuts. This is the most critical factor in whether a flake epoxy floor succeeds or fails. The concrete must be mechanically ground (diamond grinding), not just acid-etched, for the epoxy to properly bond. Without proper prep, delamination and peeling are inevitable. This is why DIY big-box-store kits often fail within a year.
Slippery when wet without anti-slip additive. A smooth epoxy surface without texture can be dangerous when wet. The flake system naturally helps, but ensure your installer adds an anti-slip additive to the topcoat — we always do at SurfacePro.
Not completely waterproof under extreme conditions. Epoxy is highly water-resistant but not impervious to hydrostatic pressure from below. For Markham basements with moisture issues, a moisture vapor barrier system is needed before epoxy is applied.
UV sensitivity (for standard epoxy). Standard epoxy can yellow or amber over time if exposed to direct sunlight. We use UV-stable polyaspartic topcoats on all our installations to eliminate this issue.
Cure time. After installation, you'll need to wait 24–48 hours before light foot traffic and up to 5–7 days before parking vehicles on the floor. Plan accordingly.
Temperature-sensitive application. Epoxy should not be applied in temperatures below 10°C (50°F). In Markham, this generally means installations are best done from May through October, though heated indoor spaces like basements can be done year-round.
How Long Does Flake Epoxy Flooring Last?
A professionally installed flake epoxy floor in Markham will typically last 15 to 20 years — sometimes longer with proper maintenance. The key factors are:
Surface preparation. Diamond grinding to open the concrete pores is essential. If the prep is skimped on, expect the floor to fail within a few years — or even months. This is the #1 reason cheap DIY kits fail.
Material quality. Industrial-grade, 100% solids epoxy outperforms water-based DIY products significantly. At SurfacePro, we use only professional-grade systems.
Topcoat. A polyaspartic or urethane topcoat adds abrasion resistance and UV protection, dramatically extending the floor's life.
Traffic and use. A garage used for daily vehicle parking will see more wear than a basement gym — but both should last well over a decade with quality installation.
How Much Does Flake Epoxy Flooring Cost in Markham & the GTA?
Pricing varies based on the size of the space, the condition of the concrete, and the system chosen. Here are real-world estimates for GTA homeowners:
Space Size | Estimated Cost |
400 sq. ft. (Two-Car Garage) | $5,000 – $8,000 |
1,000 sq. ft. (Large Garage or Basement) | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Important note on pricing: These ranges are starting points. The final cost depends heavily on the condition of your concrete. Significant cracking, spalling, previous paint or coatings, or moisture issues all require additional prep work — crack filling, patching, or moisture vapor treatment — which adds to the total. Any contractor who quotes you without first inspecting your floor is guessing.
For comparison, epoxy coatings typically run $6–$9 per square foot, while premium polyaspartic systems run $8–$15 per square foot depending on complexity.
Flake Epoxy vs. Alternative Flooring Options
Flake Epoxy vs. Polyaspartic Coatings
Polyaspartic coatings are the premium alternative to traditional epoxy. They're up to 20 times stronger than standard epoxy, cure in hours rather than days, are fully UV stable, and offer exceptional chemical resistance. The trade-off is cost — polyaspartic systems run $8–$15 per sq ft versus $6–$9 for epoxy.
At SurfacePro, we typically recommend a hybrid approach: an epoxy base coat with a polyaspartic topcoat. You get the best of both worlds — the adhesion and filling properties of epoxy with the durability and UV stability of polyaspartic on top.
Is Epoxy Flooring Cheaper Than Tiling?
Generally, yes. Ceramic or stone tile installed by a professional in the GTA typically runs $10–$20+ per sq ft. Epoxy flake systems at $6–$12 per sq ft offer comparable or superior performance at a lower price point — and without the grout lines that collect dirt and require ongoing maintenance.
What's the Cheapest Way to Cover a Garage Floor?
If budget is the primary concern, options from lowest to highest cost include: concrete sealers, garage floor paint, epoxy paint kits, rollout mats, interlocking tiles, and professionally installed epoxy. While DIY paint and sealer kits are cheapest upfront, they rarely last more than 1–3 years. A professional flake epoxy system, while more of an investment, is far more cost-effective over a 10–20 year horizon.
What Is the Strongest Garage Floor Coating?
Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings are generally considered the strongest and most durable garage floor coatings available, with the added benefit of rapid cure times (an entire two-car garage can be installed in a single day). Polycuramine is another ultra-high-performance option marketed as being 20 times stronger than standard epoxy. For most Markham homeowners, a high-quality epoxy base with a polyaspartic topcoat delivers exceptional performance at a reasonable price.
Common Questions About Flake Epoxy Flooring
When Should You Apply Flakes to Epoxy?
Flakes must be broadcast into the wet epoxy base coat immediately after it's applied — typically within 30 to 60 minutes. Timing is critical. If the flakes go on too late, they won't embed properly into the epoxy and the bond will be compromised. Professional installers manage this timing precisely to ensure full coverage and consistent appearance.
Can You Put New Epoxy Over Old Epoxy?
Yes — but with an important caveat. New epoxy can bond to a properly cured, mechanically abraded existing epoxy surface. However, if the old epoxy is peeling, flaking, or delaminating, applying a new coat on top is a temporary fix at best. The failing layer underneath will continue to fail, taking the new coat with it. In those cases, the old coating must be fully removed (by grinding) and the concrete re-prepped before a new system is applied.
Can Mold Grow Under Epoxy?
Epoxy itself is mold-resistant and doesn't provide a food source for mold. However, if moisture is trapped between the concrete and the epoxy — which can happen if moisture testing isn't done before installation — the epoxy can delaminate and mold can develop in that gap. This is especially relevant for Markham basements. A moisture vapor emission test should always be conducted before any epoxy installation.
What Happens If You Don't Sand Between Coats of Epoxy?
Between coats, a light mechanical abrasion (sanding or scarifying) is needed to give the next coat something to grip. Skipping this step can result in delamination — where the new coat peels away from the old one cleanly. This is one of many reasons professional installation matters.
How Long to Let Epoxy Cure Before Adding Another Layer?
This depends on the specific product, but as a general rule, the base coat should cure for 12–24 hours before the flake layer is sealed in with the topcoat. The final topcoat needs 24–48 hours before light foot traffic and 5–7 days before heavy vehicle use.
Can You Do Epoxy Without Flakes?
Absolutely. Solid-colour epoxy and metallic epoxy systems are popular alternatives. Solid-colour systems offer a clean, uniform look; metallic epoxy creates stunning three-dimensional marbled effects. The right choice depends on your aesthetic preference and intended use.
What Makes Epoxy Floors Shine?
Fresh epoxy has a natural sheen from the topcoat. Over time, if the floor becomes dull, a thorough cleaning with a degreaser followed by a light polish can restore the shine. For epoxy pieces or countertops, wet sanding with progressively finer grits followed by polishing compound brings the gloss back.
What Are the Cons of Epoxy Flake Flooring?
To recap the main drawbacks: the surface can be slippery when wet without proper additives, it requires significant surface prep to adhere correctly, standard epoxy can yellow under UV exposure, and it takes time to cure. Choosing a professional installer who uses quality materials and proper prep eliminates most of these concerns.
Why Flake Epoxy Floors Are Ideal for Markham Homes
Markham's climate presents unique challenges for flooring — cold winters, road salt, freeze-thaw cycles, and humidity fluctuations in spring and fall. Here's why flake epoxy is particularly well-suited for GTA homes:
Road salt and chemical resistance. Markham roads are heavily salted in winter. Tracked-in salt and snowmelt can damage bare concrete but roll right off a sealed epoxy floor. A quick mop and your floor is clean.
Handles temperature swings. Professional-grade epoxy systems installed over properly prepped concrete handle the expansion and contraction that comes with Ontario's extreme seasonal temperature shifts — something DIY coatings often fail at.
Stands up to heavy use. Markham homeowners use their garages year-round — for vehicles, storage, workshop activities, and more. Flake epoxy is built for that kind of real-world use.
Basement upgrades. Many Markham homes have unfinished or dated basements. Flake epoxy is a cost-effective way to transform a dull concrete floor into a polished, professional space for a gym, playroom, or workshop.
Why Choose SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring in Markham?
At SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring, we've built our reputation across Markham and the GTA by doing things right the first time. Here's what sets us apart:
We use industrial-grade materials — not the watered-down products you'll find in big-box store kits. Every installation begins with diamond grinding and proper concrete prep, because we know that's where the longevity of your floor is built or broken.
We install long-lasting flake and metallic systems with UV-stable polyaspartic topcoats for maximum durability. Every floor gets a slip-resistant finish for safety, and every job is completed with clean, professional workmanship and thorough cleanup.
We don't just apply coatings — we install durable flooring systems designed to perform in Canadian climates for years to come.
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Whether you're upgrading your garage, basement, or commercial space, SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring is Markham's trusted epoxy flooring specialist. We'll assess your concrete, recommend the right system, and give you a transparent, detailed quote — at no charge.
Don't settle for a floor that chips, peels, or looks worn out. Call the GTA's flake epoxy experts.
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Our Logo SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring Last Updated: February 2026 | Published by SurfacePro Epoxy Flooring
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