Metallic Epoxy Floors in Cedar Rapids, IA

Metallic epoxy floors are poured coatings with metallic pigments mixed in. As the resin is rolled and worked, the pigment moves and settles into swirls, ripples and pools of color, so no two floors look the same. In the Cedar Rapids area we install them mostly in finished basements, rec rooms, home bars, man caves and a few commercial spaces such as salons, studios and dealerships.

Where metallic floors fit

The finish is about looks first. It suits rooms where people spend time and where a plain gray coating would feel unfinished. It is a strong choice in a newer finished basement, which is common in the fast-growing towns north and south of Cedar Rapids. Marion's population grew 58% from 2000 to 2020, and North Liberty went from 5,367 people in 2000 to 20,479 in 2020, according to Wikipedia. A lot of those homes have basements that owners are finishing now.

Where we suggest something else

Metallic floors are smooth and glossy, which makes them slick when wet and quick to show scratches and dust. For a garage that sees salt and slush all winter, a flake floor is the more practical pick. If you love the metallic look in a garage, we can add an anti-slip aggregate to the topcoat, but you should expect it to show wear faster than a chip floor.

The slab still matters most

A metallic floor shows every flaw beneath it. Cracks, patches and uneven spots telegraph through the thin, glossy finish. That makes prep even more important than on a flake floor. We grind the slab, fill cracks and level low spots before the base coat. In a basement we also test moisture, because a blister in a metallic floor is very visible and hard to fix invisibly.

Choosing colors and movement

• Single color: one metallic tone over a tinted base gives a calm, marble-like look.
• Two or three colors: blended for more contrast and movement.
• Technique: the installer's rolling, troweling and spraying patterns create the final effect, so we show you photos of real floors and samples before you choose.
• Topcoat: a clear urethane or polyaspartic topcoat protects the metallic layer from scratches and UV.

Living with a metallic floor

Use felt pads under furniture, put mats at the bottom of stairs and at exterior doors, and dust-mop regularly so grit does not scratch the topcoat. Clean with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. A topcoat that wears dull in high-traffic spots can be refreshed by recoating after a light sanding.

Timing in a basement project

If you are finishing a basement, the metallic floor usually goes in after drywall and paint and before trim and furniture. That keeps paint and drywall dust off the fresh finish. Plan for the room to be closed off during the cure, with ventilation, for the time we give you in writing.