Epoxy Flake Flooring in Salem, OR

What a flake floor is

A flake floor is a layered resin system with colored vinyl chips broadcast into the wet base coat. Once the base cures, we scrape off loose chips, vacuum, and seal the whole surface with a clear topcoat. The chips give the floor color depth, a pattern that resembles terrazzo or granite and a slight texture that helps with traction. Because the pattern is busy, it hides dust, small scratches and the gray film from wet tires much better than a solid color.

Why it suits this area

Salem sits in farm country, and many garages and shops here see more than cars. Muddy boots from the garden, gravel dragged in from a rural driveway, field dust in late summer and tools hauled in and out of the bed of a truck all wear on a floor. A flake system handles that kind of use gracefully. Dirt does not stand out the way it does on a glossy solid floor, and the texture keeps the surface from feeling slick when it gets wet on a rainy morning.

Choosing chip size and coverage

Chip sizes range from small quarter-inch blends to large one-inch chips. Small chips give a finer, more uniform look; large chips are bolder. We most often install a full broadcast, where the base coat is covered completely with chips. That gives the most texture, the best camouflage and the most uniform color. A partial broadcast lets the base color show through for a lighter, more modern look, though it does not hide as much.

Popular blends

• Tan, brown and black: earthy tones that disguise mud and farm dust.
• Gray, white and black: a clean, bright look that works in almost any garage.
• Blue and gray: a cooler palette for home gyms, basements and hobby rooms.
• Charcoal and red: a bolder choice for car enthusiasts and auto shops.

We bring sample boards to every estimate so you can see each blend in your own lighting.

Topcoat choices

The clear topcoat is what protects the flake. Polyaspartic is our usual choice because it cures quickly, stays clear in sunlight and resists scratches. For extra grip in shops, on steps or around drains, we add a fine aggregate to the topcoat. You can choose gloss or satin; satin softens the shine and hides scuffs a bit better.

Beyond the garage

Flake floors are a smart choice in mudrooms, laundry rooms, basements, covered porches, kennels and workshops. Businesses use them in break rooms, locker rooms, veterinary clinics, auto service bays and retail back rooms. Anywhere people walk in with wet or dirty shoes is a good candidate.

Durability

With proper prep and a quality topcoat, a flake floor holds up to vehicles, rolling toolboxes, dropped wrenches and daily cleaning for many years. Over time the topcoat may dull in traffic lanes. Rather than replacing the floor, we can lightly sand and recoat it to bring back the shine.

Schedule

Most flake garages are done in one or two days. Day one is grinding, repairs, primer and the base coat with chips. Day two is scraping, cleanup and the topcoat. In cold weather, we may add heat or use faster materials. For heavily damaged slabs, see our repair page, and for a different look entirely, explore metallic floors.

Care

Sweep, blow out debris, squeegee water and mop with a neutral cleaner. A stiff deck brush cleans the textured surface well. That is all most flake floors ever need.

Matching the floor to the house

Many homeowners like to tie the garage floor to the exterior of the house. A ranch with brown trim and brick often looks best with an earthy tan blend, while a gray-sided newer home pairs well with a cool gray and white mix. If the garage opens into a mudroom or laundry, we can carry the same flake through so the spaces feel connected. We will lay sample boards next to your cabinets, door trim and storage systems so you can choose with confidence before anything is mixed.