From tile to carpet to polyaspartic epoxy, there are many options available when it comes to basement flooring and floor coatings, each with advantages and disadvantages.

However, not all of these options are created equal. In fact, some can wind up doing more harm than good.

In particular, polyaspartic epoxy coatings might seem like a great choice at first. They have grown in popularity over the last few years, and many contractors are making a big sales push in their favor.

But before you sign a contract, think twice. There are a few reasons why they might not be the best option for your basement, reasons many homeowners are finding to be deal-breakers. Here are a few of them.

1. They Don’t Handle Moisture Well

One of the biggest reasons why polyaspartic epoxy is not the best option for basements is that it doesn’t handle moisture well. Basements are naturally damp areas, and they can be particularly prone to moisture buildup even in the best of conditions. When moisture gets trapped under the epoxy, it can create bubbles and air pockets that can damage the coating and cause it to peel. Moisture can even be absorbed by the epoxy itself, which can cause it to warp and become uneven over time.

Also, and perhaps more importantly, polyaspartic epoxy is slippery when wet, which makes it a safety hazard when installed in basements. Not ideal for a workshop, family room, or home gym!

2. They Can Be Expensive

Polyaspartic coatings can be expensive compared to other basement flooring options. If you’re on a budget, this may not be the best choice for you or your wallet. The costs can escalate quickly, too, since the installation requires specialized equipment.

Don’t let misleading online pricing fool you, either. Many contractors offer low up-front pricing, then saddle you with hidden fees, up-charges, and additional costs often buried in the fine print. If they can find a reason to add more to the cost, they will!

3. They Don’t Last as Long as Other Epoxy Coatings

Finally, polyaspartic epoxy coatings simply don’t last as long as most other flooring options, including traditional epoxy and more modern formulas, such as Nature Stone®. While they can be an adequate short-term choice for some situations, they wear down relatively quickly.

Many homeowners are finding that peeling, bubbling, scuffing, and chipping are all common within the first few years. This might be fine for some rooms, but in a basement, you need something that will last. This product will not!

A polyaspartic epoxy floor may seem like a great choice at first, but from handling moisture poorly to the cost and their short lifespan, there are good reasons why savvy homeowners are taking a pass.

What Other Options Are There?

Thankfully, if you’re looking for a more durable and long-lasting option, there is already a product on the market with over 30 years of time-tested durability: Nature Stone®.

Nature Stone® is a unique blend of real stone and a patent-pending, utterly unique epoxy resin that goes over your concrete floor. It’s not just beautiful – it is available in a huge range of styles and colors that are suited for any kind of home décor – it also inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, which is essential for damp places such as basements, garages and utility rooms. Nature Stone® is slip-resistant, too,. It is designed to prevent puddles and pooling, enhancing safety in the places that need it most.

That’s not all. As proof of its longevity, it’s protected by a 10-year, no-strings warranty. That’s right, a full decade of protection for your investment!

With options like Nature Stone® available, why would anyone ever take a risk on polyaspartic epoxy?