Quartz vs. Flake: Which Epoxy System Is Best for Your Commercial Space

If you're exploring epoxy floors in Delray Beach for your business, you've likely come across two standout options: quartz epoxy and flake epoxy. They’re both durable, attractive, and built to handle the daily wear that comes with running a busy operation, whether that’s a medical office, retail shop, auto center, or salon.

The challenge? Picking the system that makes the most sense for your space.

What Makes Quartz and Flake Epoxy So Popular?

Epoxy floors are prized for their seamless appearance, strength, and resistance to a wide range of environmental factors, including chemical spills and foot traffic. But quartz and flake systems take that durability a step further by adding texture and color, turning your floors into hard-working surfaces that also look great.

What Is a Quartz Epoxy System?

A quartz epoxy floor combines colored quartz crystals with epoxy resin to create a unique and visually appealing finish. These granules are broadcast onto a base layer of epoxy and locked in with a topcoat, creating a textured, non-slip surface that’s highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and moisture.

You’ll often see quartz systems in high-traffic or high-risk environments where slip resistance is crucial, such as hospitals, commercial kitchens, pool decks, or breweries. The texture makes it practical, while the natural speckled look keeps it clean and polished.

What Is a Flake Epoxy System?

Flake systems use decorative vinyl chips, available in a wide range of colors and sizes. These flakes are embedded into a base coat, then sealed with a clear epoxy or urethane topcoat. The result? A multi-dimensional finish that hides imperfections and offers subtle traction.

Flake epoxy is a go-to for garages, showrooms, lobbies, offices, and retail spaces. It brings personality to commercial flooring without sacrificing durability.

Comparing Quartz and Flake Epoxy: What You Should Know

While both systems offer plenty of benefits, the right choice depends on your business’s unique needs. Here’s how they stack up in the areas that matter most.

Durability and Traffic Tolerance

If your commercial space experiences intense wear, such as from pallet jacks, rolling carts, or forklifts, quartz is the stronger option. The crushed quartz crystals are harder and more abrasion-resistant than vinyl flakes. Quartz is built for punishment.

Flake epoxy holds up well in everyday environments, such as offices or retail shops. However, it isn’t ideal for heavy machinery or constant impact. For standard foot traffic and light equipment, though, it performs beautifully.

Slip Resistance and Safety

Quartz floors provide superior grip from the start. The coarse texture created by the quartz granules gives your floor built-in traction, even when wet. That’s why it’s used in medical facilities, food prep zones, and any place where safety is non-negotiable.

Flake floors also provide slip resistance, but they tend to feel smoother underfoot unless a grit additive is applied. This makes them better suited for places where comfort matters as much as traction.

Visual Appeal and Customization

Flake epoxy wins when it comes to visual options. You can choose from a vast variety of flake blends, including subtle, bold, modern, classic, and even those that match your branding colors. The finish appears layered and sophisticated, effectively concealing surface flaws.

Quartz epoxy has a more uniform, refined appearance. It’s ideal for clean, professional environments, but doesn’t offer the same range of color patterns as flake. That said, it still looks sleek and polished, especially in neutral or earthy tones.

Maintenance and Cleanability

Both systems are easy to maintain, but they differ slightly in texture.

Quartz, with its more textured surface, may trap dirt in high-traffic areas and require deeper cleaning from time to time. Still, it withstands chemical cleaners and scrubbing, which is essential in facilities with strict hygiene standards.

Flake epoxy is smoother, making it a breeze to mop, sweep, or hose off. Its seamless surface prevents mold and bacteria from settling in, and the topcoat acts as a shield against staining agents.

Comfort and Underfoot Feel

Quartz epoxy feels rougher underfoot due to its texture. That’s great for traction, but not as comfortable for employees who spend hours standing or walking. It’s best used in spaces where safety and performance take priority.

Flake epoxy, on the other hand, feels softer and more forgiving. If your business has clients walking in heels or team members standing at registers, flake flooring offers better comfort throughout the day.

Cost and Budget Flexibility

Quartz epoxy systems tend to be more expensive due to the higher-quality materials and additional labor required. However, it’s an investment that pays off in longevity and toughness—especially in harsh environments.

Flake epoxy is generally more budget-friendly while still delivering great performance. For many business owners, it’s the sweet spot between appearance, function, and affordability.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Ultimately, both quartz and flake epoxy systems are excellent choices. The right one depends on what your business demands most.

If your space experiences moisture, heavy use, or safety concerns, quartz will provide the grip and durability you need. If your priority is making a great impression with easy maintenance and a stylish finish, flake epoxy is the ideal choice.

Whether you’re running a spa, a shop, a restaurant, or a clinic, the floors you choose set the tone for your entire space. They affect how your customers feel, how your staff moves, and how your space holds up over time.

Get the Best Epoxy Floors in Delray Beach with Florida Elite Epoxy

When you want epoxy floors in Delray Beach that match your business's style and performance needs, Florida Elite Epoxy delivers. Our team will walk you through the entire process, help you choose between quartz and flake, and install a floor that works as hard as you do.

We specialize in commercial epoxy coatings that withstand Florida’s heat, humidity, and high foot traffic, giving you results that look great and last for years.

Contact Florida Elite Epoxy today to schedule your free estimate and find the right system for your space.