The Truth About Flake Floors | Jackson MS
Cut corners or build it to last? The surprising truth about one-day vs. two-day flake floors.
At 33 DreamCrete, we’ve been installing flake floor systems for customers across Mississippi for many years. These floors are ideal for garages, patios, decks, and other concrete spaces.
Flake floors started to gain popularity in the mid-2000s when big-box retailers began selling DIY “kits in a box.” Unfortunately, this led to a wave of low-quality installations from inexperienced companies promising fast, cheap results. While these one-day systems may look appealing at first, the truth is they often sacrifice durability, waterproofing, and long-term performance in favor of speed and profit.
Understanding the difference between a one-day flake floor and a two-day professional system is essential before making your investment.
Concrete Preparation
Amateurs: Often use chemical etching or light grinding, which doesn’t properly open the pores of the concrete. Professionals: Always diamond grind the floor to create the ideal surface profile for strong adhesion and long-term performance. Proper prep is the foundation of a durable floor.Base Coating
Amateurs: Rely on fast-curing products like polyurea or polyaspartic for the base coat. These cure within an hour, but they’re thin and only about 80% waterproof. Over time, hidden cracks, ground movement, or moisture migration compromise the base, leading to bubbling, peeling, or breakage. Professionals: Use high-solids or 100% solids epoxy as the base coat. This slower-curing system fully bonds to the substrate, provides superior waterproofing, and creates a solid foundation for the rest of the floor.Flake Material Broadcasting
Amateurs: Because the base coat is thin, it can’t absorb much flake. This results in a weak “build,” less durability, and limited shock resistance. Professionals: Apply a thick epoxy base that holds more flake, creating a denser, stronger, and more resilient floor that can flex with stress and resist cracking.Top Coating
Amateurs: Apply a thin polyurea or polyaspartic top coat. It doesn’t fully encapsulate the flake, leaving the surface “crunchy” and vulnerable to damage—especially in garages or areas with heavy use. Professionals: Use a thicker, durable top coat that completely seals the flake, delivering a smooth, seamless, easy-to-clean surface that withstands traffic, chemicals, and UV exposure.One-Day vs. Two-Day Flake Floors
One-Day Flake Floors
- Material: Fast-curing polyurea base coat
- Durability: Lower; prone to cracking, peeling, and staining
- Thickness & Quality: Thin, rushed application with weak adhesion
- Aesthetics: Less uniform, rougher texture, harder to clean
- Best For: Low-traffic areas where speed is more important than longevity
Two-Day Flake Floors
- Material: High-solids or 100% solids epoxy base coat
- Durability: Superior; resists moisture, road salt, chemicals, and wear
- Thickness & Quality: Thicker, stronger build with excellent adhesion and flexibility
- Aesthetics: Smooth, seamless, and beautiful finish that lasts for years
- Best For: Homeowners who want a long-lasting, attractive, and highly durable floor for garages, patios, and beyond