Let me tell you why you should absolutely consider Encore Concrete Coatings for your next flooring project. I’ve been through the ringer trying to find a solution that’s durable, stylish, and doesn’t break the bank, and Encore checks all those boxes.
Whether it’s your garage, basement, or patio crying out for a facelift, this is the product that’ll transform your space into something you’ll brag about. Trust me, after my experience with it, I’m hooked—and I think you will be too.
Stick with me as I walk you through my journey, the pros, cons, and everything else you need to know.
My Experience With Encore Concrete Coatings
I’ll never forget the day I decided my garage floor had to go. It was a mess—cracked, stained with years of oil spills, and honestly, an eyesore I’d ignored for too long. I’d heard about Encore Concrete Coatings from a buddy who’d had his basement done, and he couldn’t stop raving about how quick and slick the process was.
So, I figured, why not give it a shot?
I scheduled a free consultation, and right off the bat, I was impressed. The guy who showed up wasn’t just some salesman pushing a product—he actually listened to what I wanted and checked out my floor like a detective sizing up a crime scene.
Within a day of agreeing to the job, their team rolled in. I’m talking about a crew that knew their stuff—trained pros who didn’t waste a second. They prepped my garage floor, smoothing out the cracks and cleaning it up so it was ready for the coating.
The whole installation took just 24 hours, which blew my mind. I’d braced myself for days of chaos, but nope—they were in and out like flooring ninjas. The coating they used was their FlexCore system, which they swore was tougher than nails.
I picked a granite-look flake finish because I wanted something sharp but not too flashy, and when they were done, I couldn’t believe it was the same garage.
Two days later, after it fully dried, I walked in barefoot just to test it out—smooth, cool to the touch, and no more worrying about stubbing my toe on a jagged crack. I even spilled some motor oil a week later (oops), and it wiped right off without leaving a trace.
It’s been months now, and that floor still looks brand new. The best part? My wife stopped nagging me about the “ugly garage,” and I’ve caught her sneaking in there just to admire it. That’s a win in my book.
Pros of Encore Concrete Coatings
- Lightning-Fast Installation
You know what I love most? How fast this whole thing went down. Encore’s promise of a 24-hour installation isn’t just talk—it’s real. I had my garage back in a day, and after 48 hours, I was parking my car on it like nothing happened.
Compare that to other companies I looked at, where you’re waiting a week or more for the job to finish. Time’s money, right? With Encore, you’re not stuck twiddling your thumbs.
- Tough as Heck
Let’s talk durability. I’m not gentle with my garage—tools get dropped, cars roll in and out, and I’ve even dragged a workbench across it by accident. That FlexCore coating doesn’t flinch.
They say it’s built to handle heavy traffic, and I believe it. I’ve got no chips, no scratches, nothing. It’s like the Superman of floor coatings—strong, reliable, and ready for whatever you throw at it.
- Looks That Turn Heads
I’m no interior designer, but even I can tell this stuff looks good. The custom options are a game-changer. I went with the granite flake, but you could pick metallic marble or whatever vibe suits you.
My garage went from a dungeon to a showroom, and I’ve had neighbors asking who did it. It’s not just a floor—it’s a statement.
- Easy to Keep Clean
Spills? Dust?
No problem. I’ve got a toddler who thinks my garage is a playground, and the messes wipe up with a rag and some soap. The smooth surface doesn’t trap dirt like my old concrete did, and it’s resistant to stains. I don’t spend my weekends scrubbing anymore, and that’s a huge plus in my world.
- Eco-Friendly Bonus
I’m not a tree-hugger by any stretch, but I like that Encore uses eco-friendly products. It’s nice knowing my floor isn’t pumping out nasty chemicals while still holding up like a champ. They’ve got this balance of green and tough that I didn’t expect, and it feels good to support that.
Cons of Encore Concrete Coatings
- Price Tag Stings a Bit: Okay, let’s be real— this isn’t the cheapest option out there. I got a few quotes before settling on Encore, and they were pricier than some epoxy kits I could’ve grabbed at the hardware store. The quality’s worth it, no doubt, but if you’re on a tight budget, you might wince at the cost upfront. For me, it was an investment, but it’s not pocket change.
- Smell Lingers Longer Than You’d Like: Here’s a heads-up: that fresh coating smell sticks around. After the install, my garage had this chemical whiff for over a week. It wasn’t unbearable, but I had to keep the door open more than I wanted. If you’re sensitive to smells or need the space ASAP, that could be a hiccup.
- Limited DIY Control: I’m a hands-on guy, and I’ll admit I was tempted to tackle this myself. With Encore, though, it’s all pro-installed—no DIY option. They’ve got their trained team, and that’s that. It worked out great for me, but if you’re itching to roll up your sleeves, you’re out of luck here.
- Not Perfect for Every Surface: My garage was a slam dunk, but I asked about my patio, and they said some outdoor surfaces might need extra prep or a different system. It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. They’ll analyze your floor and tell you what’s what, but don’t assume it’s a quick fix for every concrete slab you’ve got.
Maintenance Tips For Encore Concrete Coatings
- Sweep It Regularly: You don’t need to baby this floor, but I’ve found a quick sweep once a week keeps it looking sharp. Dust and grit can build up, especially in a garage, and a broom or leaf blower does the trick. It’s low effort, and your floor stays pristine without much fuss.
- Wipe Spills Pronto: I learned this the easy way—spills don’t stain if you catch them fast. That oil spill I mentioned? Wiped it up within an hour, and you’d never know it happened. Keep a rag handy, and don’t let stuff sit too long. It’s not a dealbreaker if you forget, but quick action keeps it flawless.
- Skip the Harsh Chemicals: Encore’s tough, but I wouldn’t test it with bleach or crazy solvents. A mild soap and water mix works fine for cleaning. I tried a heavy-duty degreaser once, and it dulled the shine a tad—not a disaster, but I stick to gentler stuff now to keep that gloss popping.
- Check for Wear Yearly: I’ve made it a habit to give my floor a once-over every year. Look for tiny chips or wear spots, especially in high-traffic zones. Mine’s held up great so far, but if you spot anything, Encore’s team can touch it up. It’s proactive, not paranoid—keeps your investment solid.
- Add Mats for Extra Protection: I tossed a rubber mat under my workbench, and it’s been a lifesaver. Heavy tools drop, and the mat takes the hit instead of the coating. It’s not mandatory, but if you’ve got a rough spot like I do, it’s a cheap way to double down on durability.
Comparison of Encore Concrete Coatings With Other Brands
I didn’t just jump into Encore Concrete Coatings blindly—I scoped out the competition to see how it stacks up. Let’s break it down with Galaxy Concrete Coatings, Apollo Concrete Coatings, and PolyPro Concrete Coatings.
Here’s how they compare, straight from my perspective as someone who’s been there, done that.
- Encore Vs. Galaxy Concrete Coatings
Galaxy Concrete Coatings caught my eye with their bold claims about durability and a lifetime warranty—pretty tempting, right?
I chatted with a neighbor who went with them for his driveway, and he loved the glossy finish. But here’s the rub: their install took three days, and he had to clear out his space for longer than I’d have patience for.
Encore’s 24-hour turnaround smoked that timeline. Galaxy’s coatings are tough, no doubt—polyurea-based like Encore’s FlexCore—but their color options felt basic next to Encore’s custom flakes and metallics.
I wanted a floor that popped, and Encore delivered more flair while keeping the strength. Galaxy’s solid if you’ve got time to spare, but I’m all about speed and style.
- Encore Vs. Apollo Concrete Coatings
Apollo Concrete Coatings came up a lot when I was researching—they’re big on commercial projects and promise a “seamless” finish.
I called a buddy who used them for his workshop, and he said their epoxy-poly hybrid held up under heavy machinery, which is impressive.
But Apollo’s process?
A slog—four days from start to finish, and he had to babysit the curing process with fans because of humidity. Encore’s quick 24-hour install and 48-hour dry time made my life way easier.
Plus, Apollo’s designs leaned toward plain industrial vibes, while Encore let me tweak mine to a granite look that’s anything but boring. Apollo’s a tank for hardcore use, but Encore wins for home projects where time and looks matter.
- Encore Vs. PolyPro Concrete Coatings
PolyPro Concrete Coatings was the wildcard—I stumbled across their ads boasting eco-friendly products and a slick polyaspartic formula.
I tracked down a review from a guy who coated his patio with PolyPro, and he swore it handled weather like a champ, no peeling or fading.
Sounded great, but their install stretched to two days, and he mentioned a strong odor that lingered for weeks.
Encore’s eco-friendly edge matched PolyPro’s, but that 24-hour install and shorter stink window (a week tops for me) sealed the deal.
PolyPro’s color range was decent, but Encore’s customization blew it out of the water—I mean, my garage looks like a showroom, not just a slab. PolyPro’s a contender outdoors, but Encore’s my pick for speed and personality.
So, how does Encore hold up overall? It’s not just about beating the others—it’s about what clicked for me. Galaxy’s too slow, Apollo’s too industrial, and PolyPro’s close but lacks that extra punch. Encore’s mix of fast install, tough-as-nails coating, and custom vibes made it my champ.
Your mileage might vary depending on your space, but I’d bet you’ll see why I’m sold on it once you try it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You bet they are—at least for me. I was skeptical at first, thinking my old concrete was “good enough,” but the difference is night and day. Encore’s coating added value to my home, made the space usable, and saved me from constant repairs. If you’re tired of ugly, crumbling floors, it’s a no-brainer.
I dug into this when I signed up. Encore offers a solid warranty—typically 15 years for residential jobs like mine, though it varies by system and use. Commercial spots might get less, like 5-10 years. Check with them directly, but it’s peace of mind I didn’t get with cheaper options.
From what I’ve seen, polyurea-polyaspartic blends—like Encore’s FlexCore—are top dogs. Epoxy’s tough, but it can crack under pressure. Polyurethane’s solid too, but the combo Encore uses handles traffic, chemicals, and UV rays like a champ. It’s why I picked it over straight epoxy brands.
Mine’s still kicking after months, but Encore claims 15-20 years with proper care. I’ve read epoxy might fade in 5-10, and DIY kits even less. It depends on use—my garage isn’t a war zone, so I’m betting on the high end. Keep it maintained, and you’re golden.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it—my take on why Encore Concrete Coatings is worth every penny. I’ve lived it, loved it, and can’t imagine going back to my old, sad floor. It’s fast, tough, and gorgeous, and even with a few quirks, it’s a game-changer.
If you’re on the fence, stop waffling—get that free consultation and see for yourself. You’ll thank me when you’re showing off your new floor to everyone who’ll listen.