Why flake floors are so popular here
Sand gets everywhere in central Florida. It rides in on shoes, tires, beach chairs and the dog. Pollen settles on everything in spring, and grass clippings blow in every time the mower comes back. On a solid-color floor, all of that shows. A flake floor hides it. The random mix of colored chips camouflages dust between cleanings, and the slightly textured surface gives feet and tires more grip than a glossy solid coat.
Flake systems are also forgiving. Faint repair lines, minor slab imperfections and old stain shadows that might telegraph through a solid color all disappear under a full broadcast. That makes them a smart choice for older slabs that have seen some life.
How we build a flake floor
Preparation matches our garage epoxy process: moisture testing, diamond grinding, crack and spall repair. Then we roll a pigmented epoxy or polyaspartic base coat that roughly matches the chip blend. While it is still wet, we broadcast vinyl flakes by hand until the surface refuses any more, which is called broadcasting to rejection. That full coverage is what produces the durable, uniform look.
After the base cures, we scrape off loose and standing chips, vacuum the floor and apply a clear topcoat. That topcoat locks the chips in, sets the final texture and provides chemical and UV resistance. On lanais, carports and other sunny spaces, the topcoat is always a non-yellowing aliphatic product.
Choosing a chip blend
Chips come in many sizes and color mixes. Quarter-inch chips are the most common for garages. Smaller chips give a tighter, granite-like look suited to laundry rooms and interiors. Popular blends locally include gray and white with black accents, tan and brown earth tones, and blue-gray mixes that pair nicely with cool exterior paint colors. We bring physical sample boards so you can compare them in your own space.
Partial broadcast is an option for a lighter sprinkle of color, but it gives less texture and less wear protection. For most garages, we recommend full broadcast.
Spaces we coat with flake
Garages. Our most common flake project, from single-car garages in older homes to three-car garages in new neighborhoods.
Screened lanais. A flake floor brightens a pool cage or rear porch, resists mildew and stays grippy around wet feet. We use UV-stable topcoats here without exception.
Laundry and utility rooms. Detergent drips, water heater leaks and pet bowls are no match for a sealed flake floor.
Workshops and storage buildings. Flake floors hide sawdust and handle rolling tool chests well.
Small commercial spaces. Break rooms, back hallways, salons and showrooms appreciate the clean look and easy upkeep. See our commercial page for heavier-duty options.
Texture and comfort
The texture of a flake floor is adjustable. More topcoat produces a smoother, glassier feel that is easy to mop. A thinner topcoat leaves more chip texture for maximum grip. Around pools and outdoor kitchens, we add a fine aggregate for extra traction. Tell us how the space is used, and we will balance cleanability with slip resistance.
Timeline
With a polyaspartic base and top, many flake garages finish in a single day. Epoxy-based systems take two to three days to allow proper cure between coats. Foot traffic is usually fine the next day, light vehicles within one to three days depending on the system, and full chemical resistance in about a week.
What affects cost
Size, removal of existing coatings, the extent of repairs, moisture mitigation needs and the chip size and blend all play a role. Full broadcast uses more material than partial. Our written estimates list each item so there are no surprises.
Long-term care
Dust mop or blow off sand regularly. Wash with warm water and a neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh acids. Rinse pool chemical splashes from lanai floors promptly. A recoat of clear topcoat years later restores gloss and adds another layer of protection.
Questions
Do flake floors feel rough? They feel lightly textured, similar to a fine-grit sandpaper that has been rounded off. The exact feel depends on the topcoat thickness.
Can you match my house colors? Often, yes. Custom blends are available with some lead time.
Is flake good over old, stained concrete? Very good. Full coverage hides most old marks completely.
Price a flake floor
Call (407) 794-7487 for a free estimate.