How Herringbone Flooring Can Raise Your Home’s Value
June 10, 2026
When choosing new flooring for your home, garage, basement, or commercial property, cost is often one of the biggest deciding factors. Two of the most popular flooring options available today are epoxy flooring and tile flooring. Both offer durability, visual appeal, and long-term value, but how do they compare when it comes to price?
Many Australian homeowners ask: Is epoxy flooring cheaper than tile?
The answer depends on several factors, including material selection, installation requirements, maintenance costs, and the size of the project. In many cases, epoxy flooring can be more affordable than tile, especially when long-term maintenance and replacement costs are considered.
At Paradise Epoxy, we help homeowners and businesses make informed flooring decisions. In this guide, we’ll compare epoxy flooring and tile flooring costs so you can determine which option offers the best value for your property.
Epoxy flooring is a resin-based coating system applied directly over prepared concrete. The installation process involves surface preparation, crack repairs (if necessary), primer application, epoxy coating, and a protective topcoat.
Professional epoxy flooring typically costs:
| Epoxy Flooring Type | Average Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Basic Epoxy Coating | $30 – $50 |
| Standard Residential Epoxy | $50 – $80 |
| Decorative Flake Epoxy | $80 – $135 |
| Metallic Epoxy Flooring | $120 – $250+ |
The final cost depends on factors such as:
For many residential applications, homeowners can expect to pay between $50 and $120 per square metre for a professionally installed epoxy floor.
Tile flooring involves installing individual ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles using adhesive and grout.
Tile flooring costs generally include both materials and installation.
| Tile Type | Average Installed Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Basic Ceramic Tiles | $50 – $100 |
| Porcelain Tiles | $80 – $150 |
| Premium Porcelain Tiles | $120 – $200+ |
| Natural Stone Tiles | $150 – $300+ |
Tile costs vary significantly depending on:
High-end tile projects can quickly become more expensive than most epoxy flooring installations.
Epoxy flooring is often more affordable when:
For example:
A 40m² double garage with decorative flake epoxy may cost approximately $2,000–$4,000, while a premium porcelain tile installation of the same size could exceed $4,000–$8,000 depending on tile selection and labour costs.
Basic ceramic tile installations may be comparable to standard epoxy flooring systems in terms of upfront investment.
However, the comparison becomes less favourable for tile as material quality and design complexity increase.
In many residential and commercial applications, epoxy flooring provides a lower initial cost compared to mid-range and premium tile installations.
One of epoxy’s biggest advantages is its low maintenance requirements.
Routine care typically involves:
Since epoxy creates a seamless surface, there are no grout lines to clean or repair.
Maintenance costs are generally minimal throughout the life of the floor.
Tiles themselves are relatively easy to maintain, but grout lines require additional care.
Common maintenance issues include:
Over time, these maintenance expenses can add up.
Epoxy flooring typically has lower maintenance costs over its lifespan.
High-quality epoxy flooring is highly resistant to:
Minor wear can often be addressed through recoating or spot repairs.
Tile floors can experience:
While individual tiles can sometimes be replaced, matching older tile designs can be challenging.
Repairs often require skilled labour and additional materials.
In most situations, epoxy flooring is less prone to damage and generally incurs lower repair costs.
Professionally installed epoxy flooring can last:
Properly maintained epoxy retains its appearance and performance for many years.
Tile floors can also last for decades.
However, grout maintenance and occasional tile replacement may be necessary throughout the floor’s lifespan.
Both flooring options offer excellent longevity when properly installed and maintained.
When evaluating flooring investments, it’s important to consider the cost spread across the lifespan of the floor.
For example:
Approximate annual cost:
$5.33 per m² per year
Approximate annual cost:
$7.00 per m² per year
While this simplified calculation doesn’t include maintenance or repairs, it illustrates how epoxy can provide excellent long-term value.
Epoxy flooring is especially cost-effective in:
Epoxy is typically far less expensive and more durable than tiled garage floors.
Its moisture resistance and seamless finish make it ideal for below-ground spaces.
Heavy equipment can damage tiles, while epoxy withstands significant weight and impact.
Epoxy resists chemicals, oil spills, and abrasion better than most tile installations.
Retail stores, showrooms, and warehouses often choose epoxy because of its durability and lower lifecycle costs.
Tile remains a strong choice for:
Homeowners seeking specific decorative styles may prefer tile despite the higher cost.
Both epoxy flooring and quality tile installations can enhance property value.
However, epoxy flooring continues to gain popularity because buyers appreciate:
In garages, basements, workshops, and utility spaces, epoxy flooring often delivers a stronger return on investment.
In most cases, yes—epoxy flooring is cheaper than tile, particularly when comparing decorative epoxy systems to mid-range or premium tile installations.
Epoxy typically offers:
While tile remains a popular option for certain rooms and design styles, epoxy flooring is often the more economical choice for homeowners seeking durability, functionality, and a sleek contemporary look.
At Paradise Epoxy, we specialise in premium epoxy flooring solutions that combine durability, style, and affordability. Whether you’re upgrading a garage, renovating a basement, or enhancing a commercial property, our experienced team delivers professional epoxy installations designed to provide exceptional long-term value.
Contact Paradise Epoxy today to learn how epoxy flooring can offer a cost-effective alternative to tile while transforming your space with a durable, low-maintenance finish built to last.