Metallic Epoxy Flooring in Fargo, ND
Quick answer: Metallic epoxy is a decorative floor system in which pigments swirl through clear resin to create marble-like depth under a high-gloss finish. Fargo Epoxy installs metallic floors in garages, basements, entryways and showrooms across the Fargo–Moorhead area. Call (701) 815-5240 for a free estimate.
Metallic epoxy is the most eye-catching flooring option in the epoxy family. Instead of a uniform color or a scatter of chips, the floor features pearlescent pigments suspended in clear resin that are moved by hand while the material is wet. The pigments flow and settle into patterns that look like liquid metal, polished stone or the surface of a lake at dusk. Because the movement is worked by hand, no two floors are identical.
Fargo Epoxy installs metallic epoxy floors for homeowners and businesses in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead and the surrounding area. Metallic systems are a larger commitment than a basic flake floor, and the details of the install matter more than they do on any other coating, so this page explains what to expect.
Where metallic epoxy works best
- Show garages and hobby garages where the floor is part of the display.
- Finished basements that double as a media room, bar or gym, where a seamless, wipeable surface is a plus.
- Entryways and mudrooms that see heavy winter traffic but still need to look good.
- Retail, salons and showrooms where the floor is part of the brand impression.
- Kitchens and living spaces with concrete slabs on grade or in a below-grade level, subject to a moisture review.
If your main goal is a durable, low-maintenance garage floor, a flake floor may serve you better and cost less. Our flake vs metallic guide lays out the tradeoffs without a sales slant.
How a metallic system is built
A metallic floor is not a single coat. The typical build is a prepared slab, a primer or base coat in a chosen color, the metallic layer, and a clear protective topcoat. The base color strongly influences the final look: a charcoal base gives a dark, dramatic floor, while a lighter base reads as softer and more pearlescent. The metallic coat is mixed, poured and worked into the surface in a window of time before the resin begins to set. After it cures, a clear coat locks in the depth and provides resistance to wear, chemicals and UV exposure.
Because the metallic layer is largely translucent and reflective, it highlights any defect in the surface below. Ridges, patches and trowel marks that would vanish under flake can show through a glossy floor. This is why grinding and patching are so important for metallic work, and why a perfectly smooth result begins long before the colored resin comes out.
Preparation in a freeze-thaw climate
For every coating we do, the slab is diamond-ground, cracks and joints are repaired, and the surface is vacuumed clean. With metallic floors we pay particular attention to patch blending and to how joints are treated. Concrete moves with the seasons in North Dakota and Minnesota, and the finished floor may show a hairline at saw cuts or control joints. We talk through that realistically before you decide. For basement floors, a moisture conversation comes first, since a decorative coating cannot stop vapor or water pressure from below; the basement epoxy and moisture guide goes into detail.
Color and style choices
There are many colors and color combinations available. A few principles help narrow the field:
- Darker bases make the metallic highlights pop, but they show dust more easily.
- Lighter, softer palettes hide dust and are friendlier to garages with lots of foot traffic.
- Gray, charcoal and copper tones are common in Fargo-area garages because they pair well with vehicles and shop equipment.
- Natural browns and blues are popular for living spaces.
We recommend viewing sample boards in the lighting of the actual space, because the same pigments appear different under warm LEDs than in daylight.
Maintenance and expectations
A metallic floor is easy to maintain. Sweep or dust-mop regularly, wash with a neutral cleaner, and avoid harsh solvents that could cloud the clear coat. Use mats at entrances to trap grit, because abrasive dirt dulls any gloss finish over time. Fargo winters make this extra important: tracked-in sand and salt are the main cause of surface scratching. Pads under furniture and jack stands protect the finish.
Gloss floors can be slippery when wet. For entrances or wet areas, we can discuss adding texture to the topcoat.
Cost and timing
Metallic floors take longer and use more material than basic systems, so they generally cost more than a flake floor. We do not publish fake prices online; the cost guide explains the factors and offers labeled national ranges for context only. For an actual number, we walk the slab with you.
Call or text (701) 815-5240 to arrange a free estimate for a metallic floor in Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead or nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every metallic epoxy floor different?
Yes. The pigments are worked by hand while the resin is wet, so patterns vary even with the same colors.
Can metallic epoxy go in a basement?
Often, after a moisture review. A coating cannot stop water pressure or heavy vapor from below, so we talk through the slab condition first.
Is metallic epoxy more expensive than flake?
Generally yes, because it needs more materials, more labor and a flatter surface. We quote after seeing the slab.
Does metallic epoxy hold up in a garage?
With proper prep and a durable clear coat, yes. Flake hides tire marks and dirt better, so some owners choose flake for daily-driver garages.