Your hangar floor endures aircraft weight, oil drips, fuel spills, and constant traffic. Choosing the right flooring option balances durability, maintenance requirements, chemical resistance, and appearance to create a functional surface for your aviation activities.
Bare Concrete
Advantages
- Lowest initial cost—no additional investment required
- Maximum durability for heavy aircraft loads
- No coating to wear, peel, or require replacement
- Easy repairs if surface becomes damaged
- Handles point loads from jack stands well
Disadvantages
- Absorbs stains from oil and hydraulic fluids permanently
- Generates dust as surface wears over time
- Difficult to clean thoroughly once stained
- Cold and uncomfortable underfoot during maintenance
- Porous surface harbors bacteria and odors
Best For
High-traffic commercial operations, temporary or rental situations, budget-constrained installations where appearance isn’t priority.
Epoxy Coatings
Advantages
- Excellent chemical resistance to fuels and oils
- Easy to clean and maintain with regular sweeping and mopping
- Professional, showroom-quality appearance
- Seals concrete against dust and permanent staining
- Available in multiple colors, patterns, and finishes
- Can include non-slip additives for safety
Disadvantages
- Higher installation cost than bare concrete
- Requires thorough surface preparation for adhesion
- Can become slippery when wet without additives
- May need recoating every 5-10 years depending on traffic
- Temperature sensitive during application
Installation Considerations
Proper preparation is critical for epoxy success:
- Diamond grinding or shot blasting creates necessary surface profile
- Moisture testing prevents adhesion failures
- Temperature and humidity control during application
- Adequate cure time before aircraft parking—typically 7 days
Polyurea and Polyaspartic Coatings
Advantages Over Epoxy
- Faster cure time—return to service in 24 hours
- More flexible coating resists cracking from thermal movement
- UV stable—won’t yellow when exposed to sunlight
- Better chemical resistance than standard epoxy formulations
- Can be applied in wider temperature ranges
Disadvantages
- Higher material and installation costs than epoxy
- Requires experienced professional applicators
- Short working time demands rapid, skilled application
- Limited DIY potential due to technical requirements
Interlocking Tiles
Advantages
- DIY-friendly installation without special tools
- No floor preparation or curing time required
- Individual tiles replaceable if damaged
- Portable—take them with you if you relocate hangars
- Comfortable underfoot, reduces fatigue during maintenance
- Insulates against cold concrete
Disadvantages
- May shift under aircraft tire movement during positioning
- Fluids can seep between tile joints to concrete below
- Higher cost per square foot than coating options
- Limited aircraft weight ratings on some products
- Edges may curl or lift over time
Comparison Summary
| Factor | Bare Concrete | Epoxy | Polyurea | Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Lowest | Moderate | Higher | Highest |
| Durability | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Good |
| Maintenance | Difficult | Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Chemical Resistance | Poor | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Appearance | Industrial | Professional | Professional | Attractive |
| Installation | None | Professional | Professional | DIY |
Maintenance Best Practices
Regardless of flooring choice, follow these guidelines:
- Clean spills promptly to prevent staining or coating damage
- Use absorbent mats under maintenance work areas
- Sweep regularly to prevent abrasive particle damage
- Apply appropriate degreaser for accumulated oil
- Inspect for damage periodically and repair promptly
Your flooring choice significantly impacts daily hangar operations and long-term maintenance costs. Consider your specific usage patterns, budget constraints, and aesthetic preferences when selecting the best option for your aircraft storage and maintenance needs.
