Frequently Asked Questions
Do you serve areas outside Kalamazoo?
Yes, we serve Portage, Richland, Allegan, St. Joseph, and Paw Paw. Our family-owned business covers Southwest Michigan's industrial, commercial, and residential markets.How fast do poly-aspartic floors cure?
Poly-aspartic systems offer rapid-curing technology with minimal downtime compared to epoxy. This allows quicker return-to-service for commercial and industrial facilities.What's included in surface preparation?
We use shotblasting and grinding to remove coatings, contaminants, and weak surface layers. This creates proper surface profiles essential for coating adhesion and longevity.Do you handle concrete crack repair?
Yes, we provide comprehensive crack repair, spall patching, and structural restoration. Our technicians use structural epoxy injection methods to address Michigan freeze-thaw damage.Can you level uneven concrete floors?
Yes, we use precision pump-applied materials for consistent leveling results. This creates an ideal foundation for coatings, polish, or decorative finishes.Are urethane cement floors food-safe?
Yes, urethane cement systems maintain slip resistance and sanitation standards for breweries, kitchens, and food processing facilities while providing chemical resistance.What's the difference between polish and grind-seal?
Polish creates mechanically refined surfaces without coatings, while grind-seal involves grinding followed by sealer application. Both offer dust control and durability.Do you install cove base systems?
Yes, we install seamless cove basing that prevents moisture intrusion. This is required in cleanroom, healthcare, and food-grade environments for enhanced sanitation.Can floors withstand forklift traffic?
Yes, our specialty industrial flooring systems are designed to withstand heavy loads, forklifts, and chemical exposure in manufacturing and factory environments.Do you offer on-site assessments?
Yes, we provide site evaluations and consultations to determine the ideal flooring system for your facility's specific requirements and usage patterns.Why is epoxy better than carpet for basement floors?
Unlike carpet or luxury vinyl tile, epoxy and polyaspartic coatings bond directly to the concrete slab to create a waterproof seal. They prevent moisture entrapment, mold, and mildew growth — common issues in lower-level spaces — while delivering a durable, easy-to-clean surface that won't lift from dampness.Can epoxy be installed over damp or wet concrete?
Yes, provided a moisture vapor barrier is applied first. Best Step Coatings performs moisture testing on your slab before installation and applies moisture-mitigating primers or urethane cement bases to prevent hydrostatic pressure from bubbling or delaminating the topcoat.How long does basement floor coating installation take?
Most residential basement coating projects take one to two days, depending on required surface repairs and moisture treatments. Polyaspartic topcoats cure rapidly, allowing light foot traffic within 24 hours after application — minimizing disruption to your home.Are epoxy basement floors slippery when wet?
Standard high-gloss coatings can be slick when wet, but basement installations typically incorporate anti-slip aggregates or decorative flake broadcasts. These additives create texture underfoot, improving traction and safety for family living areas, home gyms, and stairways.Is basement floor coating safe for indoor air quality?
Yes. Low-VOC and zero-VOC epoxy and polyaspartic systems are available for enclosed indoor spaces. During surface preparation, industrial dust-containment grinding equipment keeps airborne concrete particles out of your home's HVAC system and living areas.How do I maintain a coated basement concrete floor?
Maintenance is minimal — the seamless surface repels dirt, dust, and spills. Sweep or vacuum regularly and mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acid-based cleaners or abrasive scrubbers, which can degrade the protective clear topcoat over time.What flooring systems work best for basement spaces?
HERMETIC Flake and HERMETIC Neat systems from Elite Crete are popular choices for basements. They combine a strong epoxy base with a decorative broadcast layer and durable polyaspartic topcoat, delivering waterproof performance, design versatility, and long-lasting protection in below-grade environments.How do I choose a basement floor coating color or finish?
Best Step Coatings offers multiple flake blend tiers — from classic neutrals to natural stone appearances — so you can match your basement's aesthetic. During your on-site estimate, Gary walks you through color samples and finish options to find the right combination for your space.What surface preparation is needed for basement concrete?
Basement slabs require mechanical grinding or shotblasting to open the concrete profile and remove weak surface layers, ensuring proper coating adhesion. Any existing cracks or spalling are repaired before the coating system is applied for a lasting, uniform result.Do basement coatings hold up under heavy use?
Yes. Elite Crete systems are rigorously tested for durability, abrasion resistance, and chemical resistance. Coated basement floors handle home gym equipment, workshop traffic, and storage loads without chipping, peeling, or staining under normal residential use conditions.
