A quartz broadcast floor system replaces the vinyl chip with colored quartz aggregate — angular, kiln-dried silica sand particles that are broadcast into a wet epoxy carrier, then sealed with a topcoat. The result is a floor that's harder, more slip-resistant, and more abrasion-resistant than a standard vinyl chip system. Quartz systems are the professional choice wherever traction, chemical resistance, and durability are more important than visual drama.
What Is a Quartz Broadcast System?
The build sequence is similar to a chip system but uses different aggregate. After surface prep, a pigmented or clear epoxy base coat is applied. Before it cures, colored quartz aggregate (typically 20-30 mesh size — roughly 0.6–0.85mm) is broadcast to full rejection — broadcast until the wet epoxy can't accept any more aggregate. After cure, excess loose quartz is swept and vacuumed away, and a penetrating grout coat of epoxy fills the voids between aggregate particles. A final polyurea or urethane topcoat seals the surface.
The resulting surface is fully embedded aggregate with a textured, slightly rough profile — similar to fine sandpaper in feel, but sealed and cleanable. The texture is integral to the system: it won't wear away with normal cleaning.
Where Quartz Systems Are Specified
Commercial Kitchens
NSF-compliant quartz systems meet slip resistance requirements for food service. Resistant to grease, cleaning chemicals, and hot water.
Pool Decks
Wet-condition SCOF over 0.6 — safe barefoot on a wet surface. UV-stable topcoat handles year-round Texas sun exposure.
Heavy Shop Floors
Agricultural, oilfield, and industrial shops where equipment traffic, chemical exposure, and boot abrasion demand maximum film durability.
Medical & Lab
Seamless, non-porous surface that can be sanitized. Chemical resistance to disinfectants and lab reagents. Specified in ADA-compliant traction ranges.
Aircraft Hangars
Hydraulic fluid resistance, heavy point loads from aircraft jacks, and slip resistance for maintenance crews. Quartz outperforms chip in all three.
Residential Utility
Laundry rooms, mudrooms, pool-adjacent garages. Anywhere a residential floor needs commercial-grade durability and wet-surface traction.
Quartz vs. Vinyl Chip: The Key Differences
| Property | Vinyl Chip System | Quartz Broadcast System |
|---|---|---|
| Aggregate material | PVC vinyl flake (soft) | Kiln-dried quartz (hard mineral) |
| Mohs hardness of aggregate | ~2–3 (soft, flexible) | 7 (harder than steel) |
| Slip resistance (wet SCOF) | 0.4–0.5 typical | 0.6–0.8 typical |
| Abrasion resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Surface texture | Smooth chips, slight texture | Consistent grit texture, more pronounced |
| Color options | Hundreds of chip blends | Dozens of quartz color blends |
| Visual appearance | Decorative, speckled | Uniform, stone-like texture |
| Best use | Residential garage, daily driver | Commercial, wet areas, heavy industry |
| Relative cost | Standard | 10–20% higher |
Quartz Color Blends
Colored quartz aggregate is available in single colors and blended mixes. Common blends for Katy-area projects include:
Sandstone Blend — warm tan, cream, and buff quartz. Natural stone look, popular for pool decks and outdoor-adjacent spaces. Charcoal Blend — dark grey and black quartz. Professional, industrial appearance. Common in shop floors and commercial kitchens. Almond Blend — light tan and white quartz. Bright, clean, and reflective. Popular in food service and medical environments. Slate Blue — grey and blue-toned quartz. Distinctive appearance for showrooms and specialty spaces.
System Specification
| Layer | Material | Film Build |
|---|---|---|
| Surface prep | Diamond grind CSP 2–3, HEPA vacuum | — |
| Primer (if needed) | Moisture-mitigating epoxy primer | 2–4 mil |
| Base coat | 100% solids pigmented epoxy | 4–6 mil |
| Quartz broadcast | Colored quartz to rejection | Aggregate layer |
| Grout coat | Low-viscosity clear epoxy | 2–4 mil penetrating |
| Topcoat | Aliphatic polyurea or urethane | 2–3 mil |
| Total system | — | 10–17 mil + aggregate |
Pricing for Quartz Systems in Katy
Quartz systems run slightly higher than comparable chip systems due to aggregate cost and the additional grout coat step. For most residential applications, the premium is modest. For commercial projects where slip resistance is a code requirement, quartz is the specification — price per square foot matters less than compliance and liability protection.
| Project Size | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Small residential (under 400 SF) | $2,200 – $3,500 |
| Standard 2-car garage (400–550 SF) | $2,600 – $4,200 |
| Commercial small (500–1,000 SF) | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| Commercial medium (1,000–3,000 SF) | $6,500 – $18,000 |
Need Maximum Traction and Durability?
If your floor takes a beating — wet conditions, heavy equipment, commercial traffic — quartz may be the right system. We'll assess your requirements and recommend the correct specification. Serving Katy, TX and Greater Houston.
(832) 698-9040 — Call or Text