A One-of-a-Kind Penny Epoxy Resin Floor for a Home Bar in Manchester
When we first arrived at a stylish Manchester home to discuss creating a bespoke penny epoxy resin floor for a private bar, we knew immediately that this project would be something special. As specialists in epoxy flooring and resinous floors, we love transforming spaces with creativity, precision, and materials that last a lifetime. But this particular project — a 40-square-metre home bar floor crafted entirely from hand-laid copper pennies — allowed us to combine artistry and technical expertise in a way that truly captured our passion for resin flooring design.
From the initial consultation to the final polish, every stage of this penny epoxy floor was a celebration of craftsmanship, geometry, and the unique beauty of epoxy and resin.
Inspiration and Concept
The client’s vision was to create a floor that would become the centrepiece of their new home bar — a space that felt both luxurious and personal. They had seen examples of penny floors online and loved the idea, but they wanted something more refined and contemporary: a geometric pattern rather than random placement, and a flawless high-gloss resin finish that would reflect the ambient bar lighting beautifully.
At Epoxy by Design, we’ve installed everything from garage epoxy floors to commercial resin flooring, but every once in a while a residential project pushes us creatively. We immediately knew that a carefully arranged penny floor encased in clear epoxy resin would be the perfect way to merge artistic design with durable, low-maintenance practicality.
Preparing the Surface
A flawless resin flooring system always begins with proper preparation. The existing subfloor needed to be smooth, level, and clean before any resin could be poured. Because even minor inconsistencies can cause issues with the final pour, we spent time levelling the floor meticulously.
Levelling presented one of the main challenges of this project. With a 40 m² space, even a few millimetres of deviation can affect resin flow and create uneven surfaces. We used precision levelling compounds to achieve a perfectly flat substrate. Once we were confident in the surface, we applied a primer coat to ensure full adhesion between the concrete and the resin layers to come.
The black base coat was then added — a rich, deep tone designed to contrast beautifully with the copper pennies. This resin for floors created the ideal foundation for the geometric pattern we were about to build.
Cleaning and Preparing the Pennies
Before we could begin laying out the pattern, we needed to ensure that every penny looked uniform. Years of circulation had left some coins dark, others tarnished, and a few bright and shiny. To achieve consistency, we cleaned each penny in a special solution, restoring their copper tone and creating a cohesive metallic sheen that would shimmer beneath the resin.
This step was both meticulous and meditative. We handled thousands of pennies, cleaning, sorting, and checking for consistency. When you’re creating a floor that will last decades, every detail matters.
Creating the Geometric Pattern
Unlike traditional penny floors where coins are placed randomly or in simple rows, this client requested a geometric design — something intricate that would draw the eye across the entire space. We designed a repeating circular pattern, interlocked with triangles and symmetrical arrangements, resulting in a striking visual rhythm that feels both mathematical and artistic.
We started from the centre of the room, laying pennies outward in concentric circles and connecting them with triangular formations. The precision required for this layout was intense — each coin had to be perfectly aligned to maintain symmetry. We used temporary guides and fine measuring tools to ensure every section flowed seamlessly into the next.
This stage required patience, teamwork, and a keen eye for detail. Once complete, the black base and warm copper tones created a visually stunning contrast that immediately transformed the room — even before we poured the resin.
Pouring the Epoxy Resin
The next phase was where our technical expertise truly came into play. Epoxy and resin behave differently depending on temperature, humidity, and thickness, so we carefully calculated the correct amount of resin per square metre to achieve the perfect depth. Too much resin can cause heat buildup and distortion, while too little risks uneven coverage and air bubbles.
We used a high-quality, crystal-clear epoxy flooring resin designed specifically for decorative surfaces. Once mixed, it was poured carefully across the coins in controlled sections. Using professional-grade tools, we ensured an even spread while minimizing air entrapment.
Watching the resin flow across the pennies is always a rewarding sight — as it levels out, it magnifies the copper tones, creating a sense of depth and movement beneath the surface. When fully cured, the resin formed a seamless, waterproof coating that not only protects the coins but also adds a glass-like brilliance to the entire floor.
The Challenge of Reflection and Light
One of the most exciting outcomes of this floor was how it interacted with light. Once the resin cured, the high-gloss surface became a mirror for the room’s bar lighting. The lights reflected off the floor in a soft, golden glow, enhancing the warmth of the copper pennies and giving the space a luxurious ambience.
In resin and epoxy flooring, lighting plays a huge role in how the final result feels. A polished surface like this doesn’t just protect — it transforms the atmosphere of the room. For the Manchester home bar, that meant turning an ordinary floor into an illuminated statement piece.
Durability Meets Design
Beyond aesthetics, the real strength of a resinous floor lies in its durability. This penny epoxy floor isn’t just beautiful — it’s built to last. The waterproof coating means spills or moisture won’t cause damage, which is particularly important in a bar area where drinks are frequently served. It’s also stain-resistant, easy to clean, and completely seamless, eliminating grout lines or cracks where dirt can accumulate.
These same properties are what make epoxy and resin flooring systems ideal for many other environments too — from resin kitchen floors that can withstand daily wear and tear, to garage resin flooring where chemical and oil resistance are essential, and even commercial epoxy flooring installations that handle heavy foot traffic every day.
Although this project was residential, the technology behind it is the same high-performance standard we use in our commercial resin flooring work. We believe that clients deserve the same level of quality and craftsmanship whether it’s a home bar, a kitchen, a workshop, or a corporate showroom.
The Finished Result
When the final topcoat had cured, we stepped back to admire the result — and even after years of working with resin, this one took our breath away. The interplay of geometry, light, and colour gave the space a sense of movement. Each penny seemed to float beneath the glass-like resin, and the black base amplified the copper tones beautifully.
The client’s reaction was everything we hoped for. They described it as “a floor that feels alive,” and we couldn’t agree more. What started as a creative idea had become a truly bespoke piece of functional art.
We took several photographs of the finished installation to capture the way the geometric design interacts with the lighting. Even though we didn’t have process photos, the final imagery speaks for itself — the craftsmanship, symmetry, and gloss finish tell the story better than words.
What Makes Penny Epoxy Floors So Special
A penny epoxy resin floor is more than just a conversation starter — it’s a durable and practical investment. The copper surface beneath the clear resin provides a unique metallic warmth that few other materials can match. The epoxy layer above offers a waterproof, seamless coating that’s incredibly tough.
Here are a few key benefits:
Longevity: Properly installed resin flooring can last decades without needing replacement or refinishing.
Ease of cleaning: A quick wipe or mop keeps it spotless — no grout, no cracks, no fuss.
Waterproof and stain-resistant: Ideal for bars, kitchens, or anywhere moisture is a factor.
Design versatility: From metallic pigments to embedded materials like coins, the creative potential of epoxy flooring is almost limitless.
Light reflection: The high-gloss finish enhances interior lighting, adding depth and brilliance to the room.
While many people associate resin for floors with industrial or garage environments, this project proves that it’s just as effective — and stunning — in a high-end residential setting.
Our Expertise at Epoxy by Design
At Epoxy by Design, we pride ourselves on delivering excellence in every project, whether it’s a bespoke decorative floor like this one or a large-scale commercial epoxy flooring installation. Our experience spans garage epoxy floors, resin kitchen floors, resin garage flooring, and even industrial environments where performance and safety are critical.
Every floor we install is tailored to its environment — we consider not just how it will look, but how it will perform under real-world conditions. The epoxy and resin systems we use are engineered for strength, chemical resistance, and longevity, but we also understand the artistic side of flooring. The Manchester penny floor perfectly illustrates how resinous floors can merge utility with stunning design.
Behind the Scenes: Calculations and Craftsmanship
One of the most technical aspects of this project was determining the correct amount of resin per square metre. Because pennies create a slightly uneven surface, we needed to calculate how much resin would fill the gaps and form a perfectly smooth surface without overpouring.
Our team used precise volumetric calculations to estimate the total resin volume, factoring in the thickness of the coins and the space between them. Once the first pour cured, we inspected for any micro-settling and followed up with a finishing coat to achieve the flawless glass-like surface that defines high-end epoxy flooring.
Each step, from preparation to curing, required careful timing and control. Resin work is as much science as it is art — and when those elements come together successfully, the results are extraordinary.
Why Choose Resin Flooring for Home Bars
Home bars are becoming increasingly popular, and choosing the right flooring is key to balancing style with functionality. A resin floor offers numerous advantages in this setting:
Spill Resistance: Liquids, alcohol, and cleaning solutions can’t penetrate the surface.
Durability: Perfect for high-traffic areas where guests gather.
Easy Maintenance: No waxing, sealing, or special cleaners needed.
Custom Aesthetics: From a minimalist clear coat to embedded designs like our penny pattern, resin allows full creative control.
Whether for a sleek contemporary look or a conversation piece like this penny floor, resin for floors is an ideal choice for spaces where design and performance both matter.
Reflection and Pride
Looking back on this project, it stands out as one of our most memorable residential installations. The challenges — levelling, coin preparation, precise resin measurement — were more than matched by the satisfaction of seeing everything come together. The finished floor not only met but exceeded expectations.
As professionals in epoxy flooring, we’re always thrilled when a project showcases both the versatility and artistry of the material. The Manchester penny epoxy floor will continue to inspire us — and hopefully, inspire future clients to see what’s possible with resinous floors.
Interested in Your Own Bespoke Resin Floor?
Whether you’re envisioning a penny floor, a metallic resin kitchen floor, a durable garage resin flooring system, or a high-performance commercial epoxy flooring installation, we’d love to help. At Epoxy by Design, we bring the same care and precision to every project — large or small.
We offer design consultations, material advice, and full installation services across the UK. Every project starts with understanding your vision and ends with a floor that’s not only functional but also a true expression of craftsmanship.
Final Thoughts
The Manchester home bar penny epoxy floor demonstrates the beauty and versatility of epoxy and resin systems. What began as a simple idea became a striking feature that embodies both artistry and engineering. From the uniform copper shine of the cleaned pennies to the perfect mirror-like resin surface, every element reflects our commitment to excellence.
Epoxy flooring isn’t just a surface — it’s an experience. And for us at Epoxy by Design, that experience begins and ends with creating something extraordinary.