In polymer concrete, thermoplastic polymers are often used, but more typically Thermosetting resins are used as the principal polymer component due to their high thermal stability and resistance to a wide variety of chemicals. Polymer concrete is also composed of aggregates that include silica, quartz, granite, limestone, and other high-quality material. The aggregate should be of good quality, free of dust and other debris, and dry. Failure to fulfill these criteria can reduce the bond strength between the polymer binder and the aggregate

Polymer concrete may be used for new construction or for repairing old concrete. The adhesive properties of polymer concrete allow the repair of both polymer and conventional cement-based concretes. The corrosion resistance and low permeability of polymer concrete allow it to be used in swimming pools, sewer structure applications, drainage channels, electrolytic cells for base metal recovery, and other structures that contain liquids or corrosive chemicals. It is especially suited to the construction and rehabilitation of manholes due to its ability to withstand toxic and corrosive sewer gases and bacteria commonly found in sewer systems. Unlike traditional concrete structures, polymer concrete requires no coating or welding of PVC-protected seams.[4] It can also be used as a bonded wearing course for asphalt pavement, for higher durability and higher strength upon a concrete substrate, and in skate parks, as it is a very smooth surface.[citation needed]

Polymer concrete has historically not been widely adopted due to the high costs and difficulty associated with traditional manufacturing techniques. However, recent progress has led to significant reductions in cost, meaning that the use of polymer concrete is gradually becoming more widespread.

Polymer concrete in the form of Epoxy granite is becoming more widely used in the construction of machine tool bases (such as Milling (machining) and Metal lathes) in place of Cast Iron due to its superior mechanical properties and high chemical resistance.