Having an epoxy garage floor coating installed is an excellent way to make your home more attractive and increase its value when it comes time to sell. However, there are several factors that can impact the cost of this project.
First, you must prepare the surface by cleaning and acid etching it. This will open up the concrete pores to allow for a stronger bond with the epoxy.
Cost of Materials
A good epoxy garage floor coating is glossy, easy to clean, and highly resistant to impacts, chemicals, and scratches. Its durability and beauty make it a worthwhile investment for your home. However, it can be a costly project. You can save on the cost without sacrificing quality by shopping around and negotiating with flooring experts. Licensed contractors usually offer free estimates and can give you a discount for doing the work in the fall or winter, when they are not busy.
The type of epoxy you choose will also impact the price. Water-based and solvent-based epoxy are less expensive than solid epoxy. Solvent-based epoxy releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is not recommended for use in high-moisture areas. Solid epoxy is thicker and more durable than other types of epoxy, but it’s more expensive at $45 to $150 per gallon.
Decorative flakes or quartz aggregate blends can be added to the resin for more style and color. You can even add pebbles or stones for a unique river rock look. These options are more expensive than a basic epoxy concrete coating, but they will enhance the overall appearance of your home’s interior and exterior.
When shopping for a contractor, it’s important to get all the prices in writing. Be sure that the estimate includes preparation, painting, and sealing. Also ask for a warranty. If your floor requires extensive preparation before it can be coated, this will increase the cost.
Before the epoxy can be applied, the concrete must be prepared. This can include acid etching, cleaning and degreasing, and patching imperfections. This process costs $40 to $75, depending on the size of the area. Low spots must be filled because water ponding on the epoxy can discolor it. Self-leveling concrete underlayment costs $35 per bag and can fill these low areas.
You may have to move items out of the garage and onto shelves or into storage during the epoxying process, which can be costly if you need professional movers. You can minimize the cost of these expenses by removing as much furniture and other items as possible before the flooring is installed.
Cost of Labor
The largest cost factor for a garage floor epoxy is labor, which makes up 33% to 60% of total costs. You can do the work yourself with a DIY kit, but it’s often cheaper to hire a professional. They’ll have the tools, equipment and skills necessary to lay down a high-quality coating. They’ll also be able to address any issues with the concrete flooring that need attention.
If you want your new epoxy floor to last, it needs to be done correctly. This includes a full broadcast of the material and no low spots, pits or surface cracks. If the concrete is in poor condition, it may need to be resurfaced before you apply the epoxy. If you don’t do this, the coating won’t adhere properly and your floors will fail prematurely.
Another factor that can impact the cost of your epoxy garage floor is the amount of prep work needed before it’s applied. The concrete needs to be acid-washed or power-washed to create a bond with the epoxy. This typically adds an additional $3 to $5 per square foot to the overall cost of the project.
Local contractors will charge a range of rates for site preparation depending on the size of the garage and whether they have to move any items in or out. They’ll also need to check the concrete for moisture, which is essential for a successful epoxy coating. If they find any cracks or chips that need to be repaired, these will likely need a urethane sealant for added durability.
Once the concrete is prepared, you can add a number of different features to your garage floor epoxy. You can choose a color that matches your car for a basic, durable coating, or you can opt for a decorative flake to give it an eye-catching finish. Options include pebble epoxy, faux marble patterns and metallic epoxy. If you choose a flake, it will usually cost an additional $10 per gallon to install.
You can also add a clear topcoat to your epoxy, which will protect it from scratches and other wear and tear. This will add an extra layer of durability to your garage floor, but it will also increase the cost by an additional $125 to $279.
Cost of Preparation
The size of your garage and the type of epoxy floor you choose will affect how much the project costs. Larger garages require more materials and will therefore cost more. The quality of the epoxy also impacts the price. A commercial-grade coating will be more expensive than a residential-grade sealant. Commercial-grade floor coatings can withstand the heavy foot and vehicle traffic that a typical garage receives. The type of concrete used in your garage will impact the final cost of your floor as well. It may be necessary to repair or resurface the concrete before applying an epoxy coating.
The color of your garage floor epoxy is another factor that influences cost. You can choose a standard solid color that is inexpensive, or you can go with a decorative epoxy system that includes flakes and a clear top coat. The flakes provide texture to the floor and make it more attractive. A clear topcoat protects the flakes and helps your floor resist stains.
Some types of epoxy can take up to four weeks to cure completely. It is important that the humidity stays low during this time, or the floor may peel. In addition, some types of epoxy release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application. These are dangerous to your health and will need to be aired out for a week or more.
Before laying down an epoxy floor, it is typically necessary to repair any cracks or chips in the concrete slab. Depending on the severity of the damage, this can cost anywhere from $25 to $250 for labor and materials. If the concrete needs resurfacing, the cost will be higher.
It is also not uncommon for concrete to settle or erode beneath your garage floor. This can cause the floor to become sunken or cracked. To address these issues, the concrete may need to be raised using a process called mud or slab jacking. This can be done in place or by removing and replacing the damaged section of the garage floor.
A professional flooring company will provide a detailed estimate for your project. They will also discuss the different materials and finishes available to you. Choosing a high-quality floor will help to ensure that your investment lasts for as long as possible.
Cost of Epoxy
Adding epoxy to your garage floor is a great way to improve the look and function of the space. It’s also a good investment that can increase your home’s resale value when you decide to sell. But before you start planning your new flooring, it’s important to understand what the cost will be for both professional and DIY installation.
Epoxy costs vary by project size and material choice. Typically, a DIY kit will cost $2 to $5 per square foot for the materials. These kits include epoxy, a mixing paddle and a paint brush or roller. Some of them also contain decorative flakes for an added aesthetic touch.
If your concrete floor has low spots, they must be filled before applying the epoxy. Otherwise, dirty or salty water ponding on the epoxy will discolor it over time. This can be done with self-leveling concrete underlayment ($35/bag). A bag should fill all the low spots in a two-car garage. Some pros also charge a flat rate for preparing the concrete floor, which includes clearing it, degreasing it and repairing cracks wider than 1/8”.
A professional’s labor costs will depend on how much work the concrete requires. Preparing an old floor for epoxy can be a lengthy job, and may require power tools, shop vacs and spiked rollers. If your floor is large, or if it requires more than one coat of epoxy, the labor costs will be higher.
Depending on your garage’s usage, you may want to choose a thicker epoxy that is more resistant to chemicals and heat. Solid epoxy is expensive but lasts up to 20 years. If you’re unsure what type of epoxy to choose, ask a pro to give you a recommendation.
Unlike other garage floor options, epoxy is a permanent flooring solution that won’t need replacement in the near future. However, it’s important to note that if your garage is prone to leaks or heavy traffic, the epoxy may need to be reapplied every few years. Reapplication costs $0.38-$0.58 per square foot. Considering that the initial installation was so affordable, it’s well worth it to keep your garage floors protected from wear and tear.
Epoxy Coating Industry 