Epoxy flooring is trending thanks to its versatility. Instead of paints that chip, scratch, and lose their luster, epoxy keeps floors smooth and protected. Using a mixture of resin and hardener, experts will create the perfect consistency and look for each customer, creating floors that match what they want and need.
The big question: How much will epoxy flooring cost?
Epoxy Flooring in a garage with professional grinding application will typically cost $5 to $9 per square foot. So for a 2 car garage you're commonly looking at a $2,000 - $3,000 project. This is for a flake finish (most common in a garage).
In this guide, we cover all the different types, options, and costs of epoxy flooring, so that you can make an educated decision on your project needs.
What is Epoxy Flooring?
An epoxy floor is a two-part coating that is mixed together and placed on the floors in order to adhere to the surface you’re coving. That makes it a good choice for your garage, as you might have heavy machinery or tools there. Though epoxy is a type of floor, the ways of mixing it are endless and no two floors are the same. Unlike paints, the flooring takes on a smooth and glossy finish that is resistant to scratches and scuffs. It’s also mold and mildew proof, which is why it often makes its way into homes.
When a professional knows what they are doing, they can create an epoxy substance that will last up to 20 years, something that no conventional floor can do. Before choosing epoxy garage floors for your home or business, there are a few things you should consider, including the types and the cost.
Should I Get Epoxy Flooring?
Now that you know what epoxy flooring is, the next thing that you should consider is whether or not epoxy flooring is the right choice for you. Before you do anything, it’s a good idea to contact a professional that can take a look at your floors as they are now. This will give you a better idea of how much everything will cost.
After your consultation, think about how you use your garage. Do you park your cars there? Do you use tools? What kinds of risks does your floor have? Asking these questions will help you decide whether or not epoxy floors are right for you. Tough you’ve considered whether it’s good for you, you should also think about your budget and the style you’re looking for. Depending on the condition of your floors, it could cost much more to get floors in shape before adding any epoxy.
Types of Epoxy Coatings
There are all kinds of epoxy coatings and choosing the right one for your space is crucial. Because there are so many variations in look and function, those looking to add epoxy to their garage should consider the types. (Related: Everything You Need To Know About Epoxy Flooring: Different Types And Benefits)
Epoxy Flooring Ratings: What Do They Mean?
Epoxy floors are measured by an abrasion-loss rating. This rating tests for the floor's ability to withstand temperatures, which is something you should consider when applying. To test this out, there is a method, which mimics real wear and tear from things like tires. When doing this method, technicians would take a look to see how the floor performs, seeing if any material wore off.
The lower the rating, the better the epoxy will be able to resist wear and tear. Ratings are given in mgs, and the minimum accepted number is 20mgs. You will find a lot of epoxies out there that top off at 25mgs, but that could be too soft for a garage. Instead, try and go for epoxies that are between 20mgs and 10mgs, as this is a perfect measure for heavy-duty equipment and high traffic that your garage likely experiences.
Another rating you need to consider before choosing an epoxy includes the compressive strength and tensile strength. As far as the adhesion rating, you want to look for one that has a rating of about 350 psi. Most water-based on the market will have that so this one should not be a problem. In addition, you want to check for the impact rating, going for one that has 125-inch pounds or more. The impact rating will ensure that any tools you drop of things you drag over are not going to crack or damage the floor, which is important in a garage.
The Cost of Epoxy Garage Floors
The national average to install epoxy flooring in a garage falls between $1,400 and $3,002. Because there are different types, the cost can vary greatly. Plus, no two garages have the same setup, so the cost will depend on the size and the conditions of the current floors. There are also different types of epoxies and some mixtures that cost more than others.
When you consult with a professional, they will look at all of these things and take them into consideration before giving you a final price. They will also consider the process, using a primer, epoxy, and the sealant to ensure that you have a beautiful, sturdy, and smooth finish when all is said and done.
Epoxy Flooring Cost Per Square Foot
Epoxy flooring can cost anywhere from $3 to $12 including the installation. No matter where you’re living or what kind of flooring you have currently, this will be the range. The materials are not the bulk of the cost. As a matter of fact, it’s the labor that costs the most. The two things that make epoxy flooring cost more are the labor costs and the square footage, two things that you should be aware of.
Also, because of its consistency, solid epoxy costs much more than water-based epoxy. To determine the best fit for the area of your home you want to epoxy, you should chat with an expert and find out what your options are. In places like the garage, you may want a sturdier substance as you may drop things from time to time.
Because of the rise in popularity of epoxy flooring in garages, there have been many out there trying to cut corners to get the same look. Only thing is that, with epoxy flooring, you can't cut corners, and there is not a one-step process that will work as well as an epoxy flooring. Epoxy is a strong substance, but it doesn’t stand up to some concrete flooring that’s used heavily. Instead, it’s recommended to go with an epoxy that requires a base coat and prepping of the concrete first.
Painting and sealing concrete come with an average cost of $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot. This price does not include the labor, something we know has a high cost. This price also doesn't include painting the concrete beforehand, something that some want so that it can match their décor. Painting comes with a cost of up to $3 per square foot depending on the paint and the technique the laborers are using.
Epoxy Flooring Additional Costs
On top of the installation, painting, and sealing, there are a few other costs that you should consider. One of them is the fact that you may need some extra space to put your belongings while the work is being done. In most cases like these, there is a need to store items, which could cost anywhere from $20 to $450 per month.
Concrete Repairs
Another cost you might not have considered is for repairs of your current concrete floors. Before applying epoxy or paint, technicians will likely check floors for a number of things including scratches, chips, or any kind of crumbling. This will ensure that your floor will last and that both paint and epoxy will go on smoothly. With all things included to get your concrete patched up, you could be looking at another $25 to $250.
Concrete is not just one of those things that comes with a simple fix. You will have to contact professionals and likely get their approval before you start anything with your concrete floors. In order to do that, you’re looking at a few things with lots of costs intact to getting your garage floors in shape for epoxy like:
Concrete Repairs | Average Cost |
|---|---|
Evaluation | $300 to $800 |
Soll Report | $500 to $2500 |
Concrete or steel peers | $750 to $3000 each |
Underpinning | up to $6000 per corner |
Repair of the foundation | $8000 + |
The costs above are mostly typical if you have issues that are causing potential harm to the structure of your home or the concrete around it. If there are no issues of this kind and just minor things to fix here and there, then the costs will be very minor.
Resurfacing of Garage Floors
To get the perfect gloss and shine that epoxy floors can produce, it’s crucial to have a good smooth surface first. The cost for resurfacing the floors with help from a professional is about $3 to $10 per square foot. Putting that into perspective, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1500 to $5000 for a 500-foot garage space.
The need to resurface your garage floors due to structural issues is an extreme case and won’t be something that everyone will have to go through to get epoxy. Talking with a professional beforehand can help you know about the health of your floors, and will tell whether or not you need to take this extra step.
Epoxy vs Other Flooring: Which should you Choose?
Epoxy vs Polyurethane
Polyurethane flooring is a type of coating that is similar to epoxy in many ways. It has a reputation for being more flexible and elastic, as opposed to epoxy, which is harder and much more brittle. Polyurethane is recommended in some cases for areas with high traffic, as it helps to keep everything smooth and scratch-free. It is much more resistant to scratches due to its flexible feel, making it a good option in some cases.
Epoxy vs Garage Floor Paint
You might have come by a few affordable options in some stores that claim that you can just paint your garage floor. While this option is okay in some cases, it doesn't cut it in others, something that all those considering adding them to their floors should keep in mind. Most of the time, the options in the store are latex paint, as it is a little stickier and more resistant to damages.
Still, it's not a long-lasting option like epoxy and may need to be replaced a few times a year. With epoxy, you could have your garage floors covered for up to four years with proper care, making it a great option if you need more protection on your garage floors.
Epoxy vs Polyaspartic
Polyaspartic is another option for a coating for your garage floor. This type of material has been used for years, making its appearance on bridges and other steel objects due to its ability to resist corrosion and rust. It’s more flexible than epoxy and, with the right mixture, can be pretty durable for a space like your garage floors.
Using polyaspartic material, experts can mix other things in to customize the feel and finish, which can make it dry faster and/or last longer. This kind of versatility is not there with epoxy, making it an attractive alternative. After everything is on and applied, the floor has a glossy finish and a durable feel. Just like with epoxy, owners can add a bit of color if they want to customize a look for their garage.
Epoxy vs Polished Concrete
One of the main reasons why polished concrete is popular is that it’s affordable and attractive. Instead of painting over most of the surface first, polished concrete takes first grinding the top layer and then using a polishing machine to buff away imperfections and make the surface smooth. Polished concrete floors are also good for high traffic areas and something that many choose to put in their home garages.
While it can be a great option for all kinds of garages, it still doesn’t have the same durability as epoxy, as it will not last as long. Though you’re saving a few bucks in the beginning, you may wind up having to redo the work sooner as compared to epoxy flooring.
Pros and Cons of Epoxy Flooring
Deciding whether or not to get epoxy flooring in your garage depends on a few things. First and foremost, it depends on how much traffic comes in and out of the area and it also depends on your budget and the amount of time you have to get the job done. Before considering whether or not epoxy flooring in your garage is the right thing for you, take a look at a few of the pros and cons.
Pros:
Cons:
Epoxy Flooring: DIY or Pro?
The DIY movement is going strong and there are several home improvers out there that think they have what it takes to get the job done. While we’re not discouraging that, there are some things to consider before deciding to choose DIY or professional services. For epoxy, pro services are the best way to go, as it’s a bit more of a technical process. Not only will professionals have to prep the surface being epoxied but will also have to mix the right amounts and account for the right amount of dry time.
On top of that, there is purchasing the right materials, buying the right equipment, and knowing how to account for certain things like drying times and the need for a primer or a sealant. Typically, the process of applying epoxy to a garage requires:
- 1Analysis of concrete floors: First thing’s first, you must make sure that your floors are compatible with the type of epoxy you’re using. There are some epoxies that are not compatible and will not wear well on certain surfaces. Always check this out first before diving in. This is also a good time to reach out to professionals for an estimate or a consultation, as they may be able to spot things that you don't know to look out for. They can help you decide what type of epoxy is right for you and your needs and whether or not your floors are healthy enough for epoxy.
- 2Mixing and applying: Not only will you have to mix the right number of things in order to get the consistency just right, but you will also have to apply the epoxy. Though it seems just like painting, you'll have to use the proper brush and apply it evenly all the way around. Also, the vapors in epoxy are very strong, something that you’ll have to be on the lookout for if doing it on your own.
- 3Keep track of everything: Another challenge on the list is keeping up with all the content. Not only do you need to make sure that you're applying in a timely manner but, you also need to make sure that contents all around don't start to dry up as they sit there. There is a thing call "pot life," which refers to the amount of time a bucket can stay open without having to replace it.
- 4Track time: The first coat of epoxy takes about 16 hours to dry. You’ll need to keep track of that and make sure that you are not applying anything until it is dry and that nothing is at risk for falling on top of it while you’re waiting. The first coat that you put on is one of the most important and one that requires the most patience and attention to detail. Before applying anything, check that you have the right tools, the temperature is not too hot, and the pot life will extend past the drying time.
- 5Second layer: After everything is dry and ready to go, it’s time to start adding the second coat. Just like before, you will have to wait 16 hours before it is dry and then decide if you want to add a sealant on top or not. One of the things to watch out for is the amount of time to wait until the epoxy is fully dry. That means that you shouldn’t park cars on top of recently set epoxy for up to a week. In some cases, experts recommend not parking for a month, making sure everything is set in place.
Extra Steps: Should you Take Them?
There are some epoxies out there that claim to be an all-in-one product. That means that it will have the primer, sealant, and epoxy all in one, saving you a few days and a few steps. Though that sounds great for the sake of time, let’s take a look at what that really means. First of all, should you use a primer? The answer is probably. Going with pros, they will likely recommend that you use a primer, getting all of the rough patches smoothed out, and giving something extra for the epoxy to stick to.
It is said that a primer can extend the epoxy coverage by 25% so it will last longer. If on top of that you add a sealant, you're not only adding a longer-lasting floor but also a smoother surface that is less resistant to scratches. The topcoat that sealant provides is a lot harder than epoxy and creates an additional barrier between the epoxy and any other object, including cars, oil, and other tools or chemicals.
Final Thoughts
Epoxy flooring is trending and many garage junkies love it as it is durable and lasts a lot longer than other options. It's something that is versatile and adaptable and won't cost too much as long as your garage is in good shape. Considering the costs and all things beforehand, you're left to make the final decision about epoxy garage flooring, yes, or no?
First of all, think about the amount that you use your garage and the things you use it for. Then, think about your budget and the time you have to spare. Lastly, take your style into consideration, finding a look and color that goes with your current setup. After that, you should have all you need to make a final decision as to whether or not you will add epoxy floors in your garage.
Epoxy floors are useful, especially in a high-traffic place like the garage. If you're looking for options that will help you keep your floors looking good no matter what you go going on in your garage, epoxy is a good option, one that could be exactly what you're looking for.