Epoxy, polyurethane, polyurea-polyaspartic floor coating costs vary widely. From as low as $2.50 a square foot to more than $10.00. But why is the range so wide? Well, there are several reasons including:
Sealers enhance the look of concrete, prevent moisture infiltration, protect concrete, and are easy to clean. However, sealers are clear and therefore any discoloration or concrete irregularities may be seen in the finished product. The biggest advantage of a sealer is price. A 400 square foot garage may cost as little as $1000 installed.
Partial flake or full flake epoxy flooring systems will cost you more. In these systems, PVA or mica “flakes” are broadcast into the color coat to provide added color, contrast and texture. This flooring can be stunning. However, the price per sq ft will increase as you move from partial to full flake, with high-end full-flake mica media systems exceeding $8 a square foot. That same 400 square foot garage just got bumped to $1200 to $3200 for high-end flake epoxy flooring systems.
More expensive still are coatings systems called “metallics”. These flooring systems are hand-crafted with a 3-dimensional high gloss finish. They are striking and possess a flowing, “glass-like” quality. However, the cost per square foot can run as high as $10 or more. That 400 square foot floor may now cost over $4000.
Concrete Damage Costs
Another factor that will affect cost is the condition of the concrete to be coated. Recently poured concrete can be near flawless. But over time, concrete may exhibit cracking, spalling or pitting. In some cases, the concrete may require major repairs. Needless to say, the price per square foot will increase with the extent of repairs.
Moisture Mitigation Costs
Concrete is porous and water vapor easily travels through it. However, if you apply an impenetrable floor coating, water vapor cannot pass through. Instead, a hydrostatic pressure will build over time with sufficient force to peel a standard coating right off the surface. To avoid this, contractors measure the moisture in the concrete.
If it is high, a moisture-mitigating epoxy is used to prevent future peeling. This epoxy type provides deep substrate penetration and a thick film and therefore counters the hydrostatic pressure. If a moisture-mitigating product is used, this will increase the cost by as much as $1.00 per sq ft. But it’s worth every penny. Nothing worse than watching your flooring peel up within a year after installation.
UV Protection Costs
Coating products may come with or without additives that provide UV protection (that is, protection from the sun’s UV rays). Spaces that are exposed to sunlight like driveways and patios need this additive in the coating product. Without it, your flooring will fade and peel over time. Expect to pay a small added premium if UV protection is required…in the range of $0.50 per sq ft.
Removal of an Existing Coating Costs
Finally, the space to be coated may not be “raw” concrete. I may already have a coating. If a coating, like a clear sealer or pigmented coating, is present, if may need to be removed by way of grinding or stripping before your new flooring is applied. Once again, expect to pay a small added premium per square foot if an existing coating must be removed.
The Wrap
Take a look at all the coating systems available to you. We provide an overview of our “Coating Systems” online at https://www.garagefloorcoating.com/.
Determine what you want versus what you are willing to pay. Take into consideration the added costs (add 20% to the cost if you require major concrete repairs). Do you want a simple sealer, something more aesthetically pleasing, or maybe a show stopper?
Once the type of coating system is determined and your budget set, call a professional contractor. Because the variety of floor coating options is endless, how much you spend is really up to you. Just don’t cheap out and hire an inexperienced contractor with so-called “1-day systems”…that would be a costly mistake.
Image credit for header – https://thebamalliance.com/blog/on-the-money-illusion/
Image credit for cracked concrete – https://jooinn.com/cracked-concrete-3.html
About the Author
GarageFloorCoating.com
Robert Hanson is the President and founder of GarageFloorCoating.com (GFC), an ISO 9001-certified company that has specialized in the installation of epoxy, polyurethane and polyurea-polyaspartic flooring for over 25 years. Robert’s evolving knowledge and experience pertaining to concrete coatings and installation techniques culminated in GFC’s impressive line of commercial-grade Eco-Corflex floor coating products, flake epoxy flooring blends and unique coating systems. His proprietary floor coating products and flake blends are sold to over 35 franchisees & authorized dealers across the United States.
