How Much Does It Cost To Epoxy Garage Floor?

Epoxy is a resin material that will be mixed with hardening agents so that when it cures you are left with a coating that is able to withstand heavy use. This is why the epoxying method is favored for garage floor applications. The method for applying epoxy to your garage has several steps and must be followed diligently in order for the coating to maintain its integrity for years to come.

Your epoxy professional will start by applying a chemical to your garage floor slab that will create a rough surface for primers and the epoxy to adhere to. The chemicals will then be rinsed away and the priming agent will be applied. After priming is complete, the epoxy will then be added usually with two or more coats. Industry standard is to allow 72 hours before normal use of your garage can resume. However, the epoxy will generally take an additional seven days to fully cure and reach maximum resilience.

When deciding whether or not you should get an epoxy garage floor, it is helpful to know the overall cost. However, the cost of an epoxy garage floor can vary depending on several factors. Here are some factors that can affect the overall cost:

Garage Floor Size

The size and shape of garage floors are significant factors that directly impact the cost of an epoxy flooring project. Epoxy coating contractors often charge based on the square footage of the area they’ll be coating. As a general rule, the larger the floor area, the more materials and labor will be required, leading to an increase in cost.  

Type of Epoxy

If you’re thinking about getting an epoxy coating applied to your garage floor, there are a few things to consider first. First, you must decide what type of coatings you want. Basic epoxies tend to be more affordable but offer little in terms of durability or performance. They are best suited for those who don’t have much time or money to spend on their garage floors. Premium or specialty epoxies like metallic or decorative options can be more expensive but provide better durability and performance than basic coats.

Labor Cost

When it comes to epoxy flooring projects, the labor cost will vary depending on a few key factors: 

• The project’s complexity
• The condition of the existing floor,
• The expertise of contractors

Experienced and reputable epoxy flooring contractors may charge higher rates but can provide better quality work.

Materials Cost

Additional materials, such as primer, sealers and topcoats, may be required (besides the epoxy itself). You’ll also need the tools to apply the epoxy garage floor, including rollers and trowels. The cost of these materials can vary based on factors such as the brand, quality and the specific quantity needed for your project.

Perhaps the best part about epoxy garage floors is your chance to customize their look. There are several different colors to choose from and countless colors of decorative flakes that can be sprinkled over the floor as the epoxy is applied. This will take your garage appeal to the next level all while giving you a little extra traction on the walking surface. If you need additional slip resistance, you can choose to add in a fine gravel or a fine quartz powder to ensure your epoxy garage floor is extra safe to use during times that it is wet or spills occur.

Just like with any other product or service, when it comes to epoxy there are cost effective lower quality options, as well as, higher end more durable options. Choosing your epoxy type will have the most effect on the overall cost of epoxying your garage floor. Other factors such as labor cost, application method and other materials needed will likely be a flat fee that won’t fluctuate regardless of the epoxy product that you choose. However, there are some hidden costs that most people overlook when choosing to epoxy their garage floor.

Garage Floor Site Prep Cost

Site preparation is an additional cost that the epoxy company will charge you if you want them to remove your belongings and clear out your garage. You can cut some cost by scheduling appropriately and giving yourself time to clear your garage yourself. Depending on how early you clear your garage or how long your epoxy professional recommends you don’t use your garage floor, you will likely need a place to store all the items you housed in your garage.

When taking on this project don’t forget to factor in how much it will cost to rent a storage unit for your belongings. Depending on the size of the storage unit needed, rentals can cost  between $20 to $450 per month.

Garage Concrete Repair Cost

Another common factor that most people don’t consider that can affect the overall cost of your project are concrete repairs. Upon inspection of your garage, the epoxy company might find areas that need patching on your garage floor, or they could even find cracks causing foundation issues that you weren’t aware of.

General patching, including materials and labor, will run you  around $25 to $250  depending on the amount of repairs needed. Where the price can be greatly affected is if foundation issues are found. Foundation repairs, depending on the damage, can cost anywhere  from $8,000 to $30,000.

Your garage is more than just a place to park your car: It’s a room that can be designed with your style in mind. Epoxy garage floors are an ideal choice for many homes. These floors offer a wide range of styles to suit different preferences and design aesthetics, such as:

• Solid color: Solid color epoxy floors are a classic choice that provides a clean, uniform appearance. They are available in a wide range of colors.
• Metallic: Metallic epoxy floors create a stunning, high-gloss finish with a three-dimensional effect. These floors produce a unique swirling pattern by incorporating metallic pigments into the epoxy.
• Flake or chip: Flake or chip epoxy floors are a simple way to add visual interest and texture to your flooring. The decorative flakes come in various sizes and colors, allowing you to customize the look of your floor.
• Quartz: Quartz epoxy floors combine epoxy resin with quartz aggregate, resulting in a strong and decorative floor. The quartz crystals add depth and texture to the flooring.

There are many types of epoxy, and the best one for you will depend on what you’re trying to accomplish. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types of epoxy and how they work:

Water-Based

Water-based epoxy is a type of epoxy that uses water as its primary solvent instead of a traditional solvent like acetone or mineral spirits. It is often considered more environmentally friendly and typically has the lowest price tag.

Solvent-Based

Solvent-based epoxy is a great solution when you need a stronger application. It’s known for its high performance, durability and resistance to chemicals, moisture and abrasion. Solvent-based epoxy can be used in flooring systems, heavy-duty coatings and protective coatings for metal surfaces.

Solid Epoxy

Solid epoxy is the most concentrated and undiluted form of epoxy resin available. It offers excellent adhesion and chemical resistance, so the bonds between the two compounds remain strong and durable for years after application. Solid epoxy is also the most expensive type of epoxy.

As with any other home improvement project you will likely ask yourself, “If I do this myself, how much money can I save?” You will usually find out it is far cheaper to do most projects yourself. This will initially be the case with epoxying your garage floor. However, if you choose to go this route, you’ll likely find you are in way over your head, need to rent or buy a lot of additional equipment, and don’t have the amount of time needed to do the project correctly.

All of these factors will eventually add up to an overall cost comparable to a professional, but you will have paid for a huge headache in the process. Epoxy professionals and the project cost might be tough to stomach, but at the end of the day you are paying for their experience. Your epoxy garage floor will be applied appropriately the first time and a lot faster than you could complete the project yourself. When it comes to this home improvement product it is recommended that you consult your local epoxy garage floor professional.

Pros

• Protects garage concrete slab from damage and stains
• Vastly improves the look of your garage
• Easier to maintain and clean
• Withstands contact with oil spills
• Plethora of decorative options to fit your style
• Can be an affordable upgrade to your home
• More durable and long lasting than other concrete protecting products

Cons

• Strong odor during the application process and during the curing phase
• If repairs are needed, it is very difficult and time intensive to replace
• Must be applied correctly to avoid bubbles and weak spots
• The application process can be lengthy leaving you without a garage for a period of time and additional storage unit costs
• Can become slippery when wet, usually you choose a non-slip coating

An epoxy garage floor is an excellent way to make your garage look good and last longer. It’s also a great investment because it will keep your garage looking new for years. But the cost of an epoxy floor can add up. Here are some tips for saving money on your epoxy garage floor:

• Do your research: There are many types of epoxies and different ways to apply them, so take your time and choose wisely based on your needs and budget.
• DIY installation: Epoxy garage floor installation can be a DIY project if you have the necessary skills and tools. By doing it yourself, you can save on labor costs.
• Select basic styles: Opt for a basic design or solid color to save money on your epoxy garage floor. Intricate designs and patterns can increase the overall cost of your project.
• Consider long-term durability: An epoxy coating can last for years with proper care. But if you choose a low-quality product, you’ll need to reapply it more frequently and pay for repairs or replacements, which costs more in the long run.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, a number of providers and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.