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Typical Range: $1,447 to $3,006 National Average: $2,227
If you’re tired of the plain concrete flooring in your garage, you may be interested in long-lasting epoxy flooring. Epoxy is a rugged and durable finish that will transform dull garage flooring into a gleaming surface. According to HomeAdvisor, epoxy garage floor costs range from $1,447 to $3,006, with the national average at $2,227. An epoxy floor is tough and resistant to oil, grease, and chemicals while protecting against scuffs and scrapes. This garage floor coating comes in a variety of colors and blends of decorative flakes. Epoxy is also available in metallic hues and customizable colors.
Equipment and materials cost between $2 and $5 per square foot, and labor averages between $1 and $7 per square foot. Epoxy flooring averages between $3 and $12 per square foot, including installation fees. Solid epoxy can cost up to three times as much as water-based epoxy. Homeowners with a large garage will pay a top price for premier solid epoxy flooring; however, solid epoxy may be an affordable option if used in a small space since it requires less maintenance and outlasts the water-based option. The project’s overall price depends on the area’s square footage, the number of coats needed to fully protect the floor, and the amount of preparation required before applying the epoxy.
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What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring is made of a thermosetting epoxide resin and a polyamine hardener. When the two items are mixed, it creates a chemical reaction that begins the curing process. The chemical reaction creates a stable and durable layer while sealing and protecting the surface to which it’s applied.
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Factors in Calculating Epoxy Garage Floor Cost
Several factors impact epoxy garage flooring cost. Prices can differ from the national average due to garage size, labor costs, application methods, materials, equipment, epoxy type, and preparation methods.
Garage Size
A 250-square-foot one-car garage can cost between $750 and $3,000 to epoxy. A larger 400- to 500-square-foot garage can cost between $1,200 and $6,000. The larger the surface, the more expensive the epoxy coating cost will be. Solvent and water-based epoxy are the cheaper options.
Labor Cost
Labor costs average between $1 and $7 per square foot. Prepping the area can take two professionals a day to complete and will cost approximately $500. Labor costs for epoxying a garage floor are high because it takes a day to prep, a day to coat the flooring, and another day to seal it.
Application Method
Some application methods use a roller to apply the epoxy, and others require a squeegee, trowel, or sprayer. Talk to the concrete professional that will install the epoxy flooring to ask about application methods since some are more labor-intensive (and therefore more expensive) than others.
Materials and Equipment
Epoxy flooring materials average between $0.37 and $1.40 per square foot, depending on the type of epoxy. Solid epoxy costs $1.40 per square foot, and water-based epoxy is cheaper at $0.37 to $1.20 per square foot. Equipment used can include power washers, shop vacs, numerous power tools, hand tools, spiked shoes, squeegees of various sizes and notches, rollers, spiked rollers to eliminate air bubbles, and protective gear.
Type of Epoxy
The cost to epoxy a garage floor depends on the type of epoxy used. Water-based epoxy is the least expensive option at $30 to $50 per gallon. Solvent-based epoxy is in the middle of the price range at about $45 per gallon. Solid epoxy is the most expensive option and can range up to $150 per gallon.
Site Preparation
Before any flooring prep can begin, the garage will need to be emptied of its contents. This includes items on the floor and on shelving around the perimeter. You can save on costs by moving these items yourself.
Most concrete flooring will need to be acid washed or etched before the application of epoxy. This gives the epoxy a texture to grip so it can adhere to the flooring surface. Prepping the floor costs around $54 for 3 gallons of product. The flooring will also need to be washed before etching to remove dirt, debris, and stains.
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Additional Costs and Considerations
When budgeting for epoxy garage floor costs, there are additional price factors and considerations. These can include painting and sealing concrete, storing your possessions, repairing concrete, resurfacing, and traffic coating.
Painting and Sealing Concrete
Sealing concrete with urethane or high-performance epoxy averages between $0.50 and $2.50 per square foot, not including labor. A less expensive option is to seal a concrete floor with an acrylic resin or penetrating silicone for about $1.50 per square foot. Expect to pay an extra $1.45 to $3 per square foot to paint a concrete floor.
Storing Possessions
After the garage is emptied, you may need somewhere to store your belongings. You can rent a storage unit for approximately $20 to $450 per month. If you prefer to hire a moving company, those costs average $40 per hour per mover, and a 12-foot moving truck costs $20 per day plus mileage fees.
Repairing Concrete
If your concrete garage floor has chips, cracks, or is crumbling, it will need to be repaired before the epoxy can be applied. Patching costs between $25 and $250 for materials and labor. If cracks in the flooring result from foundation issues, then the foundation will need to be repaired. Foundation repairs can run from $8,000 to $30,000.
Resurfacing
Concrete resurfacing can cost between $3 and $10 per square foot, including installation. A 500-square-foot garage floor can cost from $1,500 to $5,000. Keep in mind that some contractors require a $500 to $1,000 minimum charge.
Traffic Coating
If you use your garage to store heavy vehicles like an RV, tractor, or a dual-axle truck and trailer, it may be worth it to invest in a commercial-grade floor coating. Polyurea or 100 percent solid epoxy can resist the heavier weight of the vehicles. The higher quality sealant is more expensive, but the investment will pay off over time.
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Epoxy Garage Floor Cost: Types of Epoxy
Pricing can vary depending on the type of epoxy you choose for your garage flooring. There are three types of epoxy: water-based, solvent-based, and solid epoxy.
Water-Based
Water-based epoxy is the cheapest option for flooring. It consists of water, epoxy, and a hardener. As the epoxy cures, the water evaporates. This type of epoxy is thin, easy to apply, durable, glossy, and low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Water-based epoxy only resists minor scratches and chemical exposure, and it needs to be reapplied every 1 to 3 years. It can cost between $30 and $50 per gallon.
Solvent-Based Epoxy
Solvent-based epoxy is a bit stronger than water-based, has a greater resistance to petroleum-based products, and can be applied when there’s high humidity and lower temperatures. The solvent-based epoxy application requires respirators since this option is high in VOCs and highly flammable during the application process. Some states have banned solvent-based epoxy because of the high VOCs, so be sure to inquire if this type of epoxy is available in your area. The cost runs about $45 per gallon.
Solid Epoxy
Solid epoxy is the most expensive option, but it’s the most robust and most durable type of flooring epoxy. It’s a thicker epoxy—about double the thickness of water-based and solvent-based epoxy. It has no VOCs, so it’s better for the environment, and it resists heat, chemical spills, and scratches. Solid epoxy can last up to 20 years. It requires professional installation since it needs to be applied quickly. Solid epoxy is not recommended for high-moisture areas or use in extreme temperatures. The cost can run from $45 to $150 per gallon.
Benefits of an Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
Epoxy garage floor coating is considered one of the best finishes. It’s durable, glossy, easy to clean, and resistant to impacts, chemicals, scratches, and stains.
Improved Appearance
Epoxy floor coating transforms a dull concrete garage floor into a glossy and gleaming surface. Epoxy can be customized with various designs and color options that complement your home’s aesthetic. It can also hide flooring imperfections like flaws in the concrete or small cracks.
Cost-Effective
Compared to other flooring coatings and options, epoxy is a good value. It’s less expensive than other materials and offers superior durability and toughness. Choosing epoxy coating is more cost-effective than purchasing tile or vinyl and paying for installation costs.
Long-Lasting
Epoxy coating lasts longer than other flooring options for garage flooring. Epoxy’s sheen and overall appearance will last for years due to its durability and protective qualities. It’s resistant to chemicals, water, shock, and stains and can provide long-term satisfaction since it’s easy to clean and maintain.
Protection and Strength
Since epoxy is a sealant, it protects the concrete flooring beneath it. The epoxy will help the concrete floor last longer because it bonds to the surface of the concrete. This strengthens the concrete and protects it from cracks and wear. Adding epoxy to the surface of a concrete floor increases the surface strength and the ability to hold significantly more weight than uncoated concrete. When the epoxy is applied correctly, it will resist tearing and peeling and withstand heavy wear and tear over time.
Safety and Visibility
Epoxy flooring reflects light to increase visibility within a garage. Many kinds of epoxy coating have a high shine that creates a refined look. This glossy surface can help keep you and your household safe by increasing the amount of available light in the garage. Epoxy flooring can also include additives that increase traction and have anti-slip properties. Sand, gravel, mortar, polymer grit, and aluminum oxide can be added to the epoxy to increase the level of traction and to help avoid slips on the smooth surface. You can request an anti-slip additive when consulting with your flooring professional.
Easy Maintenance
Epoxy floor coatings are easy to keep clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can be swept or vacuumed before using a mild cleaning solution or soap and water. Road salt will not damage epoxy flooring, and any chemical, oil, water, or grease spills can be easily wiped up without staining.
Compatible With Vehicles
The smooth surface of epoxy flooring will not wear down or damage vehicle tires. Plain concrete flooring may crack and corrode over time from the weight of a vehicle, but the weight of cars and trucks is supported by the increased tensile strength of the epoxy-coated concrete. If you’re someone who changes your car’s oil in the garage, epoxy flooring will withstand spills, leaks, and drips without staining.
Eco-Friendliness
Epoxy flooring is eco-friendly since it doesn’t have to be replaced continually and it requires minimal materials. Water-based and solid epoxy contain low or no VOCs, and it takes less energy to apply epoxy coating than to install new tile or vinyl flooring. Epoxy flooring is considered a greener option since it lasts many years and is cost-effective and durable.
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Epoxy Garage Floor Cost: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Applying an epoxy coating to a garage floor requires the proper preparation of the concrete floor, attention to detail, and patience. A concrete flooring professional has the tools and materials to install the epoxy correctly. A professional has access to higher quality materials and knows how to properly apply an epoxy coating to ensure maximum durability and longevity of the product. DIY epoxy flooring kits are available at home improvement stores from $50 to $600. If you buy the epoxy separately, you’ll need all the tools and materials to apply the coating, including patching compound for the concrete, application tools, cleaner, degreaser, and epoxy sealant. Hiring a professional will minimize any mistakes a DIYer could make without the knowledge and experience needed to install epoxy flooring.
How to Save Money on Epoxy Garage Floor Cost
Epoxy garage floor costs can be high, and the additional costs associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save on epoxy garage floor costs is to buy the cheapest materials, but there are other ways to save without compromising quality.
Get multiple estimates. Search out at least three estimates from reputable concrete flooring companies near you. Estimates are usually free but always double-check with the company.
Time it right. Consider doing the project in late fall or winter. Contractors will lower prices during their slow time, and this is a good way to get a cheaper rate.
Negotiate. It’s possible to negotiate better prices with flooring companies. Some will lower their costs by up to 20 percent.
Do some of the work yourself. You can save on labor costs by moving everything out of the garage yourself and taking it to a storage space. This can save on the cost of movers.
Bundle. You can save money on epoxying a garage floor if you’re building a garage or remodeling one. Since contractors are already at your home doing the work, you may be able to get a discount on the price of installing an epoxy floor.
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Questions to Ask About Epoxy Garage Floor Cost
Asking a professional the right questions about epoxy garage floor cost can minimize miscommunication, save money, and get the desired results. Here are some questions to ask an epoxy flooring professional.
Are you insured, and do you have workers’ compensation? (Some states require insurance and workers’ compensation, while others do not. Check with your local municipality.) Do you have references or recommendations? What brand of epoxy coating do you use? Do you have technical data sheets about the epoxy you use that I can see? Are you certified to apply the epoxy coating? Can I see your training certificate? How will you prep the existing concrete floor? What are the VOC levels in the products you use? How long will the project take? Who will be applying the epoxy? Do you test for moisture in the flooring? Do you offer a topcoat? How will you handle concrete flooring repairs? What type of warranty do you offer?
FAQs
Deciding on epoxy garage flooring while staying within your budget can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about epoxy flooring to help guide you in your decisions.
Q. How much does it cost to epoxy a two-car garage?
A 400- to 500-square-foot two-car garage costs approximately $1,200 to $6,000 to epoxy.
Q. How long will the epoxy garage floor last?
Epoxy flooring typically lasts between 10 and 12 years if it’s properly maintained. Solid epoxy flooring can last up to 20 years.
Q. What’s cheaper: epoxy flooring or tiles?
Floor tile can cost $3 to $5 per square foot, garage floor tiles cost between $2 and $4 per square foot, and epoxy can run between $3 and $12 per square foot.
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