Whether you’re looking to upgrade the floors in your home, business, or garage, epoxy is an attractive and durable option worth considering. But how much does it really cost to coat your floors with this glossy, protective material?
The price can vary quite a bit based on the size of the project, the materials used, and who does the installation. In this guide, we’ll discuss the cost of epoxy flooring and the factors that influence these costs so you can get a realistic idea of what to budget for your space.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Epoxy Flooring
- Substrate Condition: The condition of the existing floor plays a significant role in the overall cost. If the substrate needs extensive preparation, such as cleaning, repairing cracks, or leveling, the costs will be higher.
- Square Footage: Naturally, the larger the area, the more expensive the project. However, costs per square foot often decrease with larger projects due to economies of scale.
- Type of Epoxy: There are different types of epoxy coatings available, including solid epoxy, water-based epoxy, and solvent-based epoxy. Solid epoxy is the most durable and the most expensive.
- Aesthetics: Decorative epoxy flooring adds aesthetic appeal and customization options. This includes metallic finishes, glitter, and custom patterns that enhance the visual appeal of your space. While these options can increase the overall cost, they provide a unique and personalized look that can match any decor.
- Complexity of Design: Simple, single-color applications will cost less than intricate designs with multiple colors, patterns, or decorative elements like metallic or glitter finishes.
- Labor Costs: Hiring a professional installer can significantly impact the total cost. Labor costs vary based on location, the complexity of the installation, and the experience of the contractors.
How Much Does Epoxy Flooring Cost?
When it comes to epoxy flooring, one of the most common questions is “how much will it cost per square foot?” This is an important consideration when deciding whether epoxy flooring is the right choice for your space and budget.
The cost per square foot of epoxy flooring can vary quite a bit based on the specific materials used, who does the installation, and any special preparation needed. However, on average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $12 per square foot for epoxy flooring installed.
Some more specifics on the typical range:
- Basic epoxy flooring starts around $3 per square foot installed. This would be a thin layer of clear or colored epoxy coating over a prepared concrete floor.
- A mid-range epoxy floor with a decorative chip broadcast finish will run $5 to $12 per square foot installed. This gives you a thicker, more durable floor with decorative chips or flakes mixed in.
- High-end epoxy floors with creative designs, patterns, multiple layers, or other special treatments can cost $7 to $15+ per square foot installed. This delivers a showroom-quality floor that makes a bold design statement.
With average costs ranging from economical to luxury levels, epoxy can be a cost-effective solution for industrial spaces, garages, basements and more. Knowing the typical per square foot expense can help you budget better.
Material Costs
The materials needed for epoxy floors make up a significant portion of the total cost. Here are the main material expenses:
- Epoxy – The epoxy resin itself costs $50-120 per gallon on average. The amount needed depends on the floor’s square footage and thickness of the coating. More epoxy equals higher material costs.
- Primers – Primers help the epoxy bond properly to the concrete. They usually cost around $10-150 per gallon. Some applications require multiple coats of primer.
- Aggregates – Decorative chips or colored sand can be added on top of the epoxy to create texture and patterns. These range from $1-5 per square foot. Aggregates are optional.
- Other supplies – Additional costs include tools like squeegees and rollers, plus tape, paint trays, and cleaning solvents. These supplies may add $200-500 onto the total.
The specific epoxy products used and the amount required will largely determine the material costs. Selecting a high-end specialty epoxy or adding aggregates can increase the price as well.
Labor Costs
Hiring a professional epoxy flooring contractor is one of the biggest costs associated with installing an epoxy floor. Labor costs can vary greatly depending on your location, the project’s size, and the contractor’s experience level.
On average, you can expect to pay $4-$7 per square foot for installation by a professional contractor. Keep in mind that many contractors have minimum job requirements, such as a 500 sq ft minimum. This means labor costs for very small projects may be higher on a per-square-foot basis.
The key factors that influence labor costs include:
- Your location – Labor rates are higher in some markets. Expect to pay more for installation in a high-cost-of-living area.
- Project size – Larger jobs allow contractors to spread out fixed costs and offer better per-square-foot pricing.
- Floor prep – More intensive preparations like grinding or shot blasting concrete will add labor hours and expenses.
- Coating complexity – Floors with colored flakes, complex patterns, or multiple layers take more time and skill to install.
- Contractor experience – Top epoxy pros often charge a premium for their expertise and high-quality work.
To get the best deal, get 3-4 quotes from local contractors to compare rates. And remember – cheaper isn’t always better with epoxy floors. Paying for an experienced pro often saves money and headaches in the long run.
Additional Costs
Epoxy flooring requires extensive prep work before installation, which can add to the total cost. The subfloor must be thoroughly cleaned, any cracks or holes repaired, and, in some cases, old flooring removed.
One of the biggest additional expenses is the removal and disposal of old flooring. If you’re replacing carpeting, tile, or wood floors with epoxy, the tear-out process takes time and labor. Any adhesive or mortar below the old flooring must also be scraped away.
The condition of the concrete subfloor is also important. If it’s damaged, porous, or uneven, you may need concrete repairs, which could include filling cracks and holes, resurfacing, or grinding down high spots. Moisture testing and vapor barrier installation may also be required, which prevents moisture from seeping up through the concrete over time.
Proper prep work helps ensure the epoxy bonds correctly and lasts. But all these steps add hours of labor and more materials to the project cost. It’s important to account for additional expenses when budgeting for a new epoxy floor.
Ways to Save on Epoxy Floors
When it comes to installing epoxy floors, there are a few ways you can save money on the project.
Do It Yourself
One of the biggest ways to reduce costs is to install the epoxy flooring yourself rather than hiring a professional. This definitely takes more time and effort, but you’ll save on labor costs. Make sure to do your research beforehand and follow all preparation and installation steps carefully.
Buy Materials in Bulk
Buying epoxy flooring materials like resin, hardener, and paint chips in bulk quantities can lead to significant savings compared to buying smaller amounts. Shop around to find the best bulk pricing on the specific products you need.
Choose a Simple Design
Opting for a simple, solid color epoxy floor rather than a more complex design with patterns or multiple colors will require less material and be faster to install. Sticking to a simple design like a solid gray or tan floor can potentially sliced thousands off the total project cost.
Doing the work yourself, buying in bulk, and keeping the design simple are all great ways to cut down the overall expense of installing epoxy floors. With some extra effort, you can save big on your new floor.
Epoxy Flooring: A Smart Investment for Your Space
Epoxy floors offer durability, easy maintenance, and customization options. While more expensive than some flooring, epoxy can be a sound investment for garages, basements, kitchens, and commercial spaces. Proper prep work and hiring experienced installers is key for best results.
To get a more accurate estimate for your space, get in touch with us. Provide us with details on your project, like total square footage and finish options. We can assess your space and give you a free, personalized quote.