How Much Does an Epoxy Floor Cost?
Average Cost To Install Epoxy Floor Coatings in the U.S
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National Average - $2750
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Low End - $699
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High End - $4400
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Typical - $1780-$3300
In any space that sees a lot of traffic, there is a tremendous risk of having to deal with never-ending floor repairs – which is inevitably costly. However, there is a solution to avoid the stress of constant floor repairs: Epoxy Floors. Epoxy floors offer a reliable and durable surface for commercial and industrial use. Epoxy floor coatings are typically applied over concrete floors to provide durability, cleanliness, and an attractive finish that will last many years when applied correctly. Along with customizable designs, epoxy floors protect your floor from the use and abuse that it receives.
The cost of epoxy floors is not a clear-cut answer due to the many styles, types, and functions that these floor coatings offer. With that said, the average cost of epoxy floors can be provided and help you decide the direction you want to take when selecting your epoxy floor. The average price of epoxy floor coatings can range between $2.50 and $9.75 per square foot. This range of cost includes average material costs and labor costs per square foot.
Many Factors Can Determine The Costs Of Applying Epoxy Floors
Epoxy Type
Epoxy floors are classified into three categories: solid epoxy, water-based, and solvent-based epoxy. Solid epoxy costs twice as much as water-based and solvent-based epoxy. The reason for this is that solid epoxy coatings are made up of 100% solid epoxy making it the most durable and long-standing epoxy which is typically used on industrial and commercial floors. Water-based and solvent-based epoxy is composed of 40-60% epoxy. Water-based epoxy is a low-cost option because it is the least difficult to apply and much thinner than the other two epoxy categories. Solvent-based epoxy is more sustainable, thicker, and able to conceal any damages to the base floor compared to a water-based epoxy. However, solvent-based epoxy is highly flammable and volatile, and when evaporating, it releases VOCs. The type of epoxy can dictate what materials, tools, and if the epoxy requires a professional to apply the material to your surface.
Water Based
- Cost: (per gallon): $30-$50
- Pros: The most economical and easiest epoxy to apply.
- Cons: It is the weakest epoxy that is only able to withstand minor chemicals and scratches before needing to be repaired.
Solvent Based
- Cost: (per gallon): $30-$50
- Pros: Able to Withstand more wear and tear compared to water-based epoxy
- Cons: Application requires respirators due to its high VOC contact
100% Solids
- Cost: (per gallon): $30-$50
- Pros: The most economical and easiest epoxy to apply.
- Cons: It is the weakest epoxy that is only able to withstand minor chemicals and scratches before needing to be repaired.
Scale of The Project
The size and dimensions of your flooring project is the most influential factor to overall costs. The larger the area needing epoxy requires additional materials, labor time, and careful application to avoid risking damaging the project before it is completed.
Existing Concrete Condition
If epoxy is being applied to older floors that have cracks, chips, or crumbling concrete, repairing these issues is required prior to applying epoxy. Materials can cost as little as $3 or as much as $150, depending on how much concrete is needed to repair. In total, this project can cost $25 to $250 for labor and materials.
Choice of Epoxy Color
Just like any other flooring, epoxy offers a vast selection of shades and tints. The color and design of epoxy flooring can be customized to any type of area whether if it’s a basketball court or a hotel lobby, epoxy can complement any space. However, coloring and customizing epoxy floors will be a separate expense to the materials and labor. Epoxy comes in neutral colors that are much more economical than colored epoxy.
Professional Application or DIY
Although many individuals are capable of applying epoxy without a professional, it is highly recommended to seek professional guidance when applying epoxy by yourself. Professionally installed epoxy typically costs $3-$12 per square foot, which can vary based on the type of epoxy being applied, the number of coats required for the area, and the method of application that the professional decides to use. If you do choose to complete an epoxy floor project by yourself, epoxy floor kits can be purchased for $50-$600 or more, again, depending on the type of epoxy, how much material is needed for your space, and necessary tools. Although DIY is more affordable than hiring a professional, a small mistake in applying your epoxy coating can result in damages to the coat and possibly reapplication. Not only do damages to an epoxy coating require costly repairs, but also, substantial damages may entail removing all of the applied coats and starting over. DIY is a low-cost option that carries costly risks that could cost more than hiring a professional contractor.
Pros v. Cons
Professionals
- Able to provide higher-quality materials.
- Professional expertise when applying epoxy will allow increased durability and the product is able to last longer and needing less maintenance.
- Repairs that are needed throughout the application is provided throughout the project.
- Can become very costly
- Depending on the size of the project, labor costs may become very expensive
- May be difficult to find reputable expert in your area
Do-It-Yourself
- An economical alternative to hiring a professional that can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on your epoxy project.
- Allows you to have more control in applying the epoxy in your area.
- Ability to afford using more time in the project without paying more in labor costs.
- A Simple mistake may require starting over or reparing which can increase the project cost
- without the correct expertise in applying epoxies, the application process imposes many risks that may put you in danger
- Incorrect application of epoxy require much more maintenance and attention throughout time
Tools and Materials
If you decide not to hire a contractor to apply epoxy floors, it is imperative to purchase tools, materials, appropriate cleaning supplies, and safety products to protect you from possible toxic fumes and any equipment being used. Keep in mind, based on what epoxy that you choose to apply may need supplemental tools or materials in order to implement the epoxy floor properly. The most important aspect of these tools is not to complete a satisfactory project but to protect you throughout your project. Check out all of Brew Floors DIY Kits that come with everything you need to install
Weather
Weather conditions can affect how long and how well the application of epoxy will be. Temperatures should be at least above 50∞F during and for at least 24 hours after installation. This process can take up to three days, which may affect labor costs when hiring a professional.
If you are considering epoxy floor coats, it is clear that many elements dictate the cost of your epoxy project. The most important thing to remember when tackling the many factors that go into the cost of epoxy floors is how you will be using the coat, where the coating will be applied, and what is it that you want from using epoxy floors. These questions will help you determine what type of epoxy will most satisfy your needs. Here are things to keep in mind that will help you in your pursuit of acquiring epoxy flooring:
- The type and style of epoxy are flexible to how you will be using the floors and how you would like the style of the appearance of the epoxy floors to look. The process of selecting the type and style of epoxy will allow you to manage your budget by determining what features are necessities and which can be sacrificed.
- If you are considering applying epoxy floors without hiring a professional contractor, consider the many risks that may end up costing you more than if you had initially hired an expert.
- When purchasing the tools and materials needed for your epoxy project, it is essential that you consider what is necessary for the type of epoxy you are using and the size of your project. But, more importantly, prioritize materials that will keep you protected throughout your project.
6 thoughts on “Epoxy Floor Cost”
Very honest and informative article. Of course, we recommend hiring a professional. But, if you do want to do it yourself, use a solvent based, or pure solid epoxy. Also, the higher quality epoxies have to be applied faster, because they harden faster. If you’re using it for a garage, Google hot tire lifting. You have to use a polyurethane top coat to prevent this. The top coat will also protect the epoxy from yellowing due to the UV light from sun exposure. We also use a top coat. And whatever you do, don’t use a water based epoxy. You can do this yourself, but do your research first, so you don’t wind up hiring a professional to fix it. In the case of epoxy, that’s more expensive than hiring a professional to begin with.
I found this article outstandingly interesting. First, to understand there are three different categories – solid epoxy, water-based, and solvent-based epoxy. I definitely did not know that! If I were to DIY the project myself, I probably would not have analyzed the pros and cons shared in this article, and the different conditions or factors that could affect it after completion. I also agree with the importance of protecting yourself, aside from getting the project right. So thanks for the detailed information, and for making me know that I would definitely hire a Professional for the project!
Epoxy floors sounds like a great option and more home owners should look into make such a great investment. The article helped me understand that epoxy floors aren’t just to provide a great aesthetic look but will protect the garage floor from the constant in and out of the car. The three options that you mentioned really caught my interest; after reading the different epoxy types I can say I’d rather pay more to have the best quality and installation service available. I have looked on so many websites that reference epoxy floors but none have been so easy to understand and useful.
This article was very informative, well written and easy to read. I never knew anything about epoxy floors now I do. Congratulations on 20+ years of business. I see that you know much about your trade and I trust that you will be in business for many more.
I am a DIY girl myself so when I started reading this article, I thought “Oh, I’m sure I could watch a few videos and install the flooring myself”. After reading all of the pros and cons for installing epoxy flooring professionally vs DIY, I think I will definitely be hiring a professional if I ever decide to go with epoxy! I do love how durable this flooring is compared to other flooring though and it was nice to see the cost comparisons for each type!
Hi Jasmine,
Glad you enjoyed the article!
– The Brew Floors Team