Every homeowner, builder, or renovator knows that when it comes to flooring in any room, the sky is the limit. But when it comes to garages and basements, there’s one option that stands out from the rest—and it just might surprise you. We’re talking about epoxy flooring. That’s right! This long-lasting coating has become a popular choice for these often-neglected areas of the house—and for good reason. Let’s break down why epoxy flooring is an economical and practical decision.
Durability, Strength, and Longevity: With epoxy flooring, you get what you pay for. It’s a long-lasting material with superior durability, making it an ideal choice for any basement or garage project. Epoxy is made up of two parts that are mixed together to form a tough but flexible resin coating once applied to a surface. Epoxy flooring systems offer three layers of protection—a primer coat, a color/flake coat, and a protective topcoat—allowing it to stand up to wear and tear from heavy traffic, spills, and other elements. The result? A resilient floor with superior strength that can handle whatever you throw at it (or drop on it). It resists chemical spills, abrasions, scratches, cracking, and peeling—which makes sense considering its original use was as a protective paint coating on ships!
Versatility of Design Options: Not only is epoxy flooring durable but it also comes in a variety of colors and finishes that can be customized to fit any need or preference. From bright colors to subtle hues and even flecks of glitter for added sparkle, epoxy flooring provides the perfect backdrop to your décor project. And if you’re worried that your floors might be too slippery? We have an additive specifically designed to reduce slippage while still providing the same level of protection!
Low Maintenance & Easy Cleanup: Since epoxy flooring is nonporous and highly resistant to mold and bacteria growth, cleaning up spills or messes couldn’t be easier! All you need is some warm water and soap (read more here) and you’re good to go.
Cost Comparison: When compared to other popular options concrete staining, ceramic tile, sheet vinyl, or carpet tiles—not only does epoxy flooring come out ahead in terms of durability and wear resistance; but it also tends to be much more economical than its competitors. And unlike some other types of flooring which require frequent replacement due to damage or discoloration over time, epoxy floors will last for years while still looking fresh. Plus they don't require any special maintenance beyond occasional sweeping or mopping!
Factors in Calculating the Cost of Epoxy Floor Coating
Every epoxy floor installation differs, so costs vary dramatically from project to project. An array of elements go into the final price, including the application method, labor costs, materials and equipment, room size, site preparations, and epoxy choice.
The table below offers a quick look at costs based on several factors, but continue reading beyond the chart for an in-depth look at each variable.
Factor | Average Cost Range |
Type of Epoxy | $0.50 to $3 |
Application Method | $5 to $12 per square foot |
Equipment and Material Costs | $0.35 to $1.50 per square foot |
Labor Installation Cost | $4 to $7 per square foot or $50 to $150 per hour |
Room Size | A one-car garage (200 square feet) can cost between $700 to $2,900 |
Site Preparation | $1 to $5 per sq ft
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Types of Epoxy:
Solvent-based epoxy systems were preferred in the past due to their durability, resistance to petroleum contaminants, and glossy finish, but government regulations on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) have become stricter, leading to a shift towards more environmentally friendly alternatives in the industry and for consumers.
The utilization of water-based epoxy coatings has significantly increased in recent years, as solvent-based epoxies are becoming less widely available. Water-based epoxies are gaining popularity due to their reduced levels of regulated VOCs, which is especially advantageous in environments where VOC restrictions are rigorous.
Water-based epoxy coatings possess the distinct advantage of containing a significantly lower or zero level of solvents, which contributes to minimal odor. Moreover, depending on the product, these coatings can be applied to concrete while it is still damp or in the process of curing.
Although the use of water-based epoxies has recently surged, it is only in the past few years that significant advancements in research and development have been made to create materials that possess sufficient chemical resistance and durability for industrial and commercial applications. Many commercially available water-based coatings have yet to catch up with these innovative technologies, which results in suboptimal performance.
As a consequence, older technology-based water-based products are only appropriate for lighter-duty environments where more frequent recoating is acceptable.
Consequently, it is vital to consider the environment and its needs when selecting water-based epoxy coatings to guarantee that the chosen method provides sufficient chemical resistance, durability, and performance.
100% Solids epoxy floor coatings are renowned for their ability to provide a thick, durable, and long-lasting protective layer for floors. What sets 100% Solids epoxy apart from their water-based and solvent-based counterparts is their formulation, which contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or water. The absence of VOCs makes them an eco-friendly solution for industrial and commercial flooring applications.
Commercial grade 100% Solids epoxy are typically composed of two components, namely a resin and hardener, which are blended together to trigger a chemical reaction that leads to a hardened, resilient flooring surface that can withstand even the most extreme conditions. Unlike water and solvent-based coatings, 100% solids epoxies cure instead of just drying via evaporation.
The film thickness of 100% Solids epoxies is typically greater than that of water-based and solvent-based coatings. It can be as thick as 10 mils or more, depending on the application technique and product used. This feature makes them ideal for protecting concrete floors from chemical exposure, impact, and other forms of wear and tear. They are considered top-of-the-line flooring solutions for industrial, residential, and commercial settings.
Application Method: When considering the installation of epoxy floors, it's important to think about which application method is best for your project. Water-based coatings and solvent-based coatings are easy and budget-friendly (in the short term) while 100% Solids epoxy coating can involve a little more time and money. Keep in mind that if you want something extra special like metallic notes or colored flakes - they'll be totally worth it! Of course with any major flooring projects involving several steps such as these; we highly recommend working with a professional who has experience using specialized tools during the process.
Labour Cost: While do-it-yourself epoxy flooring might sound like an attractive option, it pays to remember that labor costs are a major factor in the overall price. In most cases, these professional fees will account for up to 65% of your total expenditure - ranging from $4-$7/sqft or by the hour ($50-$150) depending on contractors’ rates and location. Plus you may have additional overhead expenses such as travel charges, equipment hires & special materials! But don't worry – this investment usually comes with peace of mind thanks to warranties offered by many service providers.
Materials and Equipment: Installing an epoxy floor system is no small feat! It requires specialized materials and equipment such as rollers, wet-dry vacuums, power scarifiers, squeegees, and sprayers - all of which can normally be purchased from your local epoxy store. For those opting to do the installation themselves, there's also the added cost of protective gear and special shoes so that inconsistencies during the process are minimized. When using outside help for this job you don't need to worry about equipping yourself or buying any extra items; most contractors usually include their necessary tools into their overall pricing structure when giving estimates on jobs like these.
Site Preparation: Prior to pouring an epoxy floor, the current surface must be prepped. This painstaking process is essential to achieving a perfect finish that will last and look stunning! Depending on your unique situation, prepping may involve acid etching or grinding - both of which can come with their own set of costs. However, if you hire out for installation services then it's likely these fees are included in one price point.
Additional Considerations
When it comes to epoxy flooring, there are more factors than just material costs.
Repairing Concrete: It is important to remember that concrete can weaken over time and chips and cracks may form due to age or poor workmanship. Professional repair of these imperfections typically ranges from $6 - $14 per square foot before an epoxy coating can be applied. If your concrete flooring is crumbling or has large chips and cracks, your concrete flooring might be failing. You’ll need an Inspector to evaluate the damage and determine the best action. On average, repairing a concrete floor costs between $2,200 and $7,800, depending on the severity of the damage.
Dry Time: Once the epoxy floor has been applied and cured, it is important to factor in drying time. Depending on the product used, and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, dry times can vary greatly. It is important to ask your professional installer how long it will take for your specific product to fully cure so that
Resurfacing Concrete: It's a cost-effective way to fix any underlying issues with your old substrate and typically ranges between $3-$25 per square foot. With just one project you can solve those pesky problems without having to start from scratch – what could be better?
High Traffic Coatings: Protect your floors from high-traffic wear and tear with a special coating that can stand the test of time. High-Traffic coatings are industrial-grade sealants for areas subject to heavy foot or vehicle usage, such as households with many occupants, places of business, or heavily used garages. Though it costs more than standard sealing options —20%-30%— investing in this durable solution is well worth its price!
Best Rooms for Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy floors can be the perfect finish for various spaces, but they’re most common in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and garages.
The table below outlines the costs for these rooms based on average sizes and prices for a Flake Floor System. We used each estimate’s average cost per square foot for epoxy installations.
Room | Average Room Size | Average Price per Square Foot | Total Average Cost |
Basement | 30 x 30 feet | $7.50 | $6,750 |
Bathroom | 5 x 7 feet | $7.50 | $262.50 |
Garage | 24 x 24 feet | $7.50 | $4,320 |
Kitchen | 12 x 12 feet | $7.50 | $1,080 |
Patios | 16 x 18 feet | $7.50 | $2160 |
Your installation may be higher or lower than these estimates based on factors specific to you. We recommend getting a few personalized estimates from professional contractors to ensure the most accurate pricing.
DIY Epoxy Flooring vs. Hiring A Professional
While DIYing an epoxy floor installation is entirely doable, it’s not always the best option. Some installations are tricky, especially those with substrate issues such as cracks, chips, or crumbling. If you’re set on DIYing the project, you can buy epoxy kits that guide you through the process.
Final Thoughts
Epoxy flooring can certainly be a worthy investment for the home. It’s cost-efficient and long-lasting when compared with other popular flooring options. However, there are many considerations to make before making the final decision to install it in your home. Site preparation is essential for achieving a perfect finish, and it’s important to factor in the costs of repair and resurfacing. Additionally, consider the type of room you’re choosing for epoxy installation before committing. Lastly, decide if DIYing or hiring a professional is the best route for your flooring project. Once all these considerations are taken into account, you can make an informed decision about epoxy flooring for your home.
FAQS
What is epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring is a coating system made of an epoxy resin and a hardener. It creates an impermeable, durable surface that’s both attractive and long-lasting.
What are the benefits of epoxy flooring?
What rooms can I install epoxy floors in?
Does it cost more to hire a professional for my epoxy installation?
How do I know if epoxy flooring is the right choice for my home?
