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All the Factors That Go Into Epoxy Garage Floor Costs in 2024

Highlights

  • The typical range for epoxy garage flooring costs is E25,000 to E70,337 with homeowners paying a national average of E40,441.
  • A few factors can impact the cost of epoxy garage flooring such as garage size, labor, application method, epoxy type, site preparation, and geographic location.
  • Many benefits lead homeowners to choose epoxy as a garage flooring material including improved appearance, cost-effectiveness, floor protection, safety and visibility, easy maintenance, vehicle compatibility, and eco-friendliness.
  • Applying epoxy is relatively straightforward, but preparing the flooring requires special tools and expertise. For this reason, it’s recommended that homeowners leave this project to a professional rather than attempting a DIY epoxy garage floor.

Homeowners who are tired of the plain concrete flooring in their garages 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 Angi and HomeAdvisor, epoxy garage floor costs range from $1,595 to $3,337, with the national average at $2,441. 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.

Epoxy flooring averages between $3 and $12 per square foot, including installation fees. 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.

A green and black bar graph showing the typical cost range and national average cost of epoxy garage floor installation.
Photo: bobvila.com

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.

Key Cost Factors

Several factors impact epoxy garage flooring costs. Prices can differ from the national average due to garage size, labor costs, application methods, materials, equipment, epoxy type, and preparation methods.

Want to install an epoxy garage floor?
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Garage Size

A 240-square-foot one-car garage can cost between E25,000 and E40,900 to epoxy. A larger three- to four-car garage can cost between E30,000 and E200,000. The larger the surface, the more expensive the epoxy coating cost will be. Solvent and water-based epoxy are the cheaper options.

A black and green table showing the cost to install an epoxy garage floor in a one-car, two-car, three-car, and four-car garage
Photo: bobvila.com

Labor

Labor costs average between E80 and E110 per square foot, or E900 to E2,300 per hour. Labor costs for epoxying a garage floor can account for as much as 65 percent of the project price because it takes a day to prep, a day to coat the flooring, and another day to seal it.

Application Method and Epoxy Type

Some application methods use a roller to apply the epoxy, and others require a squeegee, trowel, or sprayer. It’s a good idea to talk to the concrete professional who will install the epoxy flooring to ask about application methods since some are more labor-intensive (and therefore more expensive) than others.

Garage floor epoxy costs also depend on the type of epoxy used. Water-based epoxy is the least expensive option at E400 to E900 per gallon. Solvent-based epoxy is in the middle of the price range at about E750 to E900 per gallon. Solid epoxy is the most expensive option and can range up to E2,500 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. Homeowners can save on labor costs by moving these items themselves.

A key part of painting a garage floor is prepping the surface. 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 E390 per gallon of product. The flooring will also need to be washed before etching to remove dirt, debris, and stains. For those who decide to hire a professional instead, the charge will likely fall between E19 and E100 per square foot to sandblast the floor.

Geographic Location

Labor, material costs and availability, and cost of living can affect what homeowners pay for epoxy garage flooring installation. Costs may also be relatively high in densely populated urban areas compared to what homeowners in the suburbs might pay.

A worker wearing a dust mask pours epoxy coating from a red bucket onto a garage floor.
Photo: istockphoto.com

Additional Costs and Considerations

When homeowners are budgeting for epoxy garage floor costs, there are additional price factors and considerations. These can include painting and sealing concrete, storing possessions, repairing concrete, resurfacing, and traffic coating.

Need to freshen up your garage floor?
A pro can install epoxy. Get free, no-commitment quotes from epoxy flooring experts near you.

Concrete Painting and Sealing

Sealing concrete with urethane or high-performance epoxy averages between $1.50 and $5 per square foot. The cost to paint the floor with one of the best garage floor paints is the same.

Labor costs for sealing or painting average $40 to $150 per hour.

Concrete Repair or Resurfacing

If a concrete garage floor has chips, cracks, or is crumbling, it will need to be repaired before the epoxy can be applied. Patching costs between E405 and E4500 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 E40,000 to E210,000.

While prices can vary depending on the current concrete cost per yard, concrete resurfacing can run between E55 and E110 per square foot, including installation. A 500-square-foot garage floor can cost from E25,500 to E39,500. Keep in mind that some contractors require a E8000 to E20,000 minimum charge.

Traffic Coating

For those who use their garages 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 about 20 to 30 percent more expensive but the investment will pay off over time.

Customization

For those looking to add a decorative touch to their epoxy garage floor, there are a variety of customization options to choose from. For example, decorative flakes can be incorporated into clear epoxy and cost $10 per 250-pound bag. Metallic epoxy gives the flooring a striking shine and costs about $5 to $12 per square foot.

Add-ons Average Cost (Materials Only)
Acrylic and poly-acrylic sealant E16 to E20 per square foot
Decorative flakes E180 per bag
Metallic epoxy E95 to E200 per square foot
Polyurea sealant E2500 per gallon
Polyurethane sealant E16 to E20 per square foot

Types of Epoxy Floor Coatings

Pricing can vary depending on the type of epoxy that is chosen. There are three types of epoxy: water-based, solvent-based, and solid epoxy. A professional installer can advise homeowners on the best epoxy resin for their project.

Epoxy Type Cost per Gallon
Solid E845 to E1900
Solvent-based E840 to E955
Water-based E480 to E950

Solid

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 E845 to E1900 per gallon.

Solvent-Based

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. 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 homeowners will want to inquire if this type of epoxy is available in their area. The cost runs between E750 and E955 per gallon.

Water-Based 

Water-based epoxy is the cheapest option for flooring. It consists of water, epoxy, and the 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 E530 and E950 per gallon.

A black container of epoxy floor coating is being poured onto a garage floor.
Photo: depositphotos.com

Benefits of Choosing an Epoxy Garage Floor Coating

Homeowners who have started looking into the best garage floor coatings are likely to come across epoxy in their research. Epoxy garage floor coating is considered one of the most desirable finishes. It’s durable, glossy, easy to clean, and resistant to impacts, chemicals, scratches, and stains.

Epoxy gives your garage new life
A pro can freshen up your garage floor. Get free, no-commitment quotes from pros near you.

Improved Appearance 

Epoxy floor coating transforms a dull concrete garage floor into a glossy and gleaming surface. There are many epoxy garage floor colors and design options that complement a home’s aesthetic. It can also hide flooring imperfections like flaws in the concrete or small cracks.

Cost-Effective 

Compared to other garage floor 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 the home and garage 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. Anti-slip additives can also be requested when consulting with a 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.

Vehicle Compatibility

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. For those who change their 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.

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 apply epoxy floor paint to ensure maximum durability and longevity of the product. DIY garage floor epoxy kits are available at home improvement stores from E1800 to E8,600. If the epoxy is purchased separately, it will also be necessary to purchase all the tools and materials to apply the coating, including patching compound for the concrete, application tools, cleaner, degreaser, and epoxy sealant. DIYers will also want to know how to remove epoxy in case of a spill or accident. Hiring one of the best epoxy garage floor installers (such as PremierGarage or Garage Kings) will minimize any mistakes a DIYer could make without the knowledge and experience needed to install epoxy flooring.

How to Save Money

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.

A roller in the middle of applying epoxy coating to a garage floor.
Photo: depositphotos.com
  • Get multiple estimates. Homeowners will want to search out at least three estimates from reputable concrete flooring companies in their area. Estimates are usually free but it’s always smart for homeowners to double-check with the company.
  • Time it right. Homeowners will want to 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. Homeowners can save on labor costs by moving everything out of the garage themselves and taking it to a storage space. This can save on the cost of movers.
  • Bundle. Homeowners can save money on epoxying a garage floor if they’re building a garage or remodeling one. Since contractors are already at the home doing the work, the homeowner may be able to get a discount on the price of installing an epoxy floor.

Questions to Ask a Pro

Asking a professional the right questions about epoxy garage floor cost can minimize miscommunication, save money, and get the desired results. There are several questions homeowners can ask an epoxy flooring professional.

  • Are you insured, and do you have workers’ compensation?
  • 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 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 a budget can be a daunting process. There are several frequently asked questions about epoxy flooring to help guide the decision making process for homeowners.

Q. How much does it cost to epoxy a 2-car garage?
Q. How long will the epoxy garage floor last?
Q. What’s cheaper: epoxy flooring or tiles?

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