It is a known fact that the garage is often ignored by most of the homeowners. It is often excluded in home decor discussions, and very few bother about the functionality and the visual appeal, despite knowing that it is highly useful and requires upgrading at regular intervals just like any other part of the home.
The best way to update the garage floor is to opt for "Epoxy Garage Floor," which is known for its durability, excellent adhesion to concrete, easy cleaning, low maintenance, and better moisture resistance. Epoxy is made of epoxy resins and polymer hardeners, used as a primer on concrete floors working as a base for any floor type. In this article, we will discuss different aspects of the epoxy garage floor in detail. Read the article to know more about the topic.
Know About the Benefits of Epoxy Floor
- Epoxy floors are extremely durable.
- It is very easy to clean and maintain.
- Epoxy works on a chemical reaction between epoxy resins and polymer hardness, which forms a stable layer on the surface that protects the floor.
- It adds value to the property.
- It improves the aesthetic element of the garage floor.
- It's resistant to scratch, UV, abrasion, oil and grease.
The Factors Affecting the Cost of Epoxy Floors
The cost of an epoxy garage floor varies depending on multiple factors which we discuss in the following paragraphs. Have a look!
Types of Floor Coating
The cost of an epoxy garage floor is highly dependent on the type of garage floor coating and the material used on the floor. The types vary from 100% solid epoxy, plastic flakes, water-based to polyaspartic. Out of all these options, the solid epoxy garage floor is preferred the most due to its durability, but when it comes to pricing, water-based epoxy is budget-friendly and can be installed easily with DIY. However, professionally installed epoxy flooring extends greater durability (more than two years or so) and chemical resistance compared to DIY installation.
Size of the Floor
Usually, the cost of installation is directly proportional to the size. However, the average cost of epoxy garage flooring is less for bigger spaces and more for smaller spaces. The reason is that there are many fixed cost components like labor and equipment for installation which remain the same no matter what the size of the garage floor is. For example, the cost of epoxy garage flooring for 400 square feet is $4000, whereas the cost for 1000 square feet is $6000.
Customization
There are various customization options available for epoxy flooring, such as metallic, quartz broadcast, and decorative flakes. Homeowners can customize the floor as per their choice and functionality. Metallic is pricey as it costs between $9-$12 per square foot, which is higher than the other options, but it's worth the price owing to its uniqueness and visual appeal.
Cost of Labor
Labor cost is another vital factor affecting the cost of epoxy flooring. The labor cost ranges between $7 - $12 per square foot, but it depends on the location of your stay and the ease and complexity of the project. Labor costs can be brought down with DIY options, but it requires immense expertise and knowledge about the tools and safety equipment.
Application Method
The cost also depends on the method of application because some equipment, like rollers, costs more than other equipment, such as trowels and sprayers. The method of application also affects the labor cost.
Moisture Testing
The cost incurred on moisture testing is unavoidable. It is essential to test if the concrete is dry enough to apply epoxy because even a bit of moisture content present in concrete will not allow epoxy to adhere to the floor properly, resulting in cracking later. The total cost incurred on moisture testing is between $200 - $500, which is worth investing in because it'll help save time, money, and energy in the future.
Concrete Repair
The concrete slab should be checked thoroughly and repaired before beginning epoxy treatment on the floors. The slab repair may cost between $250 - $ 750 per project based on the size and intensity of the repair.
Cost of Different Epoxy
| Material | Cost(per Gallon) |
| Water-based epoxy | $30 - $50 |
| Solvent-based epoxy | Up to $45 |
| Solid epoxy | Up to $150 |
Comparative Analysis of Cost and the Benefits of Different Epoxy Flooring Options.
Comparing the epoxy flooring options helps in deciding the best choice for your garage, so let's have a look at the different costs and benefits of all the epoxy options:
Solid Color
It uses multiple layers of epoxy without a slip additive and maintains a balance between functionality and affordability. It is a durable option in a cost effective way.
The disadvantage is It is slippery when wet, so it's not recommended for garage floors; rather, it is preferred for manufacturing and storage facilities. It doesn't have a pleasing aesthetic.
The cost of a double coat of solid color epoxy floor is $ 2 per square foot for material and $2 - $4 for labor cost.
Metallic
It has an attractive appearance that helps metallic stand out from other materials, has a shining and stunning finish achieved by adding metallic pigment into the epoxy coating, can be customized as per your preference, is highly durable, and has a greater aesthetic appeal.
The disadvantage is that it is an expensive option.
The cost ranges between $9 - $12 per square foot.
Urethane Floor
It is considered a substitute for epoxy floors as it doesn't turn yellow from exposure to sunlight, can be easily installed on the sidewalks, pool decks, or driveways, and uses pebbles to extend a textured appearance.
The disadvantage is its high price.
The cost lies between $8 - $20 per square foot.
DIY Versus Hiring a Professional
DIY surely costs less than hiring a professional, but if you consider all the hidden and unexpected costs associated with the work, the total cost may end up as much as a professional or a little more. The time taken to complete the project is also less in the case of a professional because they know the work.
Professionals have hands-on experience in epoxy garage coating and have the equipment required to do the job. The work of a professional is visible in the finishing of their work, unlike DIY projects.
Steps for DIY Epoxy Garage Floor Project
If you have prior experience in accomplishing any such project, take up the work without hesitation. Here are the different steps to epoxy garage floor to guide you through the project:
Gather Materials
Before beginning the epoxy work, it is important to collect all the material in one place to effectively start the work. The materials needed are:
- Big bucket (almost 5 gallon)
- Moisture gage
- Paddle mixer
- Paint roller
- Respirator mask
- Compact paint tray
- Steel wire brush
- Water hose
- Thermometer
Remove Items From the Garage
The primary work is to remove all the items from the garage, be they small or big. The garage should be completely unoccupied to avoid any hindrance in the cleaning work. The success of epoxy work depends on how thorough the preparation work is.
Prepare the Floor
Floor preparation is the most important step of the entire project because the cleaner the floor the better the epoxy adhesion. Remove anything stuck on the floor manually with the help of a trowel for a long-lasting bond of epoxy with the concrete surface. If the floor is dirty, epoxy debonds over the period.
If there are noticeable tire marks and other stains on the floor, clean it using a degreaser and water. Make the mixture as per the manufacturer's instructions on the degreaser, spread it on the floor and clean it using a steel wire brush. Finally use a water hose to rinse the garage.
Repair Cracks and Holes
If there are any noticeable cracks or holes in the floor, repair them to avoid future problems. Fill them with patching compound and allow them to dry for some time.
Etching
It is a process where a microscopic layer of cement is removed to ensure epoxy has a better bond with the surface. The best way to etch the floor is using a concrete etch, which is available as a solid crystal. You have to dissolve it in water, but avoid overdiluting. Then, spray the solution evenly on the surface using a watering can. Once you start hearing the fizzing sound due to the etching reaction, rub the floor with a soft bristle brush to form a solution to last on the floor for 10 minutes. Repeat the process if necessary. Finally, rinse the floor properly and let it dry.
Moisture Testing
Don't move to the next step until the floor passes the moisture test because even a bit of moisture on the floor will affect the adhesion of epoxy with the concrete surface. The best way to test the moisture is to stick a small plastic sheet on a small portion of the floor and leave it for 24 hours. Remove the sheet and see if the sheet is dry. If it's completely dry, move ahead to the next stage, or else leave the floor for a couple of hours.
Check the Temperature
The temperature should neither be too high nor too low because when the temperature is high, it won't give you enough time to apply the coating evenly as the reaction will happen very fast. At the same time, low temperatures won't allow a reaction properly. Check the temperature using a thermometer.
Apply Primer Coat
Apply a coat of primer followed by the main layer of epoxy coating. It's advisable to follow the manufacturer's instructions for better results. If foot traffic is high in the garage, you should apply a primer coat for durable epoxy flooring using a roller or spraying and letting it dry for two to three hours.
Prepare Epoxy Mixture
It's time to make the epoxy mixture. Take an equal portion of resin and hardener in two separate containers, then pour both into a large container and mix well using a drill with an attached paddle.
Apply Epoxy Layer
Here comes the final stage of the epoxy flooring. Using a roller pad or angled brush, start applying a thin coat along the walls and corners, then pour the epoxy mixture on the floor in a narrow strip and evenly smoothen it using a roller. Continue the same process on the entire garage floor, working in small sections. Finally use a foam roller to eliminate any air bubbles formed in the process and also for a smooth finish.
You can also add decorative flakes after applying epoxy for a granite floor look, but this is optional.
Conclusion
Epoxy garage flooring is a functional work that can be done with DIY in a few steps or by seeking professional help. If you opt for the DIY option, before starting the work, make sure to gather knowledge about the work for a perfect finish.
