Do-it-yourself (DIY) epoxy application costs $2–$5* per square foot on average, while professional epoxy application ranges from $3–$12 per square foot, including materials and labor. An epoxy layer offers long-lasting protection and aesthetic appeal for concrete surfaces at a fraction of the price of other flooring options. 

*All cost figures in this article were sourced from HomeAdvisor, Angi, and internal data.

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Factors Affecting Epoxy Flooring Cost

The total cost of your epoxy flooring installation depends primarily on the following factors:

• Epoxy type: Different epoxy flooring materials come with different price tags.
• Customizations and additives: Adding dyes, chips, flakes, rocks, or other decorative touches will increase the price.
• Coating and sealing: You may want to apply an upgraded top coat for high-traffic areas, which will cost more.

Cost by Type of Epoxy

There are three main types of epoxy flooring: water-based, solvent-based, and solid. Water-based epoxy is the least expensive but also the least durable. Solvent-based epoxy is somewhere in the middle. Solid epoxy has the highest cost and durability. Here’s how these three epoxy types compare.

The coverage you’ll get from a gallon of epoxy depends on the thickness of the pour. Most epoxy floors are at least 10 millimeters (mm) thick, for which a gallon of epoxy will cover about 160 square feet. Depending on the strength and durability you need, epoxy floors can be as thick as 250 mm for residential applications and 375 mm for commercial applications.

Cost by Customizations and Additives

The prices above apply to basic epoxy concrete coatings, but there are decorative and specialized options. Decorative flakes of mica or vinyl, quartz aggregate blends, and metallic pigments can be used to create attractive patterns within the epoxy. Stones or pebbles can be sealed in clear epoxy for a unique “river rock” look. Here’s what customizations will add to the cost of epoxy installation.

Cost by Coating and Sealing

You can further protect epoxy floors and extend their life span by coating them with sealant or epoxy paint. This is helpful in areas where you anticipate heavy foot traffic, vehicle storage, or chemical spills. 

Acrylic resin is one of the least expensive sealants. Polyurethane adds extra heat resistance for areas facing extreme temperatures. One of the highest-performing options is polyurea, which is resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is thus a great choice for outdoor applications. Expect to add 20% to 30% to the final price for high-grade epoxy coatings.

Additional Epoxy Flooring Cost Considerations

The factors above are the primary determinants of price, but here are some additional cost considerations.

Floor Repairs

To apply an epoxy coating, your concrete slab needs to be in good shape and free of chips and cracks. Patching chips and small cracks is fairly easy, and you may be able to save money by doing it yourself. This will usually cost between $25 and $250, depending on the extent of the damage. Resurfacing the floor typically costs $3–$5 per square foot.

Large cracks are often signs of a severe foundation problem. When a home’s foundation is uneven or sinking, it can put stress on even the thickest of concrete slabs until they crack. It’s important to have large cracks evaluated as soon as possible to protect your investment in your home. Foundation repair can cost anywhere from $2,150–$7,730 or more, but it could be vital to your home’s structural integrity.

Site Preparation

Preparing the area for epoxy application requires clearing the floor. This may be a simple DIY task, or it may require movers or storage rental facilities. Concrete often needs to be etched, acid-washed, or power-washed to bond with the epoxy. If you hire an epoxy flooring contractor, preparation is often included in installation costs. If you need to purchase it separately, site preparation typically costs $50–$100.

Size of Room or Garage 

The more square footage you need to cover, the higher the total cost. Here’s how much a DIY epoxy garage floor would cost based on standard garage sizes.

Pros and Cons of Epoxy Floor Coating

Some homeowners opt to coat their basement or garage floors with vinyl, plastic, or rubber rather than epoxy, while others choose to paint or polish the concrete. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of going with epoxy.

Pro: Durability

Although water-based epoxy may need reapplication every 1–3 years, solvent-based and solid epoxy floors can last up to 20 years. Epoxy resists peeling, chipping, and cracking, particularly if it’s sealed with polyurethane. Epoxy is highly resistant to water, stains, and spills, making it a popular choice for businesses such as auto mechanic shops and health care facilities. It protects concrete from extreme temperatures, which could be beneficial for a pool deck or garage floor.

Pro: Low Cost

Epoxy is a cost-effective material compared to other flooring systems. It requires no underlayment or other subflooring and can be applied directly onto the concrete. Some epoxy types can be applied as a DIY home improvement project, saving labor costs.

Pro: Customizability

You can add nearly any color pigment to epoxy, as well as metallics, flakes, and other decorations, so you have a great deal of flexibility for the look of your floor. Some epoxy styles mimic natural stone. It’s also possible to recreate the look of waves, lake bottoms, or cliff edges. Few inexpensive flooring options give you this much customizability.

Pro: Easy Maintenance

Epoxy flooring requires regular sweeping and occasional wet mopping. For stuck-on debris, use a basic cleaner with ammonia instead of an acidic or oil-based cleaner. The ease of cleaning is another reason epoxy flooring is popular in medical facilities.

Con: Challenging To Install

The most durable and decorative types of epoxy should be professionally installed. If the concrete floor is in good shape, the process will be quick. If not, you may need to hire a concrete contractor for repairs. The humidity must be below a certain level when the epoxy is applied to allow it to cure. Otherwise, it could peel. Some epoxy types give off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application, which are dangerous to people and the environment. VOCs will dissipate when the epoxy has cured, which can take up to four weeks.

Con: Slippery

When dry, an epoxy floor isn’t any more slippery than wood. However, it can become dangerously slippery if soap or oil-based products are spilled. You can include an anti-slip additive in the epoxy for an extra price or put down floor mats.

Con: Discoloration 

It’s hard to match the color of epoxy from two different applications because the timing of the mixing process needs to be exact. With exposure to sunlight and humidity over time, epoxy can take on a yellowish color. You can prevent this with a UV-resistant topcoat, which will add to the total price.

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DIY vs. Professional Epoxy Flooring

Some types of epoxy flooring are DIY friendly, while others require professional installation.

Professional Epoxy Flooring

Profession installation typically includes concrete preparation and epoxy application, sealing, and cleaning. Pros can handle various coating types, including harder-to-install solid epoxy. They use industrial equipment for quick, mess-free application. They can also spot problems and perform necessary repairs. The downside is that epoxy flooring labor costs add about $1–$7 per square foot to the price. 

DIY Epoxy Flooring

For the DIYer, epoxy costs as little as $2 to $5 per square foot for the materials. Typically, DIY epoxy floor kits include epoxy, a mixing paddle, a paintbrush or roller, a top coat, and sometimes decorative flakes. You need to supply your own protective clothing, including goggles, a mask, a mixing pail, a power drill, stir sticks, a squeegee, and cleaning supplies. You must prepare the concrete yourself, including cleaning and making repairs, and you may need to rent a power washer for the acid wash.

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How To Save on Epoxy Flooring

If you decide to hire a pro, you can save on the total cost with the following tips.

• Get multiple estimates, and see if you can negotiate prices.
• If you’re already remodeling your garage or basement, ask if the price of epoxy flooring can be bundled into the price of installing the concrete at a discount.
• Hire contractors in the off-season when they’re less busy. Off-season is typically late fall and winter.
• Do as much of the site preparation yourself as possible, including moving everything out of the room or garage.

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How To Hire a Pro

When hiring a flooring contractor, keep the following considerations in mind.

• Some states require flooring contractors to have a specialized license. If this is applicable in your state, ensure the company’s license is up to date.
• Regardless of licensure, check that contractors are bonded and insured.
• Look for contractors who have experience with epoxy flooring.
• Ask about epoxy and sealant types based on how durable you need the floor to be.
• Ask for references from previous customers.
• Look at the company’s Better Business Bureau page and review sites such as Yelp and Trustpilot.

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Our Conclusion

Epoxy flooring coats and waterproofs concrete, making it an excellent, low-cost choice for spaces such as partially finished garages and basements. Installing epoxy can be a DIY weekend project, especially if you’re installing water-based epoxy. 

Some homeowners need high-performance epoxy, or they may prefer to leave the job to the professionals. We recommend getting estimates from at least three flooring contractors before you make a final decision.

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FAQ About Epoxy Flooring

How long do epoxy floors last?

Water-based epoxy floors last one to three years when exposed to heavy foot traffic. Solid and solvent-based epoxies can last up to two decades.

How do you maintain an epoxy garage floor?

You maintain an epoxy garage floor by dry sweeping or vacuuming. To clean heavily soiled floors, use a diluted ammonia-based cleaner and a mop.

How much does it cost to epoxy a garage floor?

It costs $2–$5 per square foot to epoxy a garage floor yourself. If you hire a professional for the job, the additional labor costs bring the total to $3–$12 per square foot.

Can I epoxy my floor myself?

Yes, you can epoxy your floor yourself. Epoxy flooring can be a DIY project for most homeowners. However, it depends on the epoxy type. It’s easiest to DIY water-based epoxy on concrete floors that are in good condition. You may need to acid-wash the floor first.

What is the difference between epoxy flooring and polyurethane?

Polyurethane is more flexible and resistant to scratches than epoxy, which feels harder to walk on. Polyurethane typically costs more and can be applied on top of epoxy for a more durable floor.

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