How much does garage floor coating cost?
How much does garage floor coating cost?
$4 – $12 cost per square foot
$1,600 – $6,900 average total cost (2-car garage)
Garage floor coating cost
Garage floor coating costs $4 to $12 per square foot for the materials and installation. For a typical 2-car space, the cost of garage floor coating ranges from $1,600 to $6,900 total on average. The cost to coat a garage floor depends on your location, garage size and condition, and the coating type chosen.
| Garage size | Square footage | Average coating cost* |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x24) | 288 | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| 2-car (20x20) | 400 | $1,600 – $4,800 |
| 2-car (24x24) | 576 | $2,300 – $6,900 |
| 3-car (24x36) | 864 | $3,500 – $10,400 |
*Includes materials and professional labor
Cost of garage floor coating by type
The type of coating you choose impacts the overall cost. Let's explore the three most common types of garage floor coatings and their associated costs.
| Coating type | Average total cost (per square foot) |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy | $4 – $10 |
|
| Polyurea | $5 – $10 |
|
| Polyaspartic | $5 – $12 |
|
Epoxy garage floor
An epoxy garage floor costs range from $4 to $10 per square foot or $1,600 to $5,800 total on average for the materials and labor to coat a 2-car garage. Water-based epoxy represents the most budget-friendly option, though it sacrifices durability compared to solvent or solid epoxy alternatives.
Polyurea garage floor
Polyurea garage floor coating costs $5 to $10 per square foot or $2,000 to $5,800 total for an average 2-car garage. This coating stands out for its rapid application, outstanding UV protection, and exceptional durability, making it ideal for high-traffic zones and challenging surface conditions.
Polyaspartic garage floor
Polyaspartic garage floor coating costs $5 to $12 per square foot or $2,000 to $6,900 total for professional installation in a 2-car garage. Closely related to polyurea, this coating offers superior surface bonding and enhanced workability in most cases, justifying its slightly higher price point.
Garage floor coating price factors
The table below provides a typical breakdown of labor and material costs for garage floor coating. However, your costs may break down differently depending on your specific garage and the type of coating you select.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $1 – $6 |
| Labor | $3 – $6 |
| Total cost | $4 – $12 per square foot |
Besides the type of coating, several factors can influence the final cost of your garage floor coating project:
Floor size: The size of your garage is a primary factor in determining the overall cost. Larger garages require more materials and labor, resulting in higher total costs.
Condition: If your floor requires extensive repairs, patching, or leveling before coating, this will add to the overall expense. Common issues that may need addressing include cracks, chips, oil stains, moisture problems, and uneven surfaces. For major damage, concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $7 per square foot.
Existing coatings: If your garage floor already has an existing coating, it may need to be removed before applying a new one. The removal process will add to the overall cost of the project.
Testing: Before applying a new coating, professionals may need to conduct moisture tests to ensure the concrete is suitable for coating. These tests add a small amount to the overall cost but are crucial for ensuring the longevity of your new floor coating.
Labor
Labor often makes up about 50% to 70% of the total project cost, depending on the geographical location, site conditions, and job complexity. Hiring an experienced contractor may cost more, but their knowledge and expertise may yield a higher quality result that lasts longer, making it a cost-effective investment.
Garage floor coating vs. other finishes
When considering garage floor coatings, comparing them to other flooring options can help ensure you're making the best choice for your needs and budget. The table below details several common garage floor finishing methods and their associated costs.
| Floor finishing type | Average cost (per square foot) |
Key details & longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Garage floor coating | $4 – $12 |
|
| Garage floor sealing cost | $1 – $3 |
|
| Garage floor painting cost | $2 – $4 |
|
| Garage floor staining cost | $5 – $25 |
|
Make sure you and the professional you hire are on the same page about the type of floor coating you choose. Some people use painting, coating, and sealing interchangeably when referring to refinishing garage floors.
Garage floor coating vs. garage tiles
Garage floor coatings offer a seamless, durable finish, but interlocking garage tiles are another popular option. While the cost of concrete floor coating ranges from $1,600 to $6,900 for a 2-car garage, garage floor tiles cost about $800 to $2,900 for the same size floor when you install them yourself.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Floor type | Garage floor coating | Garage tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost per square foot | $4 – $12 | $2 – $5 (DIY installation) |
| Average total cost (2-car garage) |
$1,600 – $6,900 | $800 – $2,900 |
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Garage floor coating FAQs
Are garage floor coatings worth it?
Yes, garage floor coatings are typically worth the investment. They protect your concrete floor from stains, chemicals, and wear, potentially extending its lifespan. Additionally, they improve the appearance of your garage and may even increase your home's value.
What is the best garage floor coating?
The "best" garage floor coating depends on your specific needs and budget. Polyaspartic coatings offer the highest performance but are also the most expensive. Epoxy provides excellent value for money, while polyurea offers a good balance of performance and cost.
Are garage floor coatings safe for heated garage floors?
Most modern garage floor coatings are compatible with heated floors. However, it's essential to consult with a professional installer to ensure the coating you choose is suitable for your specific heating system.
How long do garage floor coatings last?
The lifespan of a garage floor coating ranges from 3 to 20+ years, depending on the type of coating and how well it's maintained. Most water-based epoxy coatings last 3 to 5 years, while solid epoxy can last up to 20 years. Polyurea and polyaspartic coatings typically last 10 to 20 years or more.
How long does it take to install a garage floor coating?
Garage floor coating installation time varies from 1 to 3 days on average, depending on the coating type and the condition of your floor. Here's a general guideline:
Epoxy coatings take about 2 days to install but may take up to a week to cure.
Polyurea coatings can be installed and ready for foot traffic in 1 to 2 days, but you may need to wait 3 days before driving on it.
Polyaspartic coatings can often be installed and fully cured within 1 day, though some jobs require 2 days.
Getting estimates from garage floor coating companies
To ensure you get the best value for your money, follow these guidelines when searching for a garage floor coating contractor near you:
Get estimates from at least three reputable garage floor coating companies to compare.
Check out their reviews here on HomeGuide and on other trusted websites like Google.
Be cautious of extremely low quotes, as this may indicate lower quality materials or lack of experience.
Avoid making large upfront payments, and don't pay the final bill until the coating is finished.
Have a written contract and warranty in hand before any work begins.
Questions to ask garage floor coating pros
When getting estimates for garage floor coatings, consider asking the following questions:
What types of coatings do you offer, and which would you recommend for my garage?
Can you provide references or examples of your previous work?
What preparation work is included in your quote?
How long will the installation process take?
How long will the coating last in my garage?
What kind of warranty do you offer on your work?
Are you licensed and insured?
What maintenance will be required to keep the coating in good condition?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.