How much does polyurea garage floor coating cost?
How much does polyurea garage floor coating cost?
$5 – $10 cost per square foot
$2,000 – $5,800 average total cost for a 2-car garage
Cost of polyurea garage floor coating
Polyurea garage floor coating costs $5 to $10 per square foot, including materials and installation. The total price varies depending on the garage size, existing floor condition, quality of the formulation, and any custom features. Polyurea floor coating costs $2,000 and $5,800 total on average for a typical 2-car garage.
| Garage size | Square footage | Average total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-car | 288 – 392 | $1,400 – $3,900 |
| 2-car | 400 – 576 | $2,000 – $5,800 |
| 3-car | 576 – 864 | $2,900 – $8,600 |
Polyurea floor coating cost factors
The table below shows the typical cost breakdown for polyurea floor coating. However, your floor coating project breakdown may vary, as every job has its own unique circumstances and challenges that determine the labor required and the cost of materials.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $4 |
| Labor | $3 – $6 |
| Average total coat | $5 to $10 |
Several key factors influence the overall cost of polyurea garage floor coating, including:
Square footage: Larger floor coating projects cost more overall but may cost less per square foot than coating a smaller space.
Floor's condition: Minor cracks or repairs may be included in the estimate as part of the surface preparation. Expect to pay more if the concrete has significant cracks or damage, previous coatings that require removal, or heavy grease or oil stains.
Testing: Professional installers typically test the concrete for moisture and hardness to ensure the coating adheres to the surface properly. Testing may add $50 to $300, or more if the concrete requires hardening treatments or a moisture barrier.
Job complexity: A simple, rectangular-shaped floor will cost less to coat than one with a complex layout featuring multiple corners and obstacles. More intricate designs require additional time and labor, which increases the overall cost.
Coating thickness: Thicker coatings tend to be more expensive but offer increased durability and a longer lifespan.
Wall coverage: The concrete may extend several inches or even feet up the wall. The higher it goes, the more surface area there is to cover, which increases both labor and material costs.
Customizations: Adding custom features to your polyurea floor coating can significantly impact the final price. Options such as custom colors, additional flakes or chips, unique designs, non-slip additives, or extra top coats may increase the cost by 15% to 40%.
Product & installation quality: Higher quality materials and installation processes cost more but result in a more durable, longer-lasting coating.
When discussing options with your contractor, consider the balance between upfront costs and long-term benefits.
Polyurea vs. epoxy
While the cost of epoxy floor coating is often lower than polyurea coating, polyurea's superior durability and faster curing time can make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run, especially for high-traffic areas like garages. The table below details some key differences to consider:
| Feature | Polyurea | Epoxy |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | $5 – $10 per square foot | $4 – $10 per square foot |
| Durability | Extremely durable, chemical and impact-resistant | Durable, but less resistant to chemicals and impacts |
| Installation time | Fast curing, can be used within 24 hours | May take a week to fully cure |
| UV resistance | Excellent UV resistance, minimal yellowing | May yellow over time when exposed to sunlight |
| Flexibility | More flexible, less prone to cracking | Less flexible, may crack over time |
| Application | Requires specialized equipment and expertise to apply before it hardens | Can be DIY-friendly for some formulations |
Polyaspartic vs. polyurea
Polyaspartic coatings are sometimes confused with polyurea, as they are both part of the polyurea family. However, there are some distinctions:
Cost: The cost of polyaspartic floor coating is usually higher than traditional polyurea coating, depending on your location.
Curing time & ease of application: Both products have fast curing times, but polyaspartic coatings take a little longer to harden, making them easier to work with and allowing the installers a bit more time to ensure proper application.
Adhesion: Polyaspartic coatings adhere better to the concrete surface than polyurea coatings.
Durability: While both materials are strong, polyaspartic coatings are stronger and perform better than polyurea in most cases.
Polyurea floor coating FAQs
What is polyurea?
Polyurea is a type of elastomer formed by combining an isocyanate component with a resin blend. It creates a durable, flexible, and chemical-resistant coating that's ideal for garage floors and other high-traffic areas.
How long does polyurea floor coating last?
With proper installation and maintenance, polyurea garage floor coatings can last 10 to 20 years or more. This longevity makes it a cost-effective choice despite its higher initial cost compared to some other flooring options.
How long does it take to install polyurea garage floor coating?
The installation process for polyurea garage floor coating is quick compared to other flooring options. The entire process, including preparation and application, takes 1 to 2 days on average. The floor is usually ready for light foot traffic within 24 hours and fully cured for vehicle traffic within 72 hours.
Can polyurea floor coating be used on a kitchen floor?
While polyurea is primarily used for garage floors, it can be applied to other concrete surfaces, including kitchen floors, and is a popular choice in commercial kitchens due to its stain and impact resistance. Consult with a professional to determine if polyurea is the best choice for your specific kitchen flooring needs.
Getting estimates from polyurea floor coating companies
Follow these guidelines when searching for a floor coating company near you:
Look for members of reputable organizations, such as the American Society of Concrete Contractors or the Concrete Coatings Association, who specialize in polyurea floor coating.
Read customer feedback on trusted websites like HomeGuide and Google.
Ask to see a portfolio of before and after photos from similar floor coating projects to assess the quality of work.
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates from local contractors to compare prices and services offered.
Pay close attention to the quality of the materials used and the surface preparation methods proposed, as these factors significantly impact the cost, final result, and longevity of the coating.
Request a breakdown of costs, including materials, labor, and any additional services.
Inquire about warranties and after-service support to protect your investment.
Questions to ask a polyurea floor coating contractor
A qualified polyurea floor coating professional should be able to answer the following questions in detail and with ease:
How long have you been installing polyurea floor coatings in this area?
What products do you use, and why?
Do all your products have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
What is your surface prep and installation process, and how long does it take?
How do you safely ventilate the area during application?
How many coats do you apply, and what material do you use for each layer?
What is the cure time for this floor coating?
What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
Who do I contact if there are any issues with the floor coating after installation?
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.