Epoxy flooring costs between $3 and $12 per square foot, making it a budget-friendly alternative to tile, hardwood, or polished concrete. For a one-car garage of about 200 square feet, expect to pay between $700 and $2,900, while a three-car garage of 700 square feet can range from $2,200 to $9,500.
Epoxy is a durable, low-maintenance flooring solution that resists stains, chemicals, and wear. It’s ideal for garages, basements, and high-traffic areas. If properly installed, an epoxy floor can last 10 to 20 years with minimal upkeep. However, factors like epoxy type, application method, and site preparation can impact the total cost.
This guide breaks down epoxy flooring costs, including labor, material choices, and additional expenses, to help you budget for your project.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Factors Affecting Epoxy Flooring Costs
Every epoxy floor installation is unique, so costs vary based on several key factors.
Epoxy Flooring Cost Breakdown
| Factor | Average Cost Range |
| Type of Epoxy | $0.50 to $3 |
| Application Method | $5 to $12 per square foot |
| Equipment and Material Costs | $0.35 to $1.50 per square foot |
| Labor Installation Cost | $4 to $7 per square foot or $50 to $150 per hour |
| Room Size | A one-car garage (200 square feet) can cost between $700 to $2,900 |
| Site Preparation | $1 to $5 per sq ft |
Your final cost will depend on the epoxy type, installation method, and any additional work needed to prepare the floor.
Type of Epoxy
Once you decide that epoxy flooring is the best option for your home, you’ll need to choose between water-based, solvent-based, and pure solid epoxy floors. Since pure solid epoxy is the most durable of the trio, it’s usually the most expensive.
Water-based epoxy is thinner, easier to work with, and less durable than the other options and is usually the most budget-friendly option. Solvent-based epoxy falls between these two options, as it’s stronger than water-based epoxy but not as durable as solid epoxy.
Your final cost will vary based on the epoxy type you choose, but most homeowners pay between $0.50 and $3 per square foot.
Application Method
When installing epoxy floors, you or your contractor can use several application methods. The best application method for your installation varies based on your epoxy choice. For example, a water-based solvent is easy to install and should not significantly affect your labor costs.
However, if you choose solid epoxy paint, you’ll need to devote more time and budget toward installation, as the process can be complex. Generally, installing solid epoxy requires the assistance of a professional, as it requires special tools and experience.
You can also expect to pay more if you add decorative aspects to your epoxy flooring, such as metallic notes used in metallic epoxy flooring, decorative flakes, or multiple colors. On average, these features add $5 to $12 per square foot, as they require custom installation.
Labor Costs
Unless you’re DIYing your epoxy floors to save money, you’ll need to pay labor costs, which comprise a considerable portion of the cost. In some cases, labor may account for up to 65% of the total price.
Although labor costs vary from area to area, most epoxy flooring contractors charge between $4 and $7 per square foot. If your contractor charges by the hour, you’ll probably pay between $50 and $150 per hour.
In addition to labor costs, you might need to pay a flat fee to cover extra overhead costs the contractor may incur. These usually include travel, equipment, and unique epoxy flooring materials, but it varies from contractor to contractor. Additionally, most contractors offer a warranty.
Materials and Equipment
To install an epoxy floor system, you need specialized materials and equipment, including spiked rollers, wet-dry vacuums, power washers, squeegees, and sprayers. These can often be bought as part of an epoxy floor kit. In addition, you’ll need protective equipment and special shoes to prevent inconsistencies in the installation.
If you DIY this home improvement project, you’ll need to buy this equipment unless you already have it on hand. If you hire a contractor to refinish your floors, you’ll likely pay a set amount for their equipment, as most contractors factor the equipment cost into their client estimates.
Room Size
The size of your project significantly impacts the overall cost. Since larger rooms require more material, time, and labor, they usually cost more than smaller areas. Generally, you can expect to pay more for larger jobs, even if you do it yourself (you’ll still need more material).
For example, a three-car unit at 700 square feet can cost $2,200 to $9,500, while a small one-car garage at 200 square feet can cost between $700 to $2,900 for epoxy flooring. A typical basement of 1,000 square feet costs between $2,800 to $11,500.
Of course, costs might be comparable in some cases. For instance, choosing an inexpensive epoxy for your large installation might be comparable to a smaller space with the most expensive epoxy.
Site Preparation
Before applying epoxy, the concrete floor must be properly prepared to ensure the coating bonds well and lasts. The amount of prep needed depends on the floor’s condition.
Common Site Prep Steps & Costs
- Basic cleaning ($1 to $2 per sq. ft.): Includes power washing and degreasing for floors in good condition.
- Acid etching ($20 for DIY chemicals): A DIY-friendly method to slightly roughen the surface for better adhesion.
- Grinding or sandblasting ($2 to $5 per sq. ft.): Needed for smooth or damaged floors to remove old coatings, stains, or imperfections.
- Concrete repairs ($6 to $14 per sq. ft.): Required if the floor has cracks or chips that need filling before epoxy is applied.
Best Approach: If your floor is in decent shape, a deep clean and acid etching may be enough for DIY epoxy. However, if there are cracks, stains, or an old coating, professional grinding or repairs will be necessary to avoid peeling and ensure a smooth finish.
Additional Cost Considerations
Beyond the main costs of epoxy flooring, you may need to budget for repairs, resurfacing, or extra coatings. Here’s what to expect:
Concrete Repairs and Resurfacing
If the floor has cracks or chips, repairs typically cost $6 to $14 per square foot. For uneven surfaces, resurfacing runs $3 to $25 per square foot and is often more affordable than full concrete replacement.
Traffic Coatings for High-Use Areas
In garages, workspaces, or other high-traffic areas, a traffic coating can add durability but increases costs by 20 to 30 percent.
Sealing or Painting for a Custom Finish
A sealant or paint layer can enhance the look and longevity of epoxy flooring. Expect to pay $1.50 to $5 per square foot or $40 to $150 per hour for labor if hiring a pro.
When to Budget for Extras
If your concrete is damaged or uneven, repairs or resurfacing are necessary before applying epoxy. In high-use areas, a traffic coating extends the floor’s lifespan. A sealant or paint finish is a good choice for homeowners looking to customize the appearance.
What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy flooring consists of a synthetic resin coating that you typically add over concrete substrates, such as a garage or basement floor. Epoxy, also known as resinous flooring, is a robust and durable material that adds a functional design element to any space.
While you’ll often see it in garages and shops, epoxy is suitable for various areas in your home, including basements, patios, kitchens, and bathrooms. Unlike other types of flooring that require careful measurements and cuts to create a perfect fit, epoxy flooring is a liquid you pour over the substrate. Once the resin cures, it’s extremely strong and resistant to water, oil, grease, and chemical spills.
What Are The Different Types of Epoxy Flooring?
Choosing the right epoxy depends on durability, cost, and ease of installation. Here’s how the main options compare:
Types of Epoxy Flooring
- Water-Based Epoxy ($0.50 to $2 per sq. ft.): The most budget-friendly option. It’s easy to apply but thinner and less durable, making it best for low-traffic areas like basements.
- Solvent-Based Epoxy ($1 to $3 per sq. ft.): A mid-range option that offers better durability and a glossy finish. However, it contains strong fumes and may be restricted in some areas.
- Solid Epoxy ($3+ per sq. ft.): The most durable and long-lasting choice, often used in garages and commercial spaces. It requires professional installation but lasts 10–20 years with proper care.
Best Choice for Most Homeowners: If you want an affordable DIY-friendly option for a basement or light-use area, water-based epoxy is fine. For a garage or high-traffic space, solid epoxy is worth the investment.
Interested in other types of flooring? Get a quote from flooring professionals near you.
What Are The Best Rooms for Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy floors can be the perfect finish for various spaces, but they’re most common in basements, bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and garages.
The table below outlines the costs for these rooms based on average sizes and prices. We used each estimate’s average cost per square foot for epoxy installations.
| Room | Average Room Size | Average Price per Square Foot | Total Average Cost |
| Basement | 30 x 30 feet | $7.50 | $6,750 |
| Bathroom | 5 x 7 feet | $7.50 | $262.50 |
| Garage | 24 x 24 feet | $7.50 | $4,320 |
| Kitchen | 12 x 12 feet | $7.50 | $1,080 |
| Patios | 16 x 18 feet | $7.50 | $2,160 |
Your installation may be higher or lower than these estimates based on factors specific to you. We recommend getting a few personalized estimates from professional contractors to ensure the most accurate pricing.
What Are The Benefits of Epoxy Flooring?
Before you commit to new flooring material, consider the benefits of epoxy flooring and ensure it matches your expectations:
Appearance
Installing an epoxy floor is an excellent way to bring a modern touch to your home without undertaking a complete overhaul. The process is relatively simple yet brings a clean, sleek, and stylish touch. Homeowners can add their personal twist to the installation by incorporating multiple colors, a metallic sheen, or features such as stone or decorative flakes.
Cost
Though unexpected expenses, such as repairing cracks or resurfacing concrete, may increase the price, epoxy floors are more cost-effective than many alternatives, such as natural wood. The installation is straightforward and doesn’t require a significant overhaul, which reduces labor costs.
Durability
On average, epoxy flooring lasts between 10 and 20 years under light traffic. However, the lifespan can shorten to as little as two years in areas of heavy foot and vehicle traffic. The type of epoxy you choose will impact its lifespan, but epoxy flooring can last more than 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Eco-Friendliness
Since epoxy dries and hardens into a durable coating, it can’t contaminate the environment, making it an eco-friendly flooring option. In addition, solid and water-based epoxies contain little to no VOCs. These can be toxic and carcinogenic compounds that seep into groundwater, damaging water and air quality. Unfortunately, solvent-based epoxy is full of VOCs, so it doesn’t score as highly in this aspect, but the other two are excellent options.
Maintenance
Compared to other types of flooring, such as natural wood, epoxy floors are low maintenance. Although they need a daily sweep and a quick mop now and again, they don’t require meticulous maintenance. Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep away dirt and debris, then mop to clean up residual gunk.
Protection
Epoxy floors are a popular choice in garages, and for a good reason. Epoxy is durable once it dries and offers a protective layer over the flooring underneath. So, if you drop a heavy tool, you won’t damage your floor.
Safety
Despite the smooth, sleek surface, epoxy floors are slip-resistant. Additionally, they’re much less abrasive than other types of flooring, such as concrete, so even if you slip, you won’t contend with harsh scrapes or scuffs on your skin or clothing.
DIY vs. Professional Epoxy Flooring Installation
While DIYing an epoxy floor installation is entirely doable, it’s not always the best option. Some installations are tricky, especially those with substrate issues such as cracks, chips, or crumbling. If you’re set on DIY epoxy, you can buy epoxy kits that guide you through the process.
It’s usually better to call a professional for a longer-lasting result and professional-looking finish. Contractors have the equipment, materials, experience, and knowledge necessary to install your new epoxy floors properly.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
So, How Much Is Epoxy Flooring?
The cost of your epoxy flooring project depends on factors unique to your needs and budget. While this guide will give you a general idea of pricing, it’s best to get personalized estimates. We recommend obtaining quotes and comparing from a few contractors in your area.
Epoxy Flooring FAQs
Is epoxy flooring worth the cost?
Yes, especially for garages, basements, and high-traffic areas. Epoxy flooring is durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture. While the upfront cost ranges from $3 to $12 per square foot, it lasts 10 to 20 years with proper care, making it a cost-effective option compared to frequent replacements of other flooring types.
Can I install epoxy flooring myself?
DIY epoxy kits are available and can save money, but proper surface preparation is critical. Floors must be cleaned, etched, and repaired before application. Mistakes like improper mixing or applying epoxy to a damp surface can lead to peeling or bubbling. For high-traffic areas like garages, hiring a pro ensures a longer-lasting finish.
How long does epoxy flooring last?
In residential settings, epoxy floors typically last 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality of materials, surface preparation, and traffic levels. Garages and workshops with heavy use may see wear after 5 to 10 years, especially without a protective topcoat. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and avoiding harsh chemicals, can extend its lifespan.
Does epoxy flooring increase home value?
Epoxy flooring won’t drastically raise resale value, but it’s an attractive feature for garages and basements. A clean, durable, and low-maintenance floor can appeal to buyers and help your home stand out, especially in areas where finished garages are desirable.
Is epoxy flooring slippery?
Epoxy floors have a smooth, glossy surface, but they are not inherently slippery when dry. However, they can be slick when wet. Adding a non-slip additive or textured finish improves traction, making epoxy safer for garages, patios, and other areas exposed to moisture.
