Concrete Coating Costs and Installation

Concrete coatings are an excellent choice when looking to make a garage or even commercial space look better, more sanitary, easier to clean and a more pleasing place to spend time.

There are many questions when it comes to concrete coatings and we’ll cover some or the most common questions here, starting with the various factors that determine the concrete coatings cost, what type of coating you may want to consider, is it advisable to apply or install the concrete coating yourself, or should you hire a professional?

All concrete coatings are not created equal

So, “Concrete Coatings” is a pretty generic term and needs a little clarification. It’s sort of like a visitor to Louisiana going into a store and asking for sausage. There’s a lot that has to be clarified, what are you using it for, do you want spice, is it Andouille, Boudin, you get the picture. There are a lot of choices.

Thankfully there are not quite so many choices when in comes to concrete coatings, however, there are choices and application differences, as well as a few questions that need to be answered.

Common applications for concrete coatings are commercial floors, industrial floors, and most common in homes is garage floors.

Types of concrete coatings and common uses and costs* for them:

• Epoxy coatings are durable and resistant to chemicals and heavy traffic, making them generally ideal for industrial floors. However, there are other coatings may be more suitable in various situations.

• Epoxy coatings costs per square foot: DIY: $2-$5. Professionally installed: $3-$12.

• Polyurethane coatings are a good choice for exterior areas, or high-traffic areas due to their resistance to UV light and that they dry faster than epoxy coatings.

• Polyurethane coating costs per square foot: $1.25-$3.

• Acrylic coatings are typically the least expensive coating and the coating is actually breathable making it a probably choice for moisture prone areas, be aware though that acrylic coatings may need to be reapplied every few years.

• Acrylic coating costs per square foot: $$1-$2.

• Polyasparic coatings are generally the most expensive type of concrete coatings, however they cure quickly, are highly durable and are more flexible than epoxy, which reduces the risk of cracking due to temperature changes and making it a common choice for garages and outdoor areas in Louisiana.

• Polyasparic coating costs per square foot: DIY $4.50-$6.25. Professionally installed: $4-$9.

So now that you know the types of coatings available and their general uses, let's get into the different things that affect the cost of concrete coatings.

• Type of epoxy to be used: Of course the first item when considering cost is the type of coating you're going to use. Second is whether you plan to apply the coating yourself (DIY), or of you plan to hire a professional. We'll talk more later in this article about deciding on the Do-it-yourself method or if you should hire a professional.

• Surface preparation: This is different from surface to surface and project to project. Preparation consists of cleaning the existing concrete, repairing cracks in the concrete, and etching the concrete to get the best bond possible.

• DIY or Professional application: DIY will obviously save some money but having the proper equipment and expertise will help get you the high-quality finish you're looking for and often times professional finishes will last longer that a DIY finished coating.

• Size of the area: the costs references above can be calculated to give you a general idea of what costs to expect with a concrete coating.

• Customization: you can add flakes, metallic finishes or custom colors to the finishes which can increase costs. It's best to talk with a concrete coating specialist to get ideas, material suggestions, and accurate pricing when considering applying any type of finish to your concrete flooring.

Concrete coatings are an investment, but they will enhance the life and appearance of your concrete surfaces and overall space.

Hopefully this article helps you understand the costs and benefits of each type of coating and will help you make the best decision for you whether you choose the Do-It-Yourself route or to hire a professional concrete coating contractor.

If you'd like professional advice or a free quote for concrete coating, contact us here.

Before hiring any contractor in Louisiana it is important to verify that they are licensed to business as a contractor. Click here to verify any Louisiana contractors licensing status.

* Costs noted in this article are based on 2024 pricing and are typical but not guaranteed. Also, pricing changes fast so these prices should be used as minimums.