Epoxy concrete floors for garages has surged in popularity as a home improvement solution, promising a blend of durability and aesthetic appeal. Read on to learn the benefits, costs, and potential drawbacks of using epoxy for your garage floor, especially for a DIY project in a 2-car garage.
Why Choose Epoxy for Your Garage Floor?
Epoxy flooring offers numerous advantages, making it an attractive option for homeowners looking to upgrade their garage space.
- Durability and Strength: Epoxy coatings create a robust, seamless surface that stands up well to stains, chemicals, heavy traffic, and harsh weather.
- Ease of Maintenance: Cleaning and maintaining an epoxy floor is simple, making it ideal for busy households.
- Longevity: With proper care, epoxy floors can last for many years, maintaining their fresh, clean appearance.
Cost Breakdown for DIY Epoxy Flooring
A home do-it-yourself (DIY) project can seem like an easy way to save money while elevating your home. While the financial aspect of epoxy flooring can vary, here’s what you can generally expect for a DIY project in a standard 2-car garage.
Material Costs
DIY epoxy kits typically range from $600 to $700, covering the epoxy coating, tools, cleaning supplies, and optional primer and topcoat.
In addition to the standard epoxy kit costs, you also need to account for the extra costs. If your floor is currently damaged, repair materials will need to be acquired before epoxy application. A handheld or machine concrete grinder as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep yourself safe during application is also a must. These additional costs can range from $40 to $600 depending on your selection and whether you choose to rent or buy.
Time
As the saying goes, “time is money”, and how you quantify your time is up to you. Most epoxy flooring companies can complete an epoxy job from start to finish in a day or two, however professionals tend to have multiple crew members and years of experience under their belts. A single person may take as long as a week to complete this job.
The Downsides of DIY Epoxy Flooring
While epoxy flooring has numerous benefits, attempting a DIY project without the proper materials can lead to significant drawbacks.
- Insufficient Adhesion: Without the correct epoxy products and primers, the coating may not adhere properly to the garage floor. This can result in peeling or bubbling, reducing the lifespan of the flooring.
- Inadequate Surface Preparation: Skipping essential steps like thorough cleaning and crack repairs can compromise the final result. Dirt, grease, and unpatched cracks can prevent the epoxy from bonding well, leading to an uneven and unattractive finish.
- Subpar Durability: Using low-quality epoxy or skipping important components such as a topcoat can make the floor more susceptible to wear and tear. High-quality materials (such as Eco Concrete’s polyaspartic coating) are designed to withstand heavy traffic, chemical spills, and other harsh conditions typical of a garage environment.
- Poor Aesthetic Results: Improperly mixed or applied epoxy can result in streaks, bubbles, or inconsistent coloring. Professional-grade products and tools ensure a smooth, uniform finish that enhances the garage’s appearance.
- Safety Risks: Without the right materials, the epoxy floor might lack crucial features such as UV resistance and slip resistance. Quality epoxy coatings are formulated to withstand sunlight exposure without yellowing and to provide a non-slip surface, ensuring safety in the garage.
Contact a Professional
Not all epoxy is created equal. At Eco Concrete, we use a polyaspartic coating that is designed to outlast and outperform traditional coatings. It resists yellowing and UV damage, ensuring that your floor stays as vibrant as the day it was installed.
Avoid the drawbacks from a DIY epoxy job and contact concrete professionals to guarantee your garage floor lasts. Schedule a consultation with an epoxy flooring contractor to enhance your garage’s value and usability using our specialty polyaspartic coating for years to come.
