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Highlights
- Polyaspartic floor coating costs most homeowners between $1,440 and $3,240.
- The most common factors that affect the cost to seal a floor with polyaspartic are the floor size, accessibility, prep work, and customizations.
- Polyaspartic is a newer sealant technology that offers superior durability, UV resistance, fast application, eco-friendly solutions, and a long lifespan.
- While DIY installation is possible, it’s not recommended since polyaspartic sets in just 10 minutes. Professional installers know how to work with the materials quickly and properly for a high-quality result.
Protecting the concrete surface of a garage can extend the life of the flooring. Concrete is a hard, durable material that can withstand vehicle weight and the regular wear and tear caused by vehicles entering and exiting the garage. It’s also porous, which means that water, oils, and other liquid chemicals can seep into the concrete. A polyaspartic floor coating creates a protective layer to prevent moisture and common garage chemicals from damaging the concrete.
The polyaspartic garage floor cost ranges from about $1,440 to $3,240 for an average-size garage. The cost to coat a floor with polyaspartic will depend on the floor size, how accessible it is, customizations, and other factors. Some companies may suggest a polyaspartic epoxy floor that consists of a base layer of epoxy that’s coated with a top layer of polyaspartic for the best moisture resistance and durability. Others recommend skipping epoxy since it requires a longer dry time than polyaspartic. Similarly, a polyurea polyaspartic combination may be used, which involves a polyurea coating followed by a polyaspartic floor coating.
What is polyaspartic floor coating?
Epoxy has long been considered the go-to product for garage flooring coatings, but other options do exist. Polyaspartic is a new technology that many people may not know about, yet there are many differences between polyaspartic vs. epoxy.
Polyaspartic floor coating is one of the best garage floor coatings thanks to its notable durability, bonding strength, and UV resistance. It’s typically installed with two processes: a base coat of polyurea and a top coat of polyaspartic. This type of coating is often used in car showrooms, garages, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities because of its durability, longevity, and appearance.
The process of coating garage floor surfaces starts by applying the polyurea coatings, which form a strong bond with the concrete. Then the polyaspartic top coat creates a glossy chemical-resistant and abrasion-resistant finish that’s up to 20 times stronger than epoxy. Compared with polyaspartic, epoxy is slow to cure, can yellow and crack over time, and bonds imperfectly with concrete.
Factors in Calculating Polyaspartic Floor Coating Cost
There are several key factors to consider when putting together a budget for polyaspartic floor coating costs and any additional costs that may apply. Before starting this job or hiring a company to complete the work, it’s recommended that homeowners learn more about the various factors that can impact the cost, including the floor size, shape, accessibility to the area, and any prep work that is required.
Floor Size and Shape
The primary cost consideration for this project is the size and shape of the floor. The larger or more complex the layout, the more polyaspartic floor coating required to adequately cover the floor. Homeowners can measure the square footage of the floor to come up with a basic estimate of the cost before speaking with a professional. Compared with other flooring options, polyaspartic can be notably more expensive. Homeowners can expect polyaspartic floor coating to cost between $4 to $9 per square foot.
| Floor Size | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| 250 square feet | $1,000 to $2,250 |
| 300 square feet | $1,200 to $2,700 |
| 350 square feet | $1,400 to $3,150 |
| 400 square feet | $1,600 to $3,600 |
| 450 square feet | $1,800 to $4,050 |
| 500 square feet | $2,000 to $4,500 |
Accessibility
Most garages are at least as wide as a single car, but others can accommodate three or four cars and other vehicles. However, some garages are filled with storage containers and equipment, and some driveways are not easily accessible for additional equipment. If there are obstructions that prevent access to the floor or make it more difficult to move and work, then the cost of the polyaspartic floor installation may increase to account for the additional time and effort required.
Business owners and homeowners who opt for a polyaspartic floor coating will also want to keep in mind that the area will be off-limits for a day or two while the floor cures and the fumes dissipate after the installation. This could mean a business needs to close for a short period of time or that employees and customers can’t access certain areas of the building. Homeowners may also prefer not to be at home for the day if a large coating is applied that produces significant fumes.
Prep Work
Matt Butler, owner/operator at GNU Garage in Worcester, Massachusetts, says, “If your floor has severe cracking or is chipped and broken, it could cost extra to have that all fixed. Minor cracks and chips are usually repaired free of charge or included in the preparation cost. If a moisture barrier is required, it could cost an extra $1 per square foot.”
Large cracks, deep chips, and uneven flooring will have to be repaired prior to the aspartic floor coating itself. Concrete resurfacing costs can add a lot to the project price if homeowners have a damaged garage floor that needs attention. Additionally, if the garage or basement is cluttered with furniture, appliances, and other items, or the floor is simply dirty and grimy, then it will take more time to prepare and clean the floor before the polyaspartic coating can be applied.
Customizations
Another factor to consider is the color, pattern, or design of the polyaspartic coating. Any customization, such as adding a specific pattern or business logo, can affect the cost of the project. Beyond aesthetic customizations, some installers may charge an added fee for abrasive topcoats, which increase the traction and reduce the risk of slipping on the new floor.
Some floors have a layer of concrete that extends a few inches up on the walls, similar to how a baseboard would look, called a stem wall. Butler tells us that “many homeowners like to coat the stem walls around the border of the garage to match the floor. This is almost always an additional charge as it is a labor-intensive process and adds time to the job.”
Maintenance
After the floor is installed, the homeowner or business owner will only need to do basic maintenance to protect the polyaspartic floor coating. The initial coating will be durable, long lasting, and resistant to chemicals, but it may be too slippery to walk on when wet from rain or mopping. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to add an abrasive topcoat to make the floor safe for regular use.
Most concrete cleaning and sealing services cost about $1,500, which may be worth it for a business where customers frequently see and walk on the floor. Though a polyaspartic floor can last for decades, if it starts to look a little rough from excessive use, the business owner or homeowner may need to purchase special cleaning agents to scrub the floor. Without these polyaspartic-specific cleaning agents, the floor may lose its luster and shine, diminishing the aesthetic appeal. Similarly, it’s important to clean up any spills when they occur to prevent staining.
Benefits of Choosing Polyaspartic Floor Coating
Applying a protective coating to a concrete floor is a good idea to keep the floor in top condition for years to come. Using polyaspartic flooring as an alternative to epoxy offers increased strength, flexibility, and durability. Polyaspartic is resistant to UV light, fading, chemicals, and water. It’s even an eco-friendly product that can be applied quickly and has a faster curing period than epoxy, reducing the amount of time it takes to complete the job. Homeowners can consider these benefits when deciding if polyaspartic floor coating is the right choice for the project.
Strength and Durability
The strength and durability of polyaspartic floor coatings goes beyond what is offered by epoxy, making polyaspartic the superior choice. This floor coating for garages and basements can withstand the weight of tables, workbenches, tool chests, lawn equipment, heavy machinery, and vehicles without issues. It can also hold up to the friction from moving tires. Polyaspartic is one of the best garage floor coatings available due to the high adhesive strength of the initial polyurea coating and the abrasion-resistant finish of the polyaspartic floor coating.
Resistance to UV Light, Fading, and Chemicals
Not only is polyaspartic floor coating tough and durable, but it’s also designed to be resistant to UV light. Some floors receive significant sunlight through windows or open doors, and the direct UV radiation may damage or fade epoxy or paint. Polyaspartic flooring won’t yellow or fade over time.
Also, polyaspartic flooring is resistant to oils and common chemicals that can be found in the garage, such as gasoline, paint, washer fluid, and more. While corrosive chemicals may eat away at concrete paint, stain, and epoxy, polyaspartic flooring holds up for decades when properly cleaned and maintained.
Fast Application and Curing
Epoxy flooring is relatively easy to use and less expensive than polyaspartic flooring, which is why it is often used by DIYers to coat concrete floors. However, epoxy requires at least 12 hours of curing time before it can be walked on and 3 full days before heavy machinery or vehicles can drive on the floor. Epoxy prep and installation can take 3 to 4 days before the floor can safely be used without damaging the coating.
In comparison, polyaspartic flooring takes just 3 to 4 hours of curing time before it can be walked on and only 24 hours before vehicle use is allowed. This floor coating is not recommended for DIYers, but it doesn’t take very long to prep and apply.
Eco-Friendliness
Another great reason to use polyaspartic floor coatings for a basement, showroom floor, or garage is that polyaspartic is typically more eco-friendly than other floor coatings. Polyaspartic contains fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and doesn’t require the use of hazardous solvents. The eco-friendly composition reduces both air pollution and hazardous waste that happens during the application of alternate floor coating products.
It’s also important to note that the enhanced durability, high chemical resistance, and long lifespan of polyaspartic floor coatings reduces the frequency with which the floor would need to be repaired and resealed, limiting the impact on the environment.
Resistance to Water
Although a concrete floor is tough and durable, it’s also porous. Water and ice that seeps into the concrete can cause considerable structural damage and compromise the integrity of the floor. With this in mind, applying a polyaspartic floor coating is essential for protecting and preserving the concrete floor.
However, while polyaspartic floor coatings are resistant to water, this type of floor coating cannot be installed in areas that already have a high moisture level, which is why flooring installers will test the moisture content of the concrete prior to application. Additionally, concrete floors coated in polyaspartic can become slippery when wet, since the moisture can’t penetrate the barrier. Installers can add an abrasive topcoat with a special texture roller that makes small ridges for traction.
Polyaspartic Floor Coating Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Many DIYers may be familiar with how easy it is to apply epoxy on their own. However, the same is not true for polyaspartic or any polyurea flooring. Butler advises, “A polyaspartic floor is not something that you want to do on your own if you have no experience with polyaspartic resin. A professional is going to prepare the floor properly with expensive equipment to ensure a lifetime bond and also install the floor in a way that the flakes are absorbed evenly and the floor looks amazing.”
Inexperienced DIYers will struggle to apply this floor coating within the 10-minute time frame before the polyaspartic coating begins to set, leading to a poor-quality finish. Additionally, if the floor is not prepped correctly, or the coating isn’t applied properly, then the polyaspartic coating may start to peel or bubble, leading to expensive repairs and reapplication.
Joe Trainor, owner and founder of Epoxy Colorado, an epoxy and polyaspartic floor installation company in Denver, Colorado, notes, “While polyaspartic flooring is not rocket science, if it is not installed correctly it can double or triple the cost to make it right, so make sure to hire a company who is well established and trusted in the industry. My least favorite calls to receive are those from a DIYer who tried to install their own floor and failed, and then we have to remove their attempted installation before starting with our process…the price increases even more because of the extra time and equipment necessary.”
The best epoxy garage floor installers with polyaspartic experience, such as PremierGarage and Garage Kings, can help homeowners understand the costs and process for their specific project. Instead of attempting this job as a DIY project, homeowners can contact a local polyaspartic floor installer to complete this work. Homeowners will be happier with the result and can rely on any offered warranties in case of any issues.
How to Save Money on Polyaspartic Floor Coating Cost
A budget is important for any project around the home; it helps to guide expenditures when a homeowner is adding customizations, getting cost estimates, and planning the scope of the project. The average polyaspartic floor coating cost typically ranges from about $4 to $9 per square foot, or $1,440 to $3,240 for an average-size garage. Based on that estimate, it’s important for homeowners to find ways to keep the cost within the project budget.
- Prepare the area. Homeowners can clean and prep the area before the flooring installers arrive to reduce the time and cost of the job.
- Compare quotes from multiple companies. Making sure to get the best price and value by researching and comparing cost estimates from at least three reputable companies helps ensure the budget is well spent.
- Patch cracks and chips prior to installation. Experienced DIYers can fill cracks and chips in the concrete floor so that the installers have a smooth surface with which to work.
- Keep customization to a minimum. Customized colors, patterns, designs, topcoats, and floor coating layouts can add to the cost of the project.
Questions to Ask About Polyaspartic Floor Coating
While it’s recommended to hire a well-established and trusted company to complete the polyaspartic floor coating job, it’s also important for the homeowner to have a basic understanding of the preparation and installation process. Gathering information helps homeowners vet installation companies and better understand polyaspartic installation processes. Homeowners can ask key questions when hiring and planning the polyaspartic flooring project.
- Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have any available references?
- How much experience do you have working with polyaspartic floor coatings?
- How is polyaspartic coating applied?
- Can polyaspartic coatings be applied in cold or wet conditions?
- Can you provide a quote for this work?
- How will you prepare the floor?
- Can polyaspartic floor coating be applied over epoxy?
- Do you perform a moisture test prior to installation?
- Do you offer a warranty?
- Will it cost extra to coat the stem walls?
- How long will the floor coating take to fully cure?
- What kind of maintenance will polyaspartic coating require?
- Will you fix cracks and uneven concrete?
- How should I prepare for the installation?
- Does your company use zero- or low-VOC products?
FAQs
It’s a good idea to protect concrete basement and garage floors from moisture, oils, and common household chemicals by adding a protective floor coating, such as epoxy or aspartic. Homeowners can find out more about the benefits and drawbacks of polyaspartic and how this product measures up against concrete paint or epoxy flooring.
Q. Is polyaspartic more expensive than epoxy?
In most cases, the cost of an epoxy garage floor is lower than polyaspartic floor coating cost. However, the difference in cost is worth it given the high level of durability, chemical resistance, and longevity of polyaspartic.
Q. Is polyaspartic worth the money?
Polyaspartic generally costs more than epoxy or even the best garage floor paint, but it’s worth the extra cost due to the long lifespan; high durability; and resistance to chemicals, water and UV rays. While epoxy or painted floors may last only 5 to 10 years, polyaspartic flooring can last over a decade if installed properly. Trainor also says, “Polyaspartic is not like paint that will eventually dry. It must go through a curing process, and if it does not, it will remain wet and sticky for years.”
Q. What are the disadvantages of polyaspartic coating?
Polyaspartic is a relatively new choice in the flooring market, but it makes sense due to its superior durability and chemical resistance. However, one of the main reasons many people still opt for epoxy is because of the higher cost of polyaspartic. Additionally, polyaspartic floor coatings are more difficult to apply, so most DIYers avoid installing this material.
Q. How long does polyaspartic floor coating last?
A major benefit of using polyaspartic is the superior longevity. Typically, polyaspartic flooring will last for decades with proper cleaning, crack repair, and ongoing maintenance, while epoxy may only last 5 years before it needs to be replaced.
Q. How soon after application can you walk on a polyaspartic floor?
Polyaspartic floor coating dries quickly, but homeowners will need to avoid walking on the floor for about 4 to 6 hours. After about 12 hours, the homeowner can move medium-weight objects back into the area, though it’s important to wait at least 24 hours before moving anything heavy onto the coated area. “Most home improvement projects requiring a polyaspartic floor can be handled by a professional in 1 to 3 days depending on the size and scope of the project and the products being used,” says Trainor.
Q. Can you pressure-wash polyaspartic floor coating?
A pressure washer can be used to clean a polyaspartic floor coating as long as the water pressure does not exceed 1,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) at the nozzle. However, if the pressure is too high or the pressure washer is not used correctly, the powerful spray may damage the floor, so this method of cleaning is not recommended.
Sources: Garage Force, Solid Custom Floor Coatings
