6 Questions to Ask About Concrete Floor Installation and Concrete Floor Coating Application

Concrete is a solid, durable surface for any floor—and applying a concrete floor coating helps it look less bland in your home. Before you hire a concrete installation professional near you, consider these five critical concrete floor questions.

1. When do you need the work done?

An urgent concrete floor installation project will come at a premium. Labor makes up 40% to 60% of concrete floor installation costs, and you can expect to pay the upper end of that percentage range if you need the project completed ASAP.

2. What concrete surfaces do you want to have installed?

The location of the concrete floor will affect the project's scope and cost. Pouring a concrete floor in a basement costs $4 to $25 per square foot. Therefore, you’ll pay $2,000 to $12,500 for a 500-square-foot floor installation and $10,000 to $62,000 for a 2,500-square-foot concrete floor. Concrete slabs cost less, at $3,600 to $7,200, with the final price depending on the slab’s size, thickness, and whether reinforcement is needed.

3. What kind of concrete floor work do you need?

If you already have a concrete floor and want to repair or refresh it, you’ll need an idea of the work you want done. Adding a finish, such as a stamped design, stain, or sealant to an existing concrete floor costs $2 to $10 per square foot. If you’re looking to repair damage, concrete repairs cost $830 to $2,810.

4. How much surface area do you wish to have covered?

The larger the area where you plan to pour a concrete floor or apply a concrete floor coating, the more the project's timeframe and cost will be affected. If budget is a concern, consider installing a smaller concrete floor or patio. However, this won't be an option if you install a floor or floor coating in an indoor space such as a garage or basement.

5. What type of concrete floor coating do you want to have applied?

The most common type of concrete floor coating is epoxy, but you can also choose polyurethane, polyurea, and polyacrylic sealers. Epoxy flooring costs between $1,610 and $3,420 to install, or an average of $2,510, making it the most budget-friendly choice. Water-based epoxy floor resin is the cheapest, but less durable than other options. 

Solvent-based is stronger than water-based, but the resin emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during installation. Solid resin is the strongest choice but also the most expensive—plus, it’s challenging to install. A local garage floor coating pro can advise you on the best option for your needs and budget.

6. Are there any existing coatings on the surface?

You need to tell your contractor if there’s already a coating on the floor. They may need to remove the existing coating before applying the new one, which will increase labor costs.