Epoxy Garage Floors — Are They Worth The Cost?

Benefits of Epoxy Coating On Floors

Epoxy-coated floors can be found in such commercial businesses as hotels, hospitals, salons, offices, airport hangers, and industrial manufacturing, where there is significant foot traffic. The chemical composition of epoxy resin and hardener also provides the strength and durability for countertops, backsplashes, and tabletops and as accessory material for headboards and mirror frames. Epoxy resin and hardener is used to transform basements, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and living rooms! The patio too! The often-overlooked garage also, for installing an epoxy floor! The versatility and durability of an epoxy floor coating is quickly remaking the flooring industry, taking its place, if not replacing, amongst such traditional flooring material as:

• Hardwood Flooring: Hardwood flooring, also known for its durability, has a natural, aesthetic warmth and character. However, hardwood flooring can be costly and is prone to scratches and damage by moisture.
• Vinyl & Laminate Tile Flooring: Vinyl and laminate flooring is affordable and durable, with various colors and textures, and has also been used in a variety of rooms in houses as well as businesses. Vinyl and laminate are easy to clean and maintain and are a good choice for
  high-traffic areas. Unfortunately, such floors are prone to dents from heavy furniture or machinery and can become worn, requiring replacement.
• Carpeting: Soft, plush carpeting provides a comfortable feeling and comes in a variety of colors as well as textures. Carpeting can also hold allergens and dust and can be challenging to maintain and keep clean.

As wonderful as traditional flooring is, the benefits of epoxy-coated floors include:

• Durability: Resistant to the wear and tear, dents, and moisture that affects vinyl floors.
• Chemical Resistant: The ability to resist chemical damage is the reason for use in warehouse facilities, industrial plants, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
• Decorative & Attractive: A seamless surface flooring material in various textures and colors and easy to maintain.
• Safety: The epoxy floor coating boosts and boasts room brightness due to light reflecting off the smooth surface. It is fire-resistant and not affected by high temperatures.

Epoxy Garage Floors

The home garage is no longer a detached space set apart from the main house, as was the norm in the 1950s when a basketball hoop hung outside and above the heavy, windowless, wooden garage door and storage of household supplies and the family car competed for space on the unpainted, often cracked, concrete floor inside, where dried oil and grease stains formed the garage ‘ambiance.’

When the garage space became attached to the home, the garage became more than just a functional space for the car and storage. The garage became as much part of the home as the well-designed interior rooms of the house and was seen by many as worthy of cost to enhance the garage aesthetics.

Below are a few reasons homeowners are pondering the possibility of updating to an epoxy garage floor: Epoxy garage floors are known for their durability, providing a long-lasting solution that can withstand heavy foot traffic and the weight of vehicles. Additionally, homeowners appreciate the aesthetic appeal and the ease of maintenance that comes with this type of flooring. The benefits of epoxy garage flooring also include resistance to stains and chemicals, making it an ideal choice for those who use their garages for more than just parking.

• Minimizes Dust: An epoxy-coated garage floor minimizes dust that emanates from a concrete floor, settles upon the costly car, or is tracked into the home.
• Increases Property Value: The glistening and gleam of an epoxy garage floor along with the granite countertops in the kitchen and hardwood flooring in living room all point to a
  low-maintenance home that home buyers value.
• Resists Moisture: If a home is in a geographic area of abundant rainfall or high temperatures and humidity, an epoxy-coated garage floor can spare homeowners the grief of mold growth and mildew and resulting bacteria.
• Enhanced Garage Aesthetics: Epoxy garage floors can be made in the appearance of marble, metal, quartz, or granite, or any design and color to match the interior design and color of the home.

The Cost Of Epoxy Garage Floors

When considering a garage renovation with an epoxy garage floor installation, be aware that such enhanced garage aesthetics are costly. The average price for an epoxy garage floor is approximately $2,200, but prices can range from $1,400.00 to $3,000.00. The initial cost is dependent on the type of epoxy coating one chooses to apply, as well as the size of the garage floor space. The three options for achieving a long-lasting garage floor and the ease of floor maintenance are: Additionally, garage epoxy coating benefits include increased durability, resistance to stains, and a glossy finish that enhances the overall brightness of the space. Homeowners often appreciate the ease of cleaning associated with epoxy floors, as spills can be wiped away effortlessly. Furthermore, these coatings can help prevent concrete deterioration, ensuring the longevity of the garage floor. In addition to aesthetic appeal, epoxy flooring benefits for garages include improved durability and resistance to stains and chemicals. This makes it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to protect their surfaces from spills and wear. Furthermore, the non-slip finish enhances safety, reducing the risk of accidents in the garage space. In addition, it’s important to factor in the epoxy garage floor cost breakdown, which includes labor, materials, and any necessary preparation work. Homeowners may also want to consider potential additional expenses, such as repairs to the existing concrete slab before installation. Overall, understanding these elements can help ensure that the project stays within budget while achieving the desired results.

• Water-Based: This is the most cost-effective flooring option, consisting of water, epoxy, and hardener. Water-based epoxy is resistant to minor scratches and minor chemical exposure and will need a re-application every 1 to 3 years. Water-based epoxy has no volatile organic compounds (VOC). Water-based epoxy costs approximately $30 to $50 per gallon.
• Solvent-Based: A solvent-based epoxy has greater resistance to petroleum-based products and can be applied under high humidity and low temperatures. A respirator is required during application as solvent-based epoxy has high volatile organic compounds (VOC) and is highly flammable while it is being applied. Solvent-based epoxy costs approximately $45 per gallon.
• Solid Epoxy: The costliest option is solid epoxy. It is the thickest epoxy material, more than water or solvent-based epoxy, and provides outstanding garage floor durability! It’s environmentally safe as it contains no VOCs and resists heat, chemical spills, and scratches. The application of a solid epoxy can last up to 20 years. Solid epoxy is not recommended for application in areas with high moisture or extreme temperatures, and it does require professional installation as it needs to be applied quickly. Solid epoxy costs range from $45 to $150 per gallon.

Epoxy Garage Floors — Are They Worth The Cost?

While Jersey Epoxy stands firm on the quality of an epoxy garage floor, we also point clients to a few ‘con’- siderations when thinking of investing in an epoxy garage floor.

• Installing an epoxy garage floor requires protective clothing, footwear, safety glasses, and perhaps a respirator. The installation needs to be performed quickly; therefore, Jersey Epoxy recommends homeowners seek a professional installer. 

• When the epoxy mixing process is done incorrectly, epoxy floors are prone to discoloration. Discoloration can also occur with extended UV exposure, so remember to close the door when driving out of the garage!

• Changing the color or the design of an epoxy garage floor is a time-consuming and labor-intensive project. Remember: a durable and long-lasting garage floor is a critical factor when deciding if such a garage floor is worth the cost.

• Another major con-sideration is hot tire pick-up. When the epoxy coating is of low quality, thin, or not installed correctly, those hot and expanded tires will transfer their heat to the cool epoxy garage floor, causing the epoxy to soften. Hot tire pick-up can be avoided when employing a certified professional technician experienced in selecting the best epoxy option.

Contact Jersey Epoxy

Is an epoxy garage floor worth the cost? Jersey Epoxy is focused on providing our clients with all the information necessary to make an informed decision. Contact us today; we are here to help resolve any concerns and provide a free estimate for installing an epoxy garage floor.