Garage Floor Coating: Should You Go DIY or Pro?
Garage Floor Coating: Should You Go DIY or Pro?
So you want to install a new garage floor coating. You’re considering doing it on your own because you love a good project, but you don’t like the idea of spending too much cash or risking overall quality.
We couldn’t agree more. This is why we’ve given you some details to consider, so your final decision on DIY vs. PRO for your garage floor coating will be a good one.
Preparation
The durability (and appearance) of your floor coating all depend on the prep.
DIY installers often overlook the importance of opening up the concrete pores. This is done by making sure the concrete is thoroughly cleaned. If this step isn’t done the right way, the concrete won’t properly absorb the epoxy. This means that down the road, your coating will start to lift and separate from the floor.
Professionals doing the job will usually use a diamond grinder or a shot blaster to grind up the concrete first. This method is inarguably the most reliable for opening up the pores and allowing the epoxy to absorb correctly, but only if you have the proper equipment.
Appearance
While home kits do give you all the basics you need, one thing they don’t provide is style.
If the appearance of your floor coating is a priority, then you can expect the cost of a DIY project to increase significantly to purchase the added materials necessary to make it look the way you want.
When going pro, they usually include several style options for you to choose from and much more reasonable rates than going out and buying everything yourself.
Cost
An at-home kit will cost you anywhere from $100 – $500 for a two-car garage (which is the standard packaging).
Of course, that doesn’t factor in any other materials or equipment you may have to purchase for either the job or the style, as previously mentioned.
A pro will usually charge anywhere between $5 and $12 per square foot. For an average two-car garage at 24×24, you’re looking at something between $3,000 and $7,000, which would include both materials and labor.
Time
Aside from the major three considerations of preparation, appearance, and cost, all that remains is the obvious question of time.
Epoxy requires a full 24 hours to dry in between coats, and assuming you’re applying the recommended three coats; you can expect to spend about 9 hours a day for three days.
The only difference between the time a pro might take to finish it and a DIY installer is the equipment a professional service would use that makes the cleaning, prepping, and applying process more efficient.
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To DIY or not to DIY?
After considering these factors, it’s decision time.
The biggest questions to consider are:
- Do you have the means to do a thorough preparation?
- Will your concrete be clean and porous enough to absorb the epoxy?
- Are appearance and style a priority for you?
- How much money are you willing to invest?
- Do you have enough time to do a thorough job?
After those questions are answered and you’ve determined which option is best for you, go out and hit the garage floor running.