Is it worth it to epoxy a garage floor? Costs, tradeoffs and our take

Yes, for most homeowners it is worth it to epoxy a garage floor, especially if you do it yourself. A 2 car garage costs roughly $996 to $1,200 in kits versus about $1,600 to $4,000 for a pro install, and you get a seamless, textured floor that is easy to clean. It is worth it only if you are willing to put real effort into prep.

That last line matters. We sell epoxy kits, so you might expect a sales pitch. Here is the honest version instead: the floor is great when it goes down right, and prep is what decides that.

The real numbers: DIY vs pro

National pro install pricing is often quoted around $4 to $10 per square foot (HomeServe, citing HomeGuide). Here is how that compares with doing it yourself using our Indoor Quartz Sand Epoxy Self Leveling Garage Floor Kit.

• Pro install, 400 sq ft garage: roughly $1,600 to $4,000
• DIY, 4 indoor kits: $996 in Marble Grey or Desert Grey, $1,200 in Black
• Tools if you do not own them: about $95 for the 22 inch squeegee with pole ($29.99), the 20 inch defoaming roller ($39.99) and the extension pole ($24.99)
• Primer: not included in the kit and sold separately, if your floor needs it

For a full line by line breakdown, see what it costs to epoxy a two car garage, DIY vs pro.

How many kits you need

1 kit covers 100 square feet at a target thickness of about one eighth inch. No guessing. No surprises. Measure length times width, divide by 100 and round up.

• 1 car garage, about 200 sq ft: 2 kits
• 2 car garage, about 400 sq ft: 4 kits
• 2.5 car garage, about 500 sq ft: 5 kits

Do not try to stretch a kit. A thin coat will not level properly and tends to look streaky. More on that in how many epoxy kits do I need.

What you get for the money

• A seamless surface. No grout lines and no seams to trap dirt. Sweeping and mopping are simple.
• Texture and grip. Our system uses quartz sand aggregate, which gives a textured stone look and more grip than a smooth coating. Factory testing lists a slip coefficient of 0.4 or higher. Slip resistance still varies with how the aggregate is spread, contaminants and wet conditions. Read more in are epoxy floors slippery when wet.
• A finish that holds up. A two part epoxy is a different animal from floor paint. We compared them in epoxy vs paint for a garage floor.
• Easy upkeep. Sweep or dust mop as needed, mop weekly with a pH neutral cleaner in warm water, and wipe spills right away. See how to clean an epoxy garage floor.
• It can be refreshed. Down the road, an epoxy floor can get a new coat without removing the existing layer once it is properly cleaned and abraded.

When it is not worth it

We would rather you skip epoxy than end up unhappy with it. Think twice if any of these sound like you:

• You will not grind the floor. About 95% of epoxy failures trace back to inadequate surface prep, per our installation guide. If you are not going to grind to a texture like 60 grit sandpaper and vacuum all the dust, save your money.
• Your space is too humid or too cold. Relative humidity must be below 65%, and you can only apply between 41°F and 90°F. Below 55°F cure time can double or more.
• The floor gets direct sun or is outdoors. Bisphenol A epoxy can amber over time in direct sunlight, and the indoor kit lacks strong UV protection, so it is not for patios, driveways or pool decks. Outdoor jobs use the Outdoor Washed Stone Quartz Epoxy Floor Kit.
• You expect it to fix a moving slab. An epoxy coating will not stop a slab from moving or prevent new cracks from settling. Fill existing cracks first.
• You cannot give up the garage for a while. Full cure takes 72 hours, and driving waits about 5 days.

For an honest look at the downsides of the material itself, read the disadvantages of epoxy flooring.

What the job actually takes

A typical job is a weekend. Prep and prime on day one, pour on day two.

1. Prep (about 2 to 6 hours or more). Sweep, vacuum, scrub oil spots with a degreaser, rinse, dry, fill cracks, grind and vacuum. A 500 sq ft garage with staining can take a full day.
2. Prime if needed. Strongly recommended for porous or older concrete, previously painted or sealed floors and areas with past moisture issues.
3. Mix one kit at a time. Use a drill and mixing paddle for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not mix by hand. Pot life is 20 to 30 minutes.
4. Pour and spread. Start in the far corner and work toward the door in 100 to 150 sq ft sections, keeping a wet edge. Spread the quartz aggregate evenly.
5. Defoam right away. 2 to 3 slow passes with the spiked roller while the coating is wet.
6. Let it cure. Light foot traffic at 24 hours, full cure at 72 hours, driving at about 5 days.

The full process is in our installation instructions. If you are on the fence about doing it yourself, start with can you epoxy your own garage floor. Pouring over a brand new slab? Read can you epoxy new concrete right away first.

Our take

If you are willing to do the prep, a DIY quartz epoxy floor gives you a clean, textured, easy care garage for a fraction of the typical pro quote. You also get free phone support with every kit, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Arizona time. We ship nationwide, and Phoenix area customers can pick up at our Queen Creek shop with no freight charge. Check our city planning guides for local tips.

Quick answers

How much does it cost to epoxy a 2 car garage yourself?

A 2 car garage of about 400 sq ft takes 4 indoor kits: $996 in Marble Grey or Desert Grey, or $1,200 in Black. Add about $95 for the squeegee, defoaming roller and extension pole if you do not own them, plus primer if your floor needs it.

What does a pro epoxy install cost?

National pro install pricing is often quoted around $4 to $10 per square foot (HomeServe, citing HomeGuide). For a 400 sq ft garage that is roughly $1,600 to $4,000.

How long does a DIY epoxy garage floor take?

A typical job is a weekend: prep and prime on day one, pour on day two. Allow 72 hours for full cure and about 5 days before driving on it.

Is epoxy worth it if my slab has cracks?

It can be, as long as you fill existing cracks first with concrete patch compound or epoxy crack filler. Epoxy will not stop a slab from moving or prevent new cracks from settling.