Concrete floors are one of the most durable and versatile options for homes, garages, basements, and commercial spaces. But what do they actually cost? Below you’ll find up-to-date price ranges for different finishes, examples of real calculations, and tips to avoid overspending.
What Affects the Price
Surface preparation
The condition of the slab is the single biggest factor.
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Light grinding: +$1–$2/ft²
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Deep grinding or shot blasting: +$3–$5/ft²
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Crack repair and moisture barrier: +$2–$4/ft²
Skipping moisture mitigation can ruin epoxy or overlay systems, so it often adds cost but saves money long-term.
Size and thickness
Smaller projects (a 200 ft² basement) cost more per square foot than large warehouses. Thick self-leveling or multi-layer epoxy systems also increase labor and material use.
Cost by Finish Type (per sq ft)
Polished concrete
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Grind-and-seal: $2–$5
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Light polish: $3–$6
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Full mechanical polish, high gloss: $6–$12
Polished concrete is durable and bright. Industrial floors average $3–$6/ft², while decorative high-gloss projects can reach $12/ft².
Epoxy flooring
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Standard 100% solids epoxy: $4–$7
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Garage flake epoxy: $5–$9
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Metallic epoxy: $8–$15
Epoxy is chemical-resistant and popular for garages and kitchens. A two-car garage (400 ft²) usually costs $2,500–$4,000.
Stained and sealed concrete
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Acid stain + sealer: $2–$4
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Water-based stain: $3–$5
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Stain + polish combo: $5–$8
Stains create unique colors and patterns at an affordable price, but require resealing every few years.
Overlays and self-leveling
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Concrete overlay: $4–$8
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Self-leveling concrete: $3–$7
These options are used to repair or level old slabs before applying decorative finishes.
Room and Use Case Pricing
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Garage: Epoxy flake $5–$9/ft²
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Basement: Polished or stained concrete $3–$7/ft²
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Warehouse: Polished $3–$6/ft²
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Restaurant kitchen: Urethane cement system $8–$12/ft²
How to Estimate Your Cost
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Measure the area.
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Choose your finish type.
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Add prep work costs.
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Include extras such as colors, slip resistance, or moisture barriers.
Example: Basement 600 ft² × $5 (polish) + $2 prep = $4,200.
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY epoxy kits look cheap on paper but require tools, time, and skill. Mistakes often lead to peeling and costly repairs. Polished concrete is nearly impossible to DIY properly. Contractors deliver faster results, warranties, and long-term durability.
Maintenance and Lifetime Cost
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Polished concrete: repolish every 5–7 years ($1–$2/ft²)
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Epoxy: recoat every 5–10 years ($2–$4/ft²)
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Stained/sealed: reseal every 3–5 years ($0.50–$1/ft²)
Over decades, concrete floors are cheaper than tile or vinyl because they rarely need full replacement.
Getting an Accurate Quote
When requesting an estimate, provide:
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square footage and slab condition,
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preferred finish type,
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special needs (anti-slip, moisture barrier, metallic effects),
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timeline and warranty expectations.
Clear details prevent hidden fees and ensure a transparent bid.
FAQ
How much does a concrete floor cost per square foot?
From $2 for basic sealing to $15 for premium epoxy or polished designs.
Is polished concrete cheaper than epoxy?
For large commercial floors, polished concrete is cheaper; for garages, epoxy is often the better deal.
How much does it cost to epoxy a 2-car garage?
On average $2,500–$4,000.
What is the cost of overlays or self-leveling?
Typically $3–$8/ft² depending on thickness and prep.
What adds the most to the price?
Surface preparation and moisture control are usually the biggest extra costs.