Have you ever walked out into your garage and scoffed at how your concrete flooring looks? How about the last time you hosted a backyard barbeque in your new outdoor space, kitchen and all, and felt like the stained, scratched concrete flooring ruined the ambiance?
It’s okay. Many of us homeowners have been there.
If you’re unhappy with how your concrete flooring looks, chances are you’re looking for some sort of stain or coating that can transform it.
After doing some research, you decide you want a polyurea concrete floor coating because you’ve seen how it looks and heard of how durable and long-lasting it is. But when you decide to meet with a professional contractor, you’re taken aback by the price of a polyurea floor coating.
Why is it more expensive than other floor coatings? What makes it better than others? Is this type of coating really worth it?
We get it. As a high-quality San Antonio exterior remodeling company that has installed concrete floor coatings for several years, we’ve heard the objection, “Why should I choose this product when this one is so much cheaper?” And we understand.
Now, we know that a high-quality polyurea concrete coating is not the right option for everyone.
But, if you know you want a product that not only transforms your space but will last for years in your home, we want you to understand the value behind a high-quality concrete coating project and what it really does for you and your home.
This article will dive into cost differences between different types of concrete coatings, the top three values a high-quality concrete coating provides you with, and when a high-quality concrete coating may not be the right investment.
After reading, you’ll understand the key differences between different concrete floor coating types and how a high-quality polyurea coating benefits you and your home.
How much does a concrete floor coating cost?
Have you ever walked out into your garage and scoffed at how your concrete flooring looks? How about the last time you hosted a backyard barbeque in your new outdoor space, kitchen and all, and felt like the stained, scratched concrete flooring ruined the ambiance?
It’s okay. Many of us homeowners have been there.
If you’re thinking about starting any new project, one of the first things you think of is cost.
How much will this project cost? Is this within my budget? Is it worth it for me to pay this price for the product?
Well, like with any product, there is a wide range of prices available in the concrete coating world.
The cost of a concrete floor coating can range anywhere from $4-$12 per square foot. This cost depends on the square footage of your project, the condition of your concrete, and, of course, the type of concrete coating.
A polyurea concrete coating is on the higher end of that cost range, whereas an epoxy coating ranges more in the $4-$7 range per square foot.
With this in mind, you are probably wondering why you should go with the more expensive option when a less expensive option seemingly looks the same. This is where you want to dig a little deeper and identify the benefits and potential drawbacks of each type of concrete coating you are considering.
Now, before we dig into the top values of a high-quality concrete coating, it’s important to understand the relationship between cost and quality.
A high-quality concrete coating will never be the least expensive option. Similarly, the least expensive option will not perform the same as the more expensive, high-quality option.
So, while you are evaluating your options for your concrete floor coating project, you must outline your goals and know what you want to get out of this project.
How long do you want it to last? How do you want it to perform? What do you want it to look like? These are just a few questions to ask yourself when choosing the right concrete floor coating product.
Cost of Different Concrete Coatings Over Time
Check out this chart from Webfoot Concrete Coatings that shows the cost of different concrete coating types, how long they last, and how your investment holds up in the long run.
What makes a high-quality concrete coating worth it?
Now that you know roughly what a concrete coating can cost, you’re probably wondering, “Why would I want to choose the more expensive option when cheaper options are out there?”
Well, if you want a concrete coating worth your investment and will last in your home, it will cost more than other options.
So, what value does a high-quality concrete coating provide for you? Three major things make your concrete coating a valuable investment.
- A concrete coating elevates and completes your space
- A concrete coating protects your concrete surface
- A concrete coating requires little maintenance in the future
Let’s dig deeper into each of these values so you can better understand how a high-quality concrete coating is a worthy investment.
1. A concrete coating elevates and completes your space
The first valuable thing about a high-quality concrete coating is that it not only elevates your concrete flooring, but it completes the space you’re upgrading.
Say, for example, you get a new outdoor kitchen installed in your backyard. You’ve got nice granite countertops, a built-in grill and wine fridge, and all the works. It’s beautiful! Except when you look down…
Adding a concrete coating to your backyard will complete your outdoor kitchen space and bring it to the next level. (Let’s include imagery)
More commonly, many homeowners add a concrete coating to their garage floor to protect the flooring and add a wow factor to the area.
If you just added some new cabinetry in your garage, want to transform it into an at-home gym, or plan to use the space for extra entertaining, a high-quality concrete coating will enhance your space into more than just a garage.
Whether you want to do a full remodel of your outdoor area, garage, or front patio, a concrete floor coating will completely transform your space, adding aesthetic value and value to how you utilize the space.
2. A concrete coating protects your concrete surface
The second largest value factor of a high-quality concrete coating is that it protects your concrete surface and adds durability to it.
At Southwest Exteriors, we offer polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coatings from Penntek. Other concrete coatings, like epoxy, will become damaged from high temperatures. This means if you have an epoxy coating on your garage floor and are constantly pulling your car in with hot tires, the epoxy will start to melt and peel up.
Polyurea concrete coatings are one of the most durable, and they are UV resistant and won’t crack, chip, or peel.
A high-quality concrete coating further protects your concrete against further damage, like chipping and staining.
If you choose a less expensive coating option, it will not protect your concrete as well as a high-quality coating will and certainly will not last as long.
3. A concrete coating requires little maintenance in the future
The third valuable thing a high-quality concrete coating provides you with is the lack of maintenance required for your concrete in the future.
To build off the section above, a concrete coating is a protective layer over your concrete. A high-quality polyurea and polyaspartic coating is stain resistant, meaning not only does it keep your concrete stain-free, but it makes it easy to clean up any spills that would stain regular concrete.
This makes a durable concrete coating valuable for garages and outdoor areas where regular spills may occur.
When is a high-quality concrete coating NOT worth it for me?
After understanding the value a high-quality concrete coating provides, you still may be thinking, “Is this really right for me?”
Well, there are a couple of instances where investing in a more expensive concrete coating may not be the best option for you. These instances are:
- If you are a short-term homeowner
- If you plan to put your house on the market
If you are a short-term homeowner and know you will only be in your home for a few years, then paying for a high-quality concrete coating is probably not worth your investment.
Similarly, if you plan on putting your house on the market and just want to spruce up your concrete to make it look better, putting the money into a more expensive concrete coating will not be worth it for you.
In both of these instances, the bottom line is you do not get to enjoy a high-quality concrete coating for as long as it is worth.
So, why should you pay for a more expensive product when you can’t enjoy it for its lifespan?
But, if you are a long-term homeowner who wants a quality concrete coating that will protect your concrete, elevate your space, and last for years to come, then it will cost more and be more valuable.
Understanding the value of a high-quality concrete coating
Now you know the cost and value of a high-quality concrete coating and if a concrete coating will be worth the investment for you.
While a high-quality concrete coating is more expensive than other options, it’s important to understand what you get from your investment.
A high-quality concrete coating provides you with:
- The elevation of your space
- Protection of your concrete
- Lower maintenance for your flooring
High-quality concrete coatings can last you up to 15 years or more. Although they may cost more at the moment, it’s better to bite the bullet up front, invest in a quality product, and enjoy the benefits for much longer in your home.
If you’re still on the fence about whether a high-quality concrete coating will be valuable to you or not, you need to understand why it can be so expensive to reap the benefits.
Ready to invest in a high-quality concrete coating that will last?
Southwest Exteriors offers long-lasting, high-quality polyurea and polyaspartic concrete coatings from Penntek.
Our installers are trained to become experts in their craft, and we take our time in the prep work and application process to ensure your concrete coating won’t only look amazing but it will last too.
On top of that, your concrete coating is backed by our lifetime warranty for as long as you own your home.
So, what are you waiting for? Ready to enhance your space and invest in a quality concrete coating?
Schedule your commitment-free consultation with a design consultant today!