If your home or business is utilizing a plain, boring slab of concrete or worn-out flooring, maybe it's time to think about improving your flooring surface. Concrete flooring applications have come a long way, and there are many opportunities to improve the value and look of a tired garage floor, backyard patio, or commercial lobby.
Epoxy and concrete overlays are common floor-surfacing materials used for their excellent durability, aesthetic appeal, and safety properties. Many homeowners today are updating their flooring to take advantage of these benefits while gaining more enjoyment and comfort from their homes.
But before you apply a new flooring application, let's discuss what it takes to prepare an existing concrete floor and break down the costs.
Two Concrete Repairs to Consider
Depending on the severity of the damaged concrete to repair, there are primarily two options to consider. Can your concrete safely and effectively be resurfaced or do you have to rip out the concrete slab? When existing concrete needs a makeover, the choice doesn’t only depend on longevity and aesthetics – but money also matters - and they both come with very different cost components.
In this article, we will talk about the most practical solution for concrete makeovers.
Both choices can make your concrete floors look great again. However, one process may be better suited when it comes to your budget. At Advanced Surface Solutions, we are professional concrete flooring experts with proven experience. We can help you determine which option is best for your situation and flooring goals.
Resurfacing Concrete vs. New Concrete Slab Install
It is very common for us to be called out to check a concrete floor. Having an initial evaluation and consultation with concrete experts will help you make a more informed decision and save you headaches and additional costs down the road.
Having extensive experience with concrete substrates, we can tell when a floor can be resurfaced or when it should be completely replaced. In most situations, concrete slabs can be releveled and repaired to support an excellent concrete resurfacing project.
What is Concrete Resurfacing?
So what exactly is concrete resurfacing? Resurfacing is the process of applying a new layer of concrete over the existing surface to improve its appearance, durability, and safety.
A great resurfacing job will include repairing existing concrete damage such as cracks, chips, and stains to properly prepare the concrete for the new flooring whether epoxy or a stamped concrete design.
The process can include utilizing acids, sandblasting, or grinding down the concrete surface with a large flooring sander to remove imperfections. Otherwise, where cracks exist, a process of applying a specific filler is used to fill in and strengthen cracks. And if required, sunken or uneven floor areas can be lifted and/or “filled in” with a concrete leveling formula.
Overall, resurfacing concrete will beautify your concrete floor and make it look brand new again. Typically, resurfacing concrete floors is usually the least expensive way to renew your floor.
Concrete Damage can be Solved with Concrete Resurfacing
Scratches and Scuffs
These are superficial marks on the surface of the flooring caused by things like heavy foot traffic, moving equipment, or dragging heavy objects. They don’t only cause the surface to become rough, but they make it dangerous and unsightly. They can also lead to staining and discoloration if they are not properly cleaned and sealed.
Stains
Stains on concrete floors are a common problem that can occur due to spills, oil leaks, or exposure to chemicals. When not treated, they can discolor and mar the appearance of the concrete and can be difficult to remove. Common types of stains on concrete floors include oil stains, rust stains, and acid stains.
Chips and Cracks
These are small to large breaks in the surface of the flooring caused by heavy impact or thermal expansion. Cracks and chips are usually easy to repair. In the image below, the concrete slab damage is extensive and includes sunken parts that can be elevated and leveled. If we can help you repair your concrete, contact us today for a quick quote.
Fading and Yellowing
This is when the color of the flooring fades or becomes discolored due to exposure to sunlight or other environmental factors. Non-UV-protected epoxies can result in fading. Resurfacing your floor can provide a fresh new look and design to your floor and give you back that “brand new” floor look.
Concrete Delamination
Delamination of concrete floors refers to the separation of the surface layer from the underlying layer, which can occur due to poor curing, high moisture levels, or exposure to chemicals. It can cause the surface to become uneven, with flaking and peeling, which can be dangerous and unsightly. Delamination can also cause cracking and chipping, which can lead to further deterioration of the surface. Resurfacing your concrete flooring can restore it to its previous glory and make it safe again.
Your Concrete is Resurfaced - Now What?
Once the concrete floor is repaired through a high-quality concrete resurfacing project, the next task is considering what flooring applications you have in mind like decorative concrete, as well as epoxy flooring designs.
Epoxy flooring is very popular and highly effective for interior floor spaces like garages, reception areas, bathrooms, kitchens, and foyers. For exterior floors, nothing beats decorative concrete and stamped overlays for driveways, patios, and pool decks. The design options for concrete flooring are endless, and we can help you firm up your floor design choice.
What are the Estimated Costs Between Concrete Resurfacing and a New Concrete Slab?
Well, epoxy is just one of the many ways to resurface your floors. But between resurfacing and complete concrete slab replacement, if at all possible, the cheaper route would be repairing the concrete slab and resurfacing it with an epoxy or concrete decorative overlay.
Later in this article, we will share with you the different scenarios where resurfacing is more practical than replacing your entire concrete slab. First, let’s compare the cost of resurfacing a floor.
Concrete Resurfacing Costs
The cost of concrete flooring applications can vary greatly based on various factors such as location, materials, labor, and the complexity of the project.
Here are some average costs for concrete flooring, per square foot:
Preparing a concrete surface/slab: $2 - $4
Stamped concrete: $12 - $18
Polished concrete: $4 - $6
Epoxy coating: $5 - $15
Micro-topping overlay: $4 - $6
These are just rough flooring estimates, and the actual cost can be higher or lower depending on the specific details of your project and design complexity.
For a more accurate estimate, I would recommend contacting us and getting a quote based on the specifics of your project. You can quickly calculate an estimate using our flooring calculator just to get an idea.
Pro Tip: When considering flooring options, keep the following in mind. Epoxies and stamped concrete overlays can be applied over a variety of existing surfaces, such as concrete or tile (ONLY IF STABLE), which can further reduce the cost of the project.
New Concrete Slab Costs
The cost of installing a new concrete slab depends on several factors regarding the size of the slab, the thickness of the concrete, the slab location, the cost of materials, and the local labor cost.
On average, you can expect to pay $6 to $15 per square foot regarding the cost of installing a concrete slab. The cost can include the cost of the concrete mix, labor, and necessary equipment. Please keep in mind this cost range is a rough estimate and can go up or down depending on the project.
Other costs to consider include the removal of the existing concrete floor, grading and leveling, and other prep work to support the new cement. Once the concrete floor is cured, there may be the additional cost of prepping the concrete to accept the overlay or epoxy.
Ask the Concrete Flooring Experts!
Damaged concrete floors can be a major inconvenience and can be unsightly and potentially dangerous.
Old-looking and broken concrete also do not bode well when trying to maintain and increase the value of your home.
As an option for concrete floor updates, resurfacing is a cost-effective and efficient way to restore the appearance, safety, and durability of your concrete surface. Whether you have scratches, stains, chips, cracks, or other types of damage, concrete resurfacing can repair and improve the look and functionality of your floors.
If you need help installing a brand-new concrete floor or slab, our team of flooring experts can help you determine a cost-effective solution to revitalize your concrete and help you determine flooring design implications. We love what we do and we enjoy helping our customers find more enjoyment with high-quality concrete flooring solutions.
Don't let damaged or worn-out concrete floors disrupt the enjoyment of your home or yard.
Send a message on our Contact page, or for faster service, give us a call at 863-243-9508.