Concrete overlays are a cost-effective and practical way to improve the appearance of existing concrete floors. They don’t take a lot of time to install and come in a customizable range of patterns and styles. Although the overall price will vary, it is generally much less expensive to pour a concrete overlay than it is to replace an entire floor. Whether you are a contractor or homeowner, concrete overlays are a popular home improvement choice that can increase the value of your property.
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What Is A Concrete Overlay?
A concrete overlay consists of concrete combined with sand, polymer resins, and other additives which are then poured over an existing concrete floor. Concrete overlays can be micro-thin or up to two inches thick and some types are specially formulated to self-level and smooth out cracks and blemishes on an existing slab of concrete.
Concrete overlays are designed to be very durable and have the added benefit of extending the lifespan of old concrete floors. Whether you want to conceal minor cracks on your garage floor or spruce up your patio with a new design, concrete overlays are a great investment that pay off in the long term. You can choose from several finishes including smooth, stamped, and colored concrete, depending on what aesthetic you have in mind for any given room or area.
Factors You Need To Consider
Before you get started, there are a few factors that will affect the overall project cost. Consider the current condition of your concrete floor, and how much prep work will be needed before the overlay can be poured. Some floors need to be polished or repaired, so resurfacing costs will increase the overall concrete overlay cost per square foot.
Type Of Concrete Overlay
The type of overlay you choose will also change the overall project cost. The average cost of a concrete overlay is anywhere from $3 to $10 a square foot, depending on the type of overlay you choose. A simple smooth overlay will be less expensive than a custom-stamped overlay. Keep in mind that concrete overlays need to be sealed, and additional floor coatings such as a glossy epoxy finish can increase costs.
Size Of The Area To Be Covered
The size of the space that is going to be refinished also makes a big difference in terms of price. Many professional floor installation companies charge a minimum price to make a project worth their time and will charge a reasonable fee per additional square foot on top of that estimate.
Labor Required
Labor is one of the biggest drivers of cost when it comes to flooring. Concrete overlays require preparation and expert application, which is really what you’re paying for. Anyone who has attempted DIY home improvement knows that hiring an expert often saves you time and money in the long run.
Thickness Of Overlay
The thickness of an overlay will also make a difference in terms of price. Thicker overlays require more materials, which means a more expensive price per square foot. A thin overlay, on the other hand, can be as thin as ⅛ of an inch and can cost $3-$5 a square foot, not including other factors that can affect the price.
Condition Of Existing Concrete Slab
If the existing concrete slab is in good shape, it’s likely that it won’t cost much to prepare it for an overlay. If, on the other hand, the concrete floor was already painted or has cracks and other blemishes, it will need to be repaired and resurfaced first. Concrete resurfacing costs will increase the cost of a concrete overlay job and require specialized equipment. Concrete floors that have structural damage or deep cracks can’t be salvaged with an overlay and will need to be replaced.
Design Of The Concrete Overlay
Simple concrete overlays are less expensive but the average stamped concrete overlay cost can be up to $20 a square foot. Stamped overlays are a popular design choice because they can mimic the appearance of stone, wood, and brick, easily blending in with or complementing the style of a room or home.
Conditions Of The Area
The area in which the concrete surfaces are located will also contribute to the final cost of an overlay. Concrete floors that will be exposed to lots of sunlight, high foot traffic, or harsh chemicals may require different coatings to ensure that they are long-lasting. Garage floors and floors in commercial spaces will need to be very durable, while outdoor concrete floors in pool areas and driveways will need to be UV resistant. These additional coatings will increase the cost of concrete overlay projects.
Budgets Are Your Friend
Before you choose an overlay or hire a company, make sure you have a clear budget in mind for your flooring project. A flooring professional will be able to create a concrete overlay that works with what you can afford without cutting corners in terms of quality or appearance. It may be possible to create the style you envision with lower-priced overlays that look similar, so be sure to ask about different types of overlays and finishes.
How We Can Help You
As a company that specializes in creating beautiful custom floors, we are confident that we can help bring the vision you have for your commercial or residential property to life. At Paradigm we are proud of our professional portfolio of work and our reputation for integrity. If you are considering refinishing your floors and want to upgrade your property with a stylish new look, contact us today! We use state-of-the-art materials and can help you choose a style of flooring that works well for your property and your budget.
Concrete Overlay Service Area
We serve Sarasota Florida and all of the major cities in Florida including Orlando, Tampa, Naples & Tallahassee.
