DIY kits use heavily water-based materials which can damage your floor over time. Professional floor coatings have more solids and a multi-step application process which results in higher quality floors that are tougher and resistant to wear and tear.
Professionals prepare flooring by diamond grinding or shotblasting. This eliminates harsh stains and evens out the concrete surface. It also helps to identify moisture levels and repair any concrete damage prior to the coating application.
Cost
The cost of DIY flooring kits can vary widely depending on the materials and level of installation. Some types of flooring require specialized tools for cutting and shaping, while others may need to be installed over existing materials. Epoxy vs Tile vs Wood are often compared in terms of cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal, offering homeowners a range of options to fit their preferences and budget. Homeowners can also choose to hire a professional flooring company for more labor-intensive projects, such as basement or garage upgrades. The additional costs of professional installation should be considered in the total project budget.
Vinyl and laminate are popular choices for do-it-yourself flooring, as they can often be laid over an existing floor without the need to remove it. These types of floors are also relatively inexpensive. Some are even available in peel-and-stick varieties, which make them especially affordable. However, these flooring options do not last as long as a professionally applied concrete coating.
A high-quality epoxy floor will last for years, but it is not indestructible. It will need to be redone at least once every few years. If you decide to purchase a DIY epoxy kit, be sure to factor in the cost of re-coating the floor as well as the initial cost of the kit.
Professionally applied concrete floor coatings can be much more expensive than DIY epoxy kits, but they can also add value to a home and are designed to last longer. In addition, a professional application includes the necessary floor preparation work that is not included in DIY kits. This may include washing and etching the concrete, which requires a power washer and caustic chemicals.
In addition, a professional will typically use a clear polyaspartic urethane topcoat, which is eight times thicker than the water-based product found in DIY epoxy floor kits. This finish will protect the epoxy and provide a beautiful shine that will last for decades. Homeowners should consider these additional costs when comparing the cost of DIY floor coverings to professional concrete flooring coating.
Time
Depending on the type of flooring, installation can be time-consuming. For example, installing new vinyl sheets over an existing floor can take a couple of days, while repurposing wood scraps into plank flooring takes much more time and effort to accomplish. In addition, it may be necessary to sand and stain the new plank flooring for a cohesive look. These projects require a significant investment of your time, but can save money over professional installation.
Carpet tiles are one of the easiest DIY flooring options. They’re easy to cut to fit and can be glued down with adhesive strips or double-sided carpet tape. While they’re not as durable as hardwood or stone, this option is good for areas with heavy foot traffic and is a quick way to make a room feel brand new.
Epoxy flooring is a fluid applied resinous system that can be used in many applications. It’s an excellent choice for high-traffic, moisture-prone areas like garages. It’s also available in a variety of colors and textures. You can add decorative flakes and metallics to create a custom look. Epoxy can be purchased in kits for as little as $2 to $5 per square foot, but the cost goes up when you factor in equipment and supplies.
A professionally installed epoxy floor costs more than a kit, but it can increase the value of your home and last a lifetime with proper care. A professional concrete contractor will clean the floor thoroughly, removing any harsh stains and allowing the epoxy to cure properly. They will also acid etch the concrete to provide an even surface for the epoxy coating and ensure that it adheres properly.
If you decide to go with an epoxy kit, it’s important to read the instructions carefully. The product needs to be mixed and poured correctly to achieve an even, smooth surface. Some kits include the resin and hardener, while others require you to buy your own etching solution. You’ll also need additional supplies, such as mixing paddles and a power drill for application. You should wear safety goggles, a face mask and gloves when applying the epoxy.
Durability
Typically, homeowners opt to use DIY flooring kits to save money on professional floor coatings. They can do this as part of a larger basement or garage remodeling project that includes waterproofing walls and upgrading insulation for energy efficiency.
While DIY epoxy floors are durable and stain-resistant, they aren’t indestructible. Over time, they can scratch and dent, especially if the preparations aren’t done correctly or the epoxy is applied too thin. This can leave the floor vulnerable to damage, and you’ll likely have to reapply the coating sooner than if it had been professionally installed.
The quality of the DIY kit you choose can also affect its durability. Cheaper kits often contain water-based epoxy, which is affordable and DIY-friendly but not as durable as solvent or solid-colored epoxy. These types of epoxy require reapplication within one to three years. Professional-grade epoxy is more expensive, but it’s more durable and can withstand chemicals, high temperatures, petroleum-based spills, and harsh conditions.
Homeowners can choose from a variety of DIY kits for different aesthetics and functionality. These include the mesmerizing allure of metallic epoxy, textured charm of flake epoxy floors, industrial sophistication of grind and sealed concrete, or sleek simplicity of solid color epoxy. Each type of floor offers its own unique benefits and visual appeal, but the longevity of a DIY flooring kit depends on how well the preparations are completed and the materials used are high-quality.
A professional-grade epoxy coating is thicker than a DIY kit and uses high-quality resin and hardeners. It’s also designed to be used on a concrete slab that has been prepared properly, including filling cracks and repair, sanding, and diamond grinding. A topcoat is then added for protection and a glossy finish. This is a vital step that many DIY users miss.
A topcoat is the final layer of an epoxy coating that helps protect it from stains and scratches. It isn’t as important on a residential floor as it is for commercial or industrial applications, but a high-quality protective topcoat can help your floor last longer and resist abrasions. Most professional flooring contractors will include a topcoat with their services and will charge an additional fee for applying it to a DIY kit.
Safety
While DIY floor coating kits provide an excellent alternative to professional installation, they don’t always give the desired results. They’re also often less durable and not resistant to impact or chemicals, making them less suitable for a garage floor. Furthermore, they require reapplication every one to three years and give off volatile organic compounds during the application process, which makes them unsafe in some states. The cost of the materials in a kit can run as low as $30 per square foot, but the additional costs for tools, protective equipment, and floor prep can easily double that amount.
DIY epoxy floors are available in a wide variety of designs, offering a creative outlet for homeowners who want to personalize their space. Whether they’re drawn to the mesmerizing allure of metallic epoxy floors, the textured charm of flake epoxy floors, or the industrial sophistication of grind and sealed concrete, these options allow homeowners to transform their floors with a unique aesthetic that fits their preferences.
Most of the DIY kits available in home improvement stores are water-based and only contain around 50 percent solids. This means that most of what is poured on the floor will evaporate before it has a chance to harden. In contrast, professional contractors use 100% solids epoxy products that have moisture vapor resistance built in.
A professional will take the time to examine and clean the floor thoroughly before starting to prepare it for an epoxy coating. They’ll often use a diamond grinder or shot blaster to remove harsh stains and prep the concrete for installation. They will also test the concrete for moisture levels before beginning. If moisture is detected, a professional will likely use an acid wash to eliminate it.
A professional will also have a much greater supply of the decorative flakes that are included with most DIY kits. They’ll also know how to properly apply the flakes to the floor to ensure thick wall-to-wall coverage that provides plenty of traction. This is essential because a lack of traction can make a slippery floor. A professional will also likely incorporate more design elements into the floor’s texture than a DIYer would be able to achieve using a kit.
