Should I Epoxy My Garage Floor or Hire a Garage Epoxy Flooring Contractor?

If you’re considering upgrading your garage with epoxy flooring, you’re probably wondering: Should I do it myself or hire a professional? Both options have their merits, but the decision often boils down to your experience, budget, and the desired quality of the finished project. Here, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both DIY epoxy flooring and hiring a professional garage epoxy flooring contractor. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what will work best for your garage—and why Epoxy Empire LLC might just be the perfect choice for your next flooring project.

What is Epoxy Flooring?

Epoxy flooring is a type of durable coating applied to concrete surfaces that creates a smooth, glossy finish. It’s made by combining a resin and a hardener, which chemically bond to create a hard, long-lasting surface. Epoxy is popular for garages because it’s resistant to stains, chemicals, oil, and moisture. It’s also easy to clean and maintain, making it an ideal flooring option for spaces that endure heavy use, such as garages.

DIY Epoxy Flooring: Is It a Good Idea?

The allure of saving money by doing it yourself is tempting, and it’s definitely possible to install epoxy flooring on your own. However, there are some challenges you need to consider before you decide to take on the project.

Pros of DIY Epoxy Flooring:

  1. Cost Savings: One of the most obvious advantages of choosing a DIY approach is cost. Without hiring a professional, you only need to pay for the epoxy materials, tools, and your time.
  2. Control Over the Process: If you’re a hands-on person and enjoy DIY projects, applying epoxy allows you to control the process, from prep work to finish. You can choose the specific colors and textures you want, and work at your own pace.
  3. Satisfaction of Accomplishment: Successfully completing a home improvement project on your own can feel incredibly rewarding. If you have the time and patience to learn the ropes, DIY epoxy flooring can be a fulfilling task.

Cons of DIY Epoxy Flooring:

  1. Preparation is Key: The most important step in any epoxy installation is preparation. If the concrete isn’t properly cleaned, repaired, or prepped, the epoxy won’t adhere well and can start to peel over time. This process can be labor-intensive, involving grinding the concrete, filling cracks, and ensuring there’s no moisture buildup.
  2. Time-Consuming: Applying epoxy involves several stages: cleaning and prepping the floor, mixing the epoxy, applying multiple coats, and allowing adequate curing time. This can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the size of the space and weather conditions.
  3. Risk of Mistakes: If you’ve never worked with epoxy before, it can be tricky to get the application just right. Issues like bubbles, streaks, or uneven coverage can ruin the appearance of the floor. Additionally, improper mixing of the epoxy components can lead to poor adhesion or a soft finish that won’t last.
  4. Health and Safety Concerns: Epoxy fumes can be strong and sometimes hazardous, particularly if the space isn’t well-ventilated. DIYers must take extra precautions by wearing protective gear like respirators, gloves, and goggles.

Hiring a Garage Epoxy Flooring Contractor: Why It Might Be a Better Option

While DIY is an option, hiring a professional garage epoxy flooring contractor can save you time, effort, and potentially avoid costly mistakes. Here are some compelling reasons why hiring an expert may be the better choice:

Pros of Hiring a Professional Contractor:

  1. Expert Preparation and Application: Professional contractors like Epoxy Empire LLC bring years of experience and specialized equipment to the job. They know exactly how to prep your concrete floor, including cleaning, patching, grinding, and priming. They also understand the chemistry of epoxy and can mix it to the correct ratio for optimal results.
  2. Quality Results: A professional contractor can achieve a flawless, high-end finish that’s uniform and durable. With the right tools, they can apply epoxy smoothly and evenly, avoiding the common errors that DIYers often make.
  3. Faster Completion: A garage epoxy flooring contractor can complete the job in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. Professionals can usually finish a typical garage floor in one to two days, allowing you to get back to using your space without the hassle.
  4. Long-Term Durability: With a professional’s attention to detail, your epoxy flooring will have a longer lifespan. Epoxy experts can ensure the right amount of curing time and use premium materials, ensuring your floor withstands wear and tear for years to come.
  5. Warranty and Peace of Mind: Most professional epoxy flooring companies offer warranties on their work, so if something goes wrong, you’ll be covered. This adds peace of mind and assures you that the job will be done right the first time.

Why Choose Epoxy Empire LLC as Your Garage Epoxy Flooring Contractor?

At Epoxy Empire LLC, we specialize in providing high-quality, durable epoxy flooring solutions for garages, basements, and commercial spaces. Here’s why you should consider us for your next flooring project:

  1. Experienced Professionals: Our team of experts has years of experience in epoxy flooring installations. We understand the intricacies of applying epoxy, from surface preparation to the final coat. Our skill ensures your floor is not only beautiful but also built to last.
  2. Customized Solutions: We understand that every garage is different. Whether you need a simple, functional floor or a more decorative finish, we offer a range of epoxy colors, textures, and designs to suit your style and needs.
  3. Quality Products: We use only the best epoxy products that are resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture. Our high-performance coatings are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, giving your garage floor superior durability.
  4. Efficient and Timely Service: We know how important it is to get your garage back in use as soon as possible. Our team works efficiently to minimize disruption and complete the job quickly without sacrificing quality.

Conclusion: DIY or Professional?

Ultimately, whether you should epoxy your garage floor yourself or hire a professional depends on your skills, time, and the level of quality you expect. If you’re looking for a flawless finish, long-term durability, and peace of mind, hiring Epoxy Empire LLC is the clear choice. Our experts will ensure that your garage flooring is installed quickly, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

Ready to transform your garage? Contact Epoxy Empire LLC today for a consultation and let us take care of the hard work while you enjoy a beautiful, durable garage floor that will last for years to come!

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How Much Do Your Concrete Floor Coatings Cost?

Each project is customized to your particular concrete flooring needs. Every job we do is different, because we offer different types of coatings and finishes.  We will work with you to develop a free estimate keeping your budget in mind. 

How Long Will The Concrete Coating Last?

We use the highest quality materials in our polyaspartic floor coatings and we’ve perfected our application process to make the concrete coating permanent.  Once completely cured and adhered, the concrete coating is meant to last as long as the substrate it’s adhered to.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Over Epoxy Floor Coatings?

Polyaspartic Floor Coatings dry more quickly than Epoxy Floor Coatings, and the finish is also more durable.  Our floor concrete coating finishes are also more slip-resistant and will not discolor like some Epoxy Floor Coatings.

How Long Do I Need To Stay Off My Concrete Floor Coating After It Is Installed?

Our flooring cures within a few hours, however our team of professionals recommends waiting at least 4-6 hours before walking on your brand new concrete coated flooring. After 12 hours, you can begin moving lightweight objects onto the flooring, like light patio furniture.  We recommend waiting a full 24 hours before moving anything heavy back into the area where we’ve applied the coating (your car, heavy equipment or furniture etc.).

Will My New Concrete Floor Coating Turn Yellow?

It sure won’t! Our concrete floor coverings will not yellow or discolor, because they are UV stable. This  one of the many benefits of using Polyurea or Polyaspartic floor coatings.

Will I Need To Reseal My Concrete Floor Coating?

If you follow our maintenance and cleaning guidelines, you should not have to worry about resealing the concrete floor coating. We offer a professional grade cleaner that will easily remove stains or tire marks, but will also preserve the life of your concrete coating topcoat.

How Long Does It Take You To Apply Concrete Floor Coatings?

We’ve perfected our 6-step application process, so most typical projects take between 5-10 hours depending on the square footage.  We pride ourselves in a one-day application, and will do everything possible to stay within that time frame.  Rainy weather can delay the project, but it is rare.

How Do I Care For My Concrete Floor Coating?

You can clean our concrete coatings with typical sweeping, mopping or steaming, and hoses.  We offer maintenance services should your concrete flooring ever need cleaning, however you can also use non-abrasive cleaners, like CLR, to remove grease or other stains. 

Will Oil Stain My Concrete Floor Coating?

Cardinal Concrete’s coatings are oil resistant as well as moisture resistant.

Who Invented Polyaspartic Coatings?

Bayer Material Science first developed Polyaspartic coatings in the 1990’s to protect steel bridges and infrastructure from rusting and corrosion. It has since been modified for different applications, once being durable concrete flooring coatings.

What Are Polyaspartic Concrete Coatings?

Polyaspartic Concrete coating is another name for Aliphatic Polyurea, which is a hybrid material consisting of ester and other materials. It was originally developed to coat metal bridges.  It was later used to coat concrete flooring due to its durability and moisture resistance. Polyurea is also used to coat truck bed liners.

Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used Outside?

They sure can!  We offer wonderful solutions for driveways, patios, and even the area around the pool.  Our coatings are all UV stable, which will help prevent discoloration or flaking.

What Types Of Environments Can Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Be Used?

Polyaspartic flooring coatings can be used in a variety of environments.  The durability, slip resistant finish is fantastic for any industrial setting, storefronts, patios, or even driveways or garages.

How Are Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Applied?

We have perfected a six step process for applying Polyaspartic Floor Coatings that involves prepping the floor, basecoating, applying chips, scraping the chips, and applying the clear UV protective clear coat. 

Can I Apply Polyaspartic Floor Coatings In Cold Temperatures?

You can!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are safe to apply in temperatures as cold as -40 degrees.

How Long Do Polyaspartic Floor Coatings Take To Dry?

Our Polyaspartic Floor Coatings are engineered to rapidly cure, and can be dry in a matter of a few hours!  However, we recommend waiting at least 5-6 hours before walking on newly applied coating and 24 hours before moving heavy objects back onto the flooring.

Do I Need To Hire A Professional To Install Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

Installing Polyaspartic Floor Coating correctly is critical to the appearance and durability of your flooring.  Hiring a professional is the best way to ensure that your flooring will look amazing and last a lifetime! Our team at Cardinal Concrete is certified in Polyaspartic Floor Coating installation and have many years of experience.

Is It Possible To Cover Existing Epoxy Floor Coating With Polyaspartic Floor Coating?

It is!  Polyaspartic floor coatings are specially formulated for their incredible adhesion properties.  If you have existing patches of epoxy coating, our team can sand it down, vacuum, and wipe down the area with a solvent.  Once prepped, we will apply your new, superior, Polyaspartic Floor Coating