Services & Cost
Be aware that there is always a low-ball bidder.
Prices vary based on:
Size - larger jobs will lower the price per square foot. Usually 1000ft +
Scope of work - Basic application or detailed work, patterns, inlays etc.
Preparation required - To be discussed later.
Time frame - overnight or overtime work is more money
Products used - Inexpensive hardware store brand vs Professional grade.
Experience level of the installer - The more experienced and qualified will tend to charge more for their knowledge, (well worth it!)
Lets start with the most basic concrete slab:
A Basic concrete slab can vary heavily based on the thickness and site prep required.
Concrete is sold by the yard and can vary in Price from $80-$200 per cubic yard, which will yield approximately 80 square feet at 4 inches thick. Price will vary based on the amount of site prep, surface prep, rebar, forming, and type of finish applied to the concrete's surface. Other factors that will alter the price are amount of concrete ordered, type of concrete mix, and labor costs.
Stamped Concrete:
Stamped concrete, imprinted cement, patterned concrete are all ways to give a newly poured concrete surface the look of natural stone. When pouring a new concrete slab you can ‘stamp' or ‘imprint' the setting cement creating a pattern often resembling a rock or brick look.
The Cost of Placing , finishing and stamping concrete can be anywhere from $6-$15 per square foot.
The cost of concrete can fluctuate heavily, as well as custom or standard stamp pattern mats are quite expensive. There is also the forming; grading and site work, layout and metal rebar installation, that all comes into the price or cost of it all. Simple flat pads vs. steps, stairs, slopes or otherwise.
Thin Resurfacing systems:
Topping systems, resurfacing systems, scratch coats, micro toppings, thin cement overlays etc.
These systems work great for resurfacing and rejuvenating old or damaged concrete or cement rather than having to tear it out and re-pour it all.
The cost to resurface a concrete slab can vary quite a bit. Basic grey cement color over a fairly good condition of concrete could be as low as 2.25 per square foot whereas an intricate pattern, multicolor and borders can run you in the price range of $4 to $8 per square foot.
The repair work required prior to resurfacing is the biggest variable and the other is the level of decorative input required by the installer.
Stamped Concrete Toppings:
Resurfacing concrete, stamp overlays, imprinted overlays, patterned cement topping, etc. All are types of cement resurfacing systems designed to add a new surface to an existing concrete or wood substrate with some type of stamped or imprinted pattern usually resembling rock, stone or brick.
These systems are some of the most difficult to install yet can yield absolutely beautiful results. Starting costs for stamped concrete overlays are usually in the $5 range but have been known to climb to the $15-$20 per square foot cost in the casinos of Las Vegas and high end homes.
These systems will run about $7-$10 on average.
Stamped concrete products and systems can be expensive and require a very talented individual to assemble. The key to a good stamp overlay is having an artisan who can create a realistic look of stone or brick using concrete.
Concrete Countertops:
Cast in place or pre-cast concrete countertops and vanities are simply refined, colored or finished concrete slabs that can be used as a decorative element as much as a functional surface.
Whereas the material costs for concrete countertops is often only a small factor it is the time and labor of creating the form, detail work, polishing, coloring and finishing that adds to the price.
Most concrete countertops are custom made from scratch and can cost anywhere from $45 to $225 per square foot.
Factors that affect the price of concrete counters are the details including, inlays, custom accents, decorative edges, surface finish, colors, and level of detail and experience on the installers side. You must also factor in the transportation and ultimately the installation that both play a big part as well.
Garage Coatings and Epoxies:
Epoxy coatings, color flake, granite epoxy, quartz flooring, epoxy quartz, etc.
From a simple one color epoxy coating to a more complex quartz trowel down system, all these systems use epoxy as a binder and sometimes a urethane as a top coat to coat and cover concrete, creating a uniform, consistent finish that is chemical resistant, and easy to maintain and clean. Epoxy and Urethane materials are the primary cost factors.
Thin coating systems use much less material than thick ones. Eq; a gallon of epoxy can yield 400 square feet at 1/64th of an inch or only 100 sq ft at 1/8th of an inch, and thickness usually determines the durability and longevity.
Prices for an epoxy system can range from $2-$15. Garage coatings average around $4-$6 whereas a clean room like in a meat packing area with special cove base and sanitary requirements may cost around the $7-$12 per square foot range.
Other factors affecting price:
A big factor in the cost of decorative concrete finishes mainly floors, is the condition of the concrete and the necessary repairs, leveling and preparation to get a good bond.
This is where it is important to be educated on the difference in bids and what exactly your installation contractor is going to do!
In order to ensure a long lasting installation it is critical to get proper surface prep done. Many low ball companies will scrimp on the surface prep and initially save you $1or $2 dollars per square foot but may end up costing you thousands to repair or redo a failing floor.
Surface preparation may include, sanding, grinding, acid etching, cleaning, shot blasting , scarifying or other but either way the surface must be clean and free from all contaminates that could act as a bond breaker. Surface preparation can easily add $1or$2 per square foot but is the best money you'll ever spend.