Concrete Overlay Cost for Floors, Patios & More

A basic floor overlay runs from $3 to $7 per square foot, which is comparable to high-end carpet or tile. The price can increase to $20 or more per square foot depending on textures, embeds, saw cuts, or other design elements that are added to the design. Other upgrades, including stamping or polishing of the overlay, will make prices rise.

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HOW MUCH DOES A CONCRETE OVERLAY COST PER SQUARE FOOT?

An overlay can save you a great deal of money when compared to the cost of demolition and replacement of your existing concrete floors. This is what you can expect to pay:

Solid Solutions Studios, Fresno, CA

Basic: $3 to $7 per square foot

A basic overlay might include:

• One color of stain
• Minimal surface preparation

ACI Flooring, Beaumont, CA

Mid-Range: $7 to $12 per square foot

This range allows you to add simpler design elements, such as:

• Multiple stain colors
• Simple scoring pattern or other simple design element
• Polished surface
• More involved surface preparation

Concrete Solutions Products by Rhino Linings, San Diego, CA

High-End: $8 to $20 and up per square foot

Extensive design options are included in this range, such as:

• Decorative stamping
• Elaborate designs, patterns, or stencils
• Dividers, embeds, terrazo epoxy finish
• Extensive surface preparation

FACTORS THAT AFFECT OVERLAY COST

There are several factors that can impact your overlay flooring price:

• Size of project
  It is true that bigger projects will cost more. However, as a general rule of thumb, many overlay installers reduce their price per square foot as the size of the project grows. Keep in mind that if your project is small, there may be a minimum charge for the work. If this is the case, see if they can include some upgrades such as saw cuts or staining within the minimum price.
• Surface preparation and crack repair
  If your concrete has glue, a coating or sealer on the surface, it may need to be cleaned or ground to ensure the overlay can bond properly. Additionally, cracks must be filled before applying an overlay. Many contractors factor these costs into their price per square foot. Ask your contractor what’s included to be sure there are no surprises.
• Decorative scoring or staining
  If you elect to add a decorative finish, this will also increase costs due to additional materials or equipment required, as well as the extra labor time. The more elaborate your design, the more costly it will be.
• Location
  Just like any other purchase or service, an overlay will cost more if you live in a major city. It is best to have a few local contractors provide you with quotes to know what a regionally appropriate price is for your project. The specific location of the floor or area to be resurfaced can also affect the cost of an overlay installation if there are access challenges. If it is hard to get to the site or special adaptions have to be made to complete the work, there will likely be additional fees.

Types of overlays

• Stamped concrete overlay
• Polished concrete overlay
• Epoxy coating

Popular locations for overlays

• Concrete overlay interior floors
• Garage floor coating
• Concrete patio overlay
• Concrete driveway overlay
• Concrete pool deck overlay
• Concrete countertop overlay

DIY: SHOULD YOU INSTALL AN OVERLAY YOURSELF TO SAVE MONEY?

It is often tempting to save money by doing home improvement projects yourself. However, concrete overlays are not a particularly easy DIY venture. Many homeowners who attempt to apply a concrete overlay themselves end up disappointed in the results, either because it doesn’t look as nice as they expected or because it chips, flakes or cracks soon after installation. Applying and finishing an overlay is better left to the pros, even if it does cost you more money. You’ll be paying for a quality installation that will provide you with a durable floor for years to come.

To get a quote for your area, contact a decorative concrete contractor near you.

If you are interested in comparing the cost of an overlay to other concrete flooring options, read this article: Concrete Floor Cost.

Rapid Set Skim Coat Repairs, levels, and smooths concrete for applications.

Thin Micro-Topping Produces durable surface to color or stain

Self Leveling Overlay Find the overlay to meet your project's needs

T1000 Stampable Overlay For use with resurfacing concrete floors and hardscapes.

Broom Overlay Mix 6000 PSI Add water and mix - Grey or white

Flooring & Coating System Epoxy Flooring System designed for concrete