Basement Floor Coatings: Is It Worth It?
Homeowners use their basements in a variety of ways. Some might relegate this space for storage and laundry, while others might transform it into a recreational space or showroom for their prized possessions.
Whatever purpose your basement serves, it’s important to maintain it as you would any other part of your house. But are basement floor coatings worth it? Does it make sense to use basement floor paint or other materials? Let’s explore this difficult question.
What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Basement Floors?
You’ll need to know your options first to determine whether coating or painting your basement floor is worth the money, time, and effort. Here are some of the basement floor coatings you can use.
Epoxy Basement Floor Coating
Basement floor coatings come in various materials and aesthetic options. Epoxy remains the most commonly used material for coating concrete floors, and it comes in three main types: 100% solid (commercial-grade epoxy), water-based, and solvent-based. The latter two types of epoxy basement floor paint contain less epoxy (typically 40-60%) but are easier to apply.
Polyurea Coating
Of course, an epoxy floor coating isn’t your only option for your basement. Anderson Painting contractors, for instance, use Penntek polyurea coatings for concrete floors. Polyurea is generally more flexible, durable, and versatile than epoxy, making it a highly sought-after solution for protecting floors.
Acrylic Coating
Acrylic coatings cure relatively fast and provide a shiny topcoat. They are also scratch- and UV-resistant. However, acrylic is not as durable as epoxy or polyurea, so it may not be the right choice for basements that experience high traffic. It costs less to install, though, which makes it an option for those with budget restrictions.
Choosing the Best Basement Floor Sealing Paint
Each type of basement floor sealing paint has unique pros and cons. It’s best to learn more about your options to find out what the best basement floor sealing paint is for your property. Then, decide what factors matter most to you. Is it durability, water resistance, or visual appeal?
Consider the purpose your basement serves to determine what features your paint must have. For example, a basement turned into a living space will require durable paint that can withstand heavy use over time. Of course, you must consider your desired look. Determine the overall look and feel you want to achieve in your space. A glossy finish can add a touch of sophistication to your basement. In contrast, a matte finish can create a subtle and inviting atmosphere.
In a basement with moisture issues, you’ll likely want basement concrete floor paint offering a strong moisture barrier. However, you must find and address the root cause of the moisture problem before painting so it doesn’t snowball into bigger issues. You can test your basement floor for moisture seepage by taping plastic sheeting or pieces of foil to the floor for at least 16 hours. You have issues if you see moisture gathering underneath the sheets.
Also, learn about relevant safety standards and fire resistance requirements. Ensure your chosen basement floor paint meets the requirements, not only for compliance purposes but also for additional protection.
Consider how much time the coating installation usually takes, too, when determining what the best paint is for a concrete basement floor. Of course, you need not worry about this as much if you’re hiring pros. Professional painters or coating installers can install the coating quickly without compromising on the quality.
Weighing the Costs and Benefits of Basement Floor Coatings
Knowing about your coating options is a good start, but it can’t determine whether or not investing in basement floor coatings is worth it. To figure that out, you need to do a cost-benefit analysis before shopping for the best basement floor paint.
Benefits of Coating Your Basement Floor
There are many reasons to consider coating your basement floor. The first and most obvious is that it enhances the floor’s appearance. Unprotected, worn-down floors are often cracked, covered in dirt, and anything but welcoming. By coating your basement floor, you revitalize it and your entire basement. Doing so will increase your home’s value, too.
Beyond the aesthetic benefits, basement floor coatings also serve an important function: protecting your floors from damage. Properly installed coatings are resistant to moisture, chemicals, stains, dust, and impact damage. Additionally, sealing your floors helps keep bacteria and pests from gaining entry to your floors and the rest of your home.
What Will It Cost?
If money weren’t a factor, then the answer to the question, “Are basement floor coatings worth it?” would be a resounding yes. Of course, that’s not the world we live in. Materials and labor come at a price, and that price will greatly influence your decision to protect your basement floor or leave it bare.
The total cost of your basement floor coating installation will depend on the type of coating you choose, the surface area of your floor, how damaged the floor is, and the contractor you hire.
Generally speaking, water-based basement concrete floor paint costs about $30-50 per gallon and between $50 and $200 per gallon for solvent-based or 100% solid epoxy paint. As for labor costs, contractors may charge by the hour or per square foot. All in all, an average 1,000-square-foot basement floor might cost anywhere between $2,500 and $7,000 to coat professionally (this includes material costs), which is about $3 to $10 per square foot.
You could also try applying coatings yourself to save money. Doing it yourself might only cost a few hundred bucks (and several hours of your time, of course). However, applying a 100% solid epoxy or polyurea coating is not easy and should be handled by a professional. Otherwise, you risk messing up and having to undo your hard work and start over.
The Verdict
All things considered, investing in basement floor coatings may be worth it if you plan on getting the most out of this space and want to impress potential buyers in the near future. An overall basement remodel can yield a 70% return on investment, and coating your floors contributes to that ROI, meaning you might end up making back a big chunk of your initial expenses.
That said, you must consider your short-term budget, too. If you can’t afford to coat your basement floors without going into debt, you might want to save up for this home improvement until you’re ready. But if your floors are in dire need of repair and protection, it might be worth it to bite the bullet in order to avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
Invest in Professional Coating Installation
At Anderson Painting, we want to help homeowners feel empowered in every decision they make for their property. Our transparent, fair estimates will help you decide if our high-quality basement floor coatings are worth it to you. For more about us and everything we do, call us today at 919-610-1855 or email us at info@andersonpaintingnc.com!
