Concrete Sealing Costs and Tips
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
1. Average Cost
- National Average: $1,500 (1,000 sq. ft.)
- Normal Range: $1,000–$7,000
- Low-End: $850
- High-End: $9,000
- Cost per Square Foot: $0.85–$7, depending on materials and labor.
2. Cost by Area Size
| Size (Square Feet) | Average Cost |
|-------------------------|-----------------------|
| 50 | $45–$350 |
| 250 | $215–$1,750 |
| 1,000 | $850–$7,000 |
Note: Older concrete may require additional prep work, costing $1–$1.75/sq. ft. for cleaning, acid washing, and sealing.
3. Concrete Sealer Types and Costs
| Sealer Type | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Best For |
|--------------------|----------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Acrylic | $0.85–$1.15 | Driveways, indoor & outdoor surfaces. |
| Epoxy | $3–$7 | High-traffic indoor areas, basements. |
| Polyurethane | $0.95–$1.10 | Patios, areas with temperature changes. |
4. Key Cost Factors
a. Labor Costs
- Professional sealing: $1.25–$1.75/sq. ft.
- Higher costs for smaller areas (minimum fee).
b. Location
| Location | Recommended Sealer | Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---------------------|------------------------|----------------------|
| Driveway | Acrylic | $0.85–$1.15 |
| Basement/Garage | Epoxy | $3–$7 |
| Patio/Walkway | Polyurethane | $0.95–$1.10 |
c. Repairs and Prep Work
- Small crack repair: $60/sq. ft.
- Sealant removal: $1–$3/sq. ft.
- Cleaning prep (e.g., power washing): $1–$1.75/sq. ft.
d. Number of Coats
- Typically 2 coats. Additional coats add material and labor costs.
5. DIY Sealing Costs
- Material Costs: $0.10–$0.75/sq. ft.
-
Tools Required:
| Tool | Cost |
|---------------------|----------|
| Concrete Sealer | $100 |
| Paint Sprayer | $50 |
| Pressure Washer | $130 |
| Paint Roller/Brush | $15–$30 | -
Savings: DIY projects are more affordable but time-intensive. Ensure proper prep and drying to avoid costly mistakes.
6. Add-Ons and Upgrades
| Feature | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Notes |
|----------------|----------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Staining | $2–$6 | Adds color and gloss. |
| Polishing | $3–$8 | High-gloss finish. |
| Stenciling | $9–$20 | Unique patterns and customization. |
7. Money-Saving Tips
- Prep the Area Yourself: Clean and remove obstacles to reduce labor costs.
- Seal Multiple Areas at Once: Combine projects to buy materials in bulk.
- Choose Cost-Effective Sealers: Opt for acrylic or polyurethane for lower costs.
- DIY Small Projects: Save labor costs by sealing smaller areas yourself.
8. Benefits of Sealing Concrete
- Increases Durability: Protects against cracks, erosion, and stains.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a polished, clean look.
- Ease of Maintenance: Sealed concrete is easier to clean and maintain.
Sealing concrete ensures long-term protection and enhances its look, whether it's a driveway, patio, or indoor floor!
