How Much Does It Cost to Seal Concrete?
The cost to seal concrete can range from $1,250 to $1,750, with an average cost of $1,500 for the whole project. The main cost factors that impact the overall price include the size of your concrete area, the type of sealer you use, how much preparation is needed, and whether you DIY or hire a professional concrete company to do the job.
Average Cost to Seal Concrete
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500 | $1,750 | $1,250 |
Cost to Seal Concrete per Square Foot
The cost to seal concrete is $1.50 per square foot on average, but the price could range anywhere from $0.85 to $7 per square foot depending on the type of concrete sealer you choose. Whether you need to seal a small concrete pad, a backyard patio, or a whole driveway, here are some common concrete sizes and the average cost per square foot to seal them.
| Concrete Size | Cost Heading |
|---|---|
| 40 sq. ft. | $34 – $280 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $85 – $700 |
| 150 sq. ft. | $127.50 – $1,050 |
| 250 sq. ft. | $212.50 – $1,750 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $425 – $3,500 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $850 – $7,000 |
Concrete Sealer Cost by Type
There are three major types of concrete sealer including acrylic, polyurethane, and epoxy. Each material gives the concrete a different look and finish, so review which type is best for your project while in the planning phase.
| Type of Sealer | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | $0.85 – $1.15 |
| Polyurethane | $0.95 – $1.10 |
| Epoxy | $3 – $12 |
Acrylic
Acrylic concrete sealer is generally the least expensive option, costing just $0.85 to $1.15 per square foot. While it is a more basic option, acrylic is budget-friendly, dries quickly, and comes in a variety of finishes.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane concrete sealer is very close in price to acrylic, averaging $0.90 to $1.10 per square foot. However, polyurethane concrete sealer is much thicker than acrylic, meaning it is generally more durable. This type of concrete sealer is a great option for areas with a lot of foot traffic and locations where the climate changes with the seasons.
Epoxy
Epoxy concrete coating costs $3 to $12 per square foot on average and is by far the most expensive option. However, epoxy has a high-gloss finish that is unachievable with other concrete sealing materials. Epoxy is most commonly used for interior concrete such as a garage or basement floors. If the glossy look is what you prefer, it may be worth paying more to get the finish you’re looking for.
Concrete Sealing Cost Factors
Various factors impact the overall cost to seal concrete, including the size of your concrete slab, how much preparation is needed before sealing, the type of sealer you purchase, and the number of coats you need to apply.
Size
Sealing concrete can cost as little as $0.10 per square foot if you DIY or as much as $1.75 per square foot if you hire a pro. No matter which method you choose, the overall cost to seal your concrete will depend on how many total square feet of concrete you need to seal. The larger your concrete area, the more it will cost.
Preparation and Cleaning
Before sealing concrete, it’s always a good idea to clean it first. Concrete cleaning is a fairly easy process with a few necessary tools. First, you will want to remove any stains from the surface of the concrete using the appropriate cleaning products for the type of stain. Then, you can use a power washer to spray concrete cleaner mixed with water on the surface of the concrete. Once the concrete is clean, you should wait at least 24 hours for it to dry before applying the sealer.
Number of Coats
Depending on the concrete sealing product you buy, the instructions may suggest applying more than one coat. Be sure to review the product carefully before buying to see if this is necessary so you buy the right number of containers. You may also want to consider applying multiple coats if your concrete gets a lot of use, especially driveways and garages. More coats will mean an increased cost, however, as you will need to purchase more product to cover the square footage twice.
DIY vs. Hiring a Concrete Pro
Sealing concrete is usually a simple DIY project. All you need is to buy concrete sealer at your local home improvement store for about $0.10 to $0.75 per square foot you need to cover, then apply it using a paint roller and paintbrush or a garden sprayer (typically used for applying weed killer to the lawn). Depending on the product you use, you may need to apply two coats of concrete sealer. Throughout the project, be sure to adorn safety goggles and gloves appropriate for handling chemicals.
If you don’t want to do this project on your own, you can hire a local sealcoating company to do the job for you. It typically costs between $1.25 to $1.75 per square foot to have a professional seal your concrete for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete sealing is worth the cost for many homeowners because doing so will prevent stains and keep the concrete in good condition longer. New concrete costs $125 per cubic yard on average, not to mention concrete removal is not cheap if you need to replace it, so it’s a good idea to use sealer to protect your investment long-term. Sealer will allow your concrete to better withstand the elements and heavy use.
If concrete is not sealed, there is potential for the surface to become brittle and damaged sooner than sealed concrete. It is especially damaging in cold weather climates where frozen water can seep into the porous surface of the unsealed concrete and expand, potentially causing it to crack. Salt used for melting ice can also do more damage to unsealed concrete than sealed concrete.
Yes, concrete needs to be clean and dry before sealing it. It is important to remove stains and debris from the concrete’s surface before sealing, especially if you’re using a solvent-based product. It is fairly easy to clean concrete yourself, but you can also hire a concrete contractor to clean and seal it for you.
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