

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. However, concrete overlays are not a particularly easy DIY venture.

It is often tempting to save money by doing home improvement projects yourself.
TF STRUCTURAL CONCRETE OVERLAY INSTALL
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.ĭIY: SHOULD YOU INSTALL AN OVERLAY YOURSELF TO SAVE MONEY? 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.

It is best to have a few local contractors provide you with quotes to know what a regionally appropriate price is for your project. Just like any other purchase or service, an overlay will cost more if you live in a major city. The more elaborate your design, the more costly it will be. 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. Ask your contractor what’s included to be sure there are no surprises. Many contractors factor these costs into their price per square foot. Additionally, cracks must be filled before applying an overlay. 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. If this is the case, see if they can include some upgrades such as saw cuts or staining within the minimum price. Keep in mind that if your project is small, there may be a minimum charge for the work. However, as a general rule of thumb, many overlay installers reduce their price per square foot as the size of the project grows. It is true that bigger projects will cost more. There are several factors that can impact your overlay flooring price:
