Flooring InstallersUpdated March 2026 · 3 min read

How to Quote an Epoxy Floor Coating in Australia

Master epoxy floor coating quotes for Australian tradies. Learn about materials, labour, typical costs, and common mistakes to ensure profitable projects.

What to Include in Your Epoxy Floor Quote

A comprehensive quote needs to detail the entire scope of work, starting with surface preparation like grinding and repairs, through to the application of primers, base coats, decorative elements (if any), and clear topcoats. Clearly itemise materials, labour hours, equipment hire, and any specific site conditions such as moisture testing (essential for compliance with manufacturer specifications and avoiding future issues). Always include your payment terms, warranty information, and a disclaimer for unforeseen site conditions discovered during preparation to ensure transparency and manage client expectations effectively.

Typical Costs for Epoxy Floor Coatings in Australia

The cost of an epoxy floor coating in Australia can vary significantly based on the system's complexity, desired finish, and project size. For a basic, single-colour epoxy, expect to quote between $40-$80 per square metre. Decorative systems like flake or metallic epoxy typically range from $80-$150+ per square metre, reflecting the increased material and labour intensity. Industrial-grade, high-performance systems with specific chemical resistance or non-slip requirements can push costs higher, often exceeding $150 per square metre, depending on the number of coats and specialised additives required.

Materials Pricing – Getting Your Supply Chain Right

Accurate material pricing is crucial. Key components include primers ($5-$10/m²), base coats ($10-$25/m²), decorative elements like vinyl flakes ($2-$15/m²) or metallic pigments ($5-$25/m²), and robust clear topcoats ($5-$15/m²). Don't forget consumables such as grinding diamonds, rollers, brushes, mixing paddles, and safety gear. Establish relationships with major Australian suppliers like Hychem, Sika, Parchem, All Purpose Coatings, or Nutech Paint, as they offer trade discounts and technical support, ensuring you get quality products that meet Australian standards and project specifications.

Labour Tips for Efficient Epoxy Projects

Estimating labour accurately requires a thorough understanding of the project's nuances. Factor in time for extensive surface preparation (grinding, patching, vacuuming), which can be 50% or more of the total labour. Consider the number of coats, each requiring specific application and cure times before the next can be applied. An experienced applicator might charge $60-$90 per hour, so accurately calculating total man-hours for prep, mixing, application, and clean-up is vital. Account for potential after-hours work or restricted site access, which can increase labour costs.

Common Quoting Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes is underestimating surface preparation – poor prep leads to adhesion failures and costly re-dos. Failing to account for moisture vapour transmission in the slab (requiring a moisture barrier) or neglecting necessary crack repairs can also lead to project blowouts. Another common error is inaccurate material calculations, resulting in either costly over-ordering or project delays due to shortfalls. Always factor in adequate cure times between coats and before handover, as rushing the process compromises durability and can invalidate warranties. Lastly, forgetting minor consumables or disposal fees can erode your profit margin.

Pro Tips

Always conduct a thorough site inspection to assess slab condition, moisture levels (using a moisture meter), and access challenges before quoting.
Factor in adequate surface preparation – grinding, cleaning, and crack repairs are paramount for long-lasting adhesion and are often underestimated.
Clearly itemise all components in your quote: surface prep, materials, labour, equipment hire, and any specialised treatments like non-slip additives.
Specify cure times in your quote, informing the client exactly when the floor will be trafficable and fully cured, managing their expectations.
Consider offering tiered options (e.g., a standard finish, a flake system, or a metallic finish) to cater to different budgets and client preferences.
Utilise quoting software like QuoteMate to ensure all line items are included, calculations are accurate, and your quotes look professional and detailed.