Flooring InstallersUpdated June 2026 · 5 min read

How to Quote Epoxy Floor Coating Jobs Right the First Time

Learn how to accurately quote epoxy floor coating projects in Australia. Cover material costs, prep work, and labour for a profitable job every time.

Getting the Price Right on Epoxy Floor Coating Jobs

Many tradies get caught out on epoxy floor coating jobs by underestimating surface prep or material waste. To accurately quote epoxy floor coating, you need to break down every part of the process, from initial assessment to the final topcoat. For sole operators and small crews, missing crucial steps means eating into your margins. This guide walks you through the key cost components, ensuring your quotes are competitive and profitable. Forget just throwing a number out; a proper quote protects your time and reputation. Done right, epoxy floors are a solid earner.

Calculating Floor Area and Your Epoxy Floor Cost Per Square Metre

Measure the floor area accurately first. Use a laser measure for precision, then add a 5-10% contingency for waste and unforeseen issues, especially on irregular spaces. Once you have your total square metres, you can estimate your epoxy floor cost per m2 for materials. Most epoxy systems require a primer, a base coat, and one or two topcoats. Check manufacturer specifications for coverage rates per litre; these vary wildly between brands like Sika or Dulux Protective Coatings. Don't forget consumables like rollers, brushes, and mixing paddles. For a typical garage epoxy quote, expect material costs to be a significant portion, so getting this calculation spot-on is critical. Always pull current pricing from suppliers like Bunnings or specific industrial coating distributors.

Selecting Epoxy Types and Their Impact on Your Quote

The type of epoxy system drastically affects your material costs and application complexity. Standard two-part epoxy is a common choice, but options like polyaspartic flooring price higher due to faster cure times and superior UV resistance, making them ideal for outdoor areas or quick turnarounds. Urethane cement systems offer even greater chemical and thermal shock resistance, often specified for commercial kitchens. Hybrid systems might combine different properties. Always confirm the client's needs and the floor's intended use before spec'ing materials. Higher-end systems from suppliers like Hychem or Parchem will have different pricing tiers compared to general-purpose options. Make sure your quote clearly specifies the exact product series you're using.

Pricing Essential Surface Preparation for Longevity

Surface preparation is the foundation of any good epoxy job; skimping here guarantees callbacks. Your quote must include mechanical grinding or shot blasting to achieve the required Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) – usually CSP 2-3 for most applications. Factor in the hire cost for equipment like floor grinders from Kennards Hire, along with diamond tooling. Repairing cracks, divots, and spalling with epoxy patch compounds is also a must. Moisture testing using a calcium chloride test kit (ASTM F1869) or a moisture metre should be part of your initial assessment, as high moisture content requires vapour barrier primers, adding to material and labour costs. See guidance on concrete surface preparation at www.concrete.org.au.

Estimating Labour Hours and Crew Needs

Labour is often the largest component of an epoxy floor coating quote. Break it down into discrete tasks: initial cleaning, grinding, crack repairs, vacuuming, priming, base coat application, and topcoat application. Each coat typically requires a separate visit due to cure times, adding to travel and setup. A standard garage (around 36m2) might take one tradie a full day for prep and primer, then two half-days for subsequent coats, factoring in drying. Larger or more complex sites with multiple colours or flake systems will require more crew and longer on-site times. Don't forget to factor in your hourly rate for travel to and from the site, and allow extra time for unforeseen site conditions or access issues.

Including Overheads, Contingencies, and Final Touches

A comprehensive quote covers more than just materials and direct labour. Account for your business overheads like insurance, vehicle running costs, and administrative time. Always include a contingency of 10-15% for unexpected issues such as excessive concrete repairs, tricky access, or weather delays. Disposal of old flooring materials or empty product drums also needs pricing in. If the client wants intricate designs, line marking, or a specific anti-slip aggregate, these are additional line items. Remember to clearly separate the GST on your quote. Software like QuoteMate helps you manage line items, apply GST, and produce professional PDF quotes and invoices for your clients, making sure nothing is missed.

Avoiding Common Costly Mistakes When Quoting Epoxy

The biggest trap when you quote epoxy floor coating is underestimating the prep. A rough concrete slab will always take longer and use more material than a smooth one. Don't assume the client has cleared the area; specify what needs to be moved and who is responsible. Another common mistake is failing to account for accessibility. Is it a tight stairwell, a busy loading dock, or an empty warehouse? Harder access means more labour. Always visit the site. Relying on photos or client descriptions alone will lead to missed details and eaten profit. Always check the current supplier prices for all your materials, as these can fluctuate without warning.

Pro Tips

Always do a site visit; never quote epoxy sight unseen.
Factor in a 5-10% material waste contingency for every job.
Specify the exact epoxy system and brand in your quote to avoid confusion.
Charge extra for crack repairs or any surface defects found during prep.
Allow for multi-day cure times in your labour estimates and scheduling.
Include equipment hire costs (grinders, vacuums) as a separate line item.
Ensure your quote clearly states what is and isn't included, like furniture moving.
Use current pricing from major suppliers like Bunnings or industrial coating distributors.