Commercial flooring costs in the New York City and New Jersey market vary widely based on the system you choose, the condition of your existing concrete, the size of the project, and the complexity of the installation. This guide provides transparent, real-world pricing for every major commercial flooring system we install, along with the factors that influence your final cost and strategies for maximizing your return on investment.
Whether you are a facility manager budgeting for a renovation, a property owner evaluating options for a new tenant, or a general contractor pricing a bid, this guide gives you the data you need to make an informed decision.
Complete Pricing Table: All Commercial Flooring Systems
| Service | Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Timeline | Lifespan | Best For | |---------|---------------|-----------------|----------|----------| | Commercial Concrete Polishing | $3 – $8 | 3 – 7 days | 25+ years | Offices, retail, lobbies | | Commercial Epoxy Flooring | $5 – $12 | 2 – 5 days | 10 – 20 years | Healthcare, kitchens, industrial | | Industrial Concrete Polishing | $3 – $8 | 5 – 10 days | 25+ years | Warehouses, factories | | Stained Concrete | $2 – $8 | 2 – 4 days | 20+ years | Restaurants, retail, offices | | Decorative Concrete | $5 – $15 | 3 – 5 days | 15+ years | Boutiques, showrooms, lobbies | | Self-Leveling Concrete | $4 – $10 | 1 – 3 days | 20+ years | Damaged floors, healthcare | | Concrete Overlays | $3 – $10 | 2 – 3 days | 10 – 25+ years | Patios, pool decks, renovations | | Concrete Waterproofing | $3 – $10 | 2 – 5 days | 10 – 25 years | Basements, parking, foundations | | Concrete Resurfacing | $3 – $8 | 3 – 5 days | 15+ years | Worn surfaces, renovations | | Pressure Washing | $0.15 – $0.75 | 1 – 2 days | N/A (maintenance) | All exterior surfaces |
All prices reflect the NYC and NJ market as of 2025. Actual costs depend on the specific factors detailed below.
Factors That Affect Your Final Cost
1. Project Size (Square Footage)
Larger projects benefit from economies of scale. Equipment mobilization, crew setup, and material preparation are fixed costs that get distributed across more square footage on larger jobs.
- Under 2,000 sqft: Expect pricing at the higher end of each range
- 2,000 – 10,000 sqft: Mid-range pricing applies
- 10,000 – 25,000 sqft: Volume pricing available; expect 10-15% savings
- 25,000+ sqft: Custom pricing with significant volume discounts
2. Existing Concrete Condition
The condition of your existing slab is the single biggest variable in project cost. A clean, relatively new concrete floor in good condition requires minimal preparation. A heavily damaged, stained, or previously coated floor requires extensive grinding, crack repair, and surface profiling before any new system can be applied.
Low prep cost: Clean concrete with minor surface wear Medium prep cost: Concrete with existing coatings that need removal, moderate cracking, or oil staining High prep cost: Severely damaged concrete with deep spalls, structural cracks, extensive contamination, or multiple layers of existing coatings
Surface preparation accounts for 30–50% of total project cost on many jobs. This is where cutting corners leads to premature failure, so it is essential to budget adequately for this phase.
3. Access and Logistics
NYC job sites present unique logistical challenges that affect cost:
- Elevator-only access: Equipment and material delivery via freight elevator adds time
- Street permits: Loading zone permits and sidewalk closure permits may be required
- Floor height: Upper-story installations require additional material handling
- Building hours: Occupied buildings may restrict work to after-hours or weekends
- Parking and staging: Limited space for equipment and material storage
4. Finish Level and Customization
Higher-end finishes and customization increase costs:
- Standard solid-color epoxy: Base pricing
- Metallic epoxy with custom effects: 30-50% premium
- High-gloss 1500-grit polish: 20-30% above standard 400-grit
- Custom logos, brand colors, or decorative patterns: $500–$3,000 per design element
- Safety markings and zone coding: $1–$3 per linear foot
5. Timeline and Scheduling
Standard scheduling during business hours is the most cost-effective option. However, most commercial projects in NYC require after-hours work. Our after-hours installation is available at no additional charge for most projects, which is a significant value compared to contractors who charge premiums for evenings and weekends.
Rush timelines (project needed in under 2 weeks) may affect pricing based on crew and material availability.
Cost Comparison: Concrete Flooring vs. Traditional Alternatives
Many facility managers compare concrete flooring systems against traditional materials. Here is how the numbers compare:
| Flooring Type | Install Cost/sqft | Annual Maintenance/sqft | 10-Year Total/sqft | Lifespan | |--------------|-------------------|------------------------|--------------------|---------:| | Polished Concrete | $3 – $8 | $0.05 – $0.10 | $3.50 – $9.00 | 25+ years | | Epoxy Flooring | $5 – $12 | $0.10 – $0.25 | $6.00 – $14.50 | 10 – 20 years | | Ceramic Tile | $8 – $20 | $0.50 – $1.50 | $13.00 – $35.00 | 10 – 15 years | | Hardwood | $10 – $25 | $1.00 – $2.50 | $20.00 – $50.00 | 10 – 20 years | | VCT (Vinyl Tile) | $3 – $7 | $1.50 – $3.00 | $18.00 – $37.00 | 5 – 10 years | | Carpet (Commercial) | $4 – $10 | $1.00 – $2.00 | $14.00 – $30.00 | 5 – 8 years |
The key insight: concrete flooring systems have dramatically lower lifecycle costs than traditional alternatives because they require virtually no ongoing maintenance. VCT, for example, appears cheap to install but requires regular stripping and waxing that costs $1.50–$3.00 per square foot per year. Over 10 years on a 15,000 sqft floor, that adds $225,000–$450,000 in maintenance costs alone.
Total Cost of Ownership: 10-Year Analysis
Here is a detailed 10-year cost model for a typical 15,000 square foot commercial space:
Polished Concrete (Office/Retail)
| Year | Cost Item | Amount | |------|-----------|--------| | 0 | Installation ($5/sqft) | $75,000 | | 1–10 | Annual maintenance ($0.08/sqft) | $12,000 | | 5 | Mid-life recoat | $0 | | Total | | $87,000 | | Per sqft per year | | $0.58 |
Epoxy Flooring (Healthcare/Industrial)
| Year | Cost Item | Amount | |------|-----------|--------| | 0 | Installation ($8/sqft) | $120,000 | | 1–10 | Annual maintenance ($0.15/sqft) | $22,500 | | 6 | Topcoat refresh ($2/sqft) | $30,000 | | Total | | $172,500 | | Per sqft per year | | $1.15 |
VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile) for Comparison
| Year | Cost Item | Amount | |------|-----------|--------| | 0 | Installation ($5/sqft) | $75,000 | | 1–10 | Annual strip and wax ($2.25/sqft) | $337,500 | | 7 | Full replacement ($5/sqft) | $75,000 | | Total | | $487,500 | | Per sqft per year | | $3.25 |
The total cost of ownership for polished concrete is 82% lower than VCT over a 10-year period. This is the primary reason facility managers across NYC are converting from VCT, carpet, and hardwood to polished concrete and epoxy systems.
Budget Planning Tips
1. Get Multiple Estimates, but Compare Apples to Apples
When comparing bids, ensure each contractor is quoting the same scope of work. A low bid that skips proper surface preparation will result in premature failure and higher long-term costs. Ask each contractor to detail their surface preparation process, material specifications, and warranty coverage.
2. Budget for Surface Preparation
Surface preparation is not optional — it is the foundation of every successful flooring installation. Budget 30–50% of total project cost for prep work. Contractors who minimize prep costs are cutting corners that will compromise the finished product.
3. Consider Phased Installation
For large projects or tight budgets, phased installation spreads costs over time while keeping your facility operational. We regularly execute multi-phase projects where we complete one zone at a time, allowing business operations to continue uninterrupted.
4. Factor in Long-Term Savings
When presenting flooring options to stakeholders, include the 10-year total cost of ownership — not just the installation price. Polished concrete and epoxy systems pay for themselves through eliminated maintenance costs within 2–4 years compared to traditional flooring.
5. Ask About Volume Discounts
Projects over 10,000 square feet typically qualify for volume pricing. Multi-location rollouts (retail chains, healthcare networks, corporate portfolios) receive additional discounts based on total contracted footage.
6. Plan for After-Hours Work
Most NYC commercial flooring projects require after-hours installation. We offer after-hours service at no additional charge for most projects, but this should be factored into your project timeline and coordination plan.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
Every commercial flooring project is unique. The pricing in this guide represents typical ranges for the NYC/NJ market, but your actual cost depends on the specific conditions of your facility. The most accurate way to budget is with a professional on-site assessment.
During our free consultation, we:
- Evaluate your existing concrete condition and identify any preparation requirements
- Discuss your performance requirements, aesthetic goals, and budget constraints
- Recommend the optimal flooring system for your specific application
- Provide a detailed written estimate with line-item pricing
There is no obligation and no pressure. Our goal is to give you the information you need to make the right decision for your facility.
Ready to Get Your Estimate?
Contact us for a free on-site consultation. We serve all five NYC boroughs and New Jersey with over 20 years of commercial flooring experience. Our estimates include detailed scope, timeline, and pricing — no hidden fees, no surprises.
Call 917-746-1992 or request your free estimate online. Most estimates are provided within 48 hours of the site visit.