Sealing cost by sealer type
Concrete Sealing Cost Calculator
Answer first: concrete sealing costs $0.25–$0.75/sq ft for DIY and $1–$3/sq ft professionally applied in 2026. A 400 sq ft driveway runs $400–$1,200 professionally. Reseal every 2–5 years depending on the sealer type.
Professional sealing — standard driveway (400 sq ft)
$400–$1,200 total ($1–$3/sq ft)
Includes cleaning, prep, and 1–2 coats of acrylic or polyurethane sealer. Penetrating (silane-siloxane) sealers for driveways in freeze-thaw climates cost $1–$2/sq ft professionally applied.
DIY sealing — same 400 sq ft driveway
$100–$300 in materials ($0.25–$0.75/sq ft)
Consumer-grade acrylic sealer: $30–$60/5-gallon pail (covers 200–300 sq ft). Add rental pressure washer ($50–$80/day) for proper prep. Allow 24 hours dry time before foot traffic.
Epoxy garage floor coating (600 sq ft)
$1,800–$7,200 professional ($3–$12/sq ft)
Two-part epoxy: $3–$6/sq ft. Polyurea/polyaspartic coating: $6–$12/sq ft (more durable, 1-day cure). DIY epoxy kits cost $100–$300 for a 2-car garage but rarely last as long as professional application.
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How much does it cost to seal concrete?
Professional concrete sealing costs $1–$3 per sq ft in 2026. A 400 sq ft driveway runs $400–$1,200. A 200 sq ft patio runs $200–$600. DIY sealing with a roller and consumer-grade sealer costs $0.25–$0.75/sq ft in materials only. High-gloss epoxy or polyurea coatings for garage floors cost $3–$12/sq ft professionally applied.
How often does concrete need to be sealed?
Penetrating sealers (silane/siloxane): every 5–10 years, almost no surface sheen, best for driveways and exterior slabs. Acrylic film-forming sealers: every 2–3 years, adds gloss, used on decorative concrete and stamped patios. Epoxy coatings: 5–10 years, high-gloss, for garage floors only. Polyurea coatings: 10–20 years, most durable garage floor option. Never seal fresh concrete — wait at least 28 days.
What is the best concrete sealer for a driveway?
For driveways in freeze-thaw climates: silane-siloxane penetrating sealer ($0.25–$0.50/sq ft DIY). It repels water and de-icing salts without changing appearance or creating a slippery film. For decorative driveways: acrylic sealer ($0.50–$1/sq ft DIY) enhances color and adds sheen. Avoid film-forming sealers on heavily trafficked driveways in freeze-thaw climates — they can peel and become slippery when wet.
Can I seal my concrete myself?
Yes, DIY concrete sealing is straightforward for flat surfaces. Equipment needed: pump sprayer or roller, broom/pressure washer for prep, degreaser for garage floors. The main mistakes are applying to dirty or damp concrete, applying too thick (causes bubbling), or using the wrong sealer for the application. For stamped or decorative concrete with existing sealer, hire a professional to avoid compatibility issues with the existing sealer.
Does sealing concrete prevent cracking?
Penetrating sealers help prevent spalling (surface scaling from freeze-thaw) and salt damage, but they do not prevent cracks caused by settling, thermal expansion, or inadequate control joints. Sealers protect the surface; they do not add structural strength. The best crack prevention is proper subgrade compaction, correct concrete mix, and control joints cut or tooled every 8–12 feet for a 4-in slab.