How Much Does it Cost to Install a Concrete Floor in a Cellar?
3 pros!
Factors to consider when installing a concrete floor in a cellar, including how are you going to get all that concrete down there?
Dear Angie: How much should I expect to pay for a new concrete floor of approximately 315 square feet in a cellar? The current floor is dirt. Pamela S., Mechanicsburg, Pa.
Dear Pamela: Providing the square footage and condition of the floor is a great place to start, unfortunately I can’t give you a detailed cost estimate without knowing other factors. Here are some points to consider that may help you determine the work required and how it affects the total cost when speaking with a highly rated contractor.
Ease of access affects price
While many contractors price concrete by the square foot, the labor involved also will determine the project’s total cost. For example, the contractors I spoke with wanted to know how the cement will get into the space. Will they have to carry it in buckets down stairs? Can they pump concrete in through a window? If it’s a walkout basement, they can bring it in by a wheelbarrow. As you can imagine, the easier the job, the less it costs. You can expect to pay a minimum of $6 or $7 a square foot in a best-case scenario. Given your square footage, the minimum cost would be $1,890 plus labor.
Since you have a dirt floor, the condition of the floor isn’t an issue. In some situations, however, the contractor will need to decide whether to demolish the existing floor or not. It’s much more affordable to simply pour concrete over the existing floor if it’s in good shape than to demo a floor that’s in poor condition before installing the new one. An inspection by a highly rated contractor will help you determine your needs. Our Painted and Polished Concrete Floor guide also might be useful.
Consider a moisture barrier
A point to remember about concrete is that it’s porous and retains moisture. Notoriously known for holding humidity, basements could be problematic for concrete without a moisture barrier in place. The barrier adds another layer of protection between the concrete slab and moisture that tries to seep from the ground. To ensure longevity, discuss waterproofing needs and options with a highly rated contractor before installing a new concrete floor.
Staff writer Oseye Boyd contributed to this report. Angie Hicks is founder of Angie’s List. Have a question for her team? Email askangie@angi.com or tweet to #AskAngie. Follow her @Angie_Hicks.
