Dealing with coating delamination is a serious issue in food plants around Chicago. As a manager, you work hard to keep your floors clean and up to code. All that effort, only to find that thermal shock caused by quick temperature changes makes your concrete coating peel off.

At CustomCrete, we know the challenges that Chicago businesses face with flooring, and our experienced team has solutions for your specific needs. If your facility is exposed to temperature swings or requires flooring that can handle heavy use, urethane concrete is the solution you need.  Urethane concrete, also known as urethane cement, polyurethane concrete, and cementitious urethane, is a tough industrial flooring choice.

In this article, we’ll cover price ranges for urethane concrete in Chicago, key factors that can affect your urethane cement project, and how to find the right solution for your needs.

Price Ranges for Urethane Cement in Chicago

Understanding the typical price ranges for urethane cement in Chicago can help you plan your project budget more accurately and avoid unexpected costs.

Urethane Cement SL 

Urethane Cement SL is a self-leveling system that provides dependable thermal shock resistance in a thinner profile—usually between 1/8" and 3/16". This makes it a great fit for commercial spaces that don’t require a heavy-duty coating but still need long-lasting performance.

For projects in Chicago, pricing typically ranges from $7.00 to $12.00 per square foot, depending on your specific site conditions and system requirements. That means for a 5,000 square foot space, you can expect a ballpark investment between $35,000 and $60,000.

Urethane Cement HF

Urethane Cement HF is the most robust option available, designed for environments where floors must endure high impact, constant use, and extreme temperature swings. Installed at a thicker 1/4" to 3/8", this system is ideal for industrial kitchens, food processing plants, or any area exposed to intense wear and tear.

The cost for Urethane Cement HF generally falls between $10.00 and $15.00 per square foot, depending on job complexity and reinforcement needs. For a standard 5,000 square foot facility, total costs are likely to range from $50,000 to $75,000. You can also enhance durability even further by adding iron aggregate to the mix.

Urethane Cement MD

Urethane Cement MD is a medium-duty option that balances performance and flexibility. Applied at 3/16" to 1/4" thickness, it’s engineered for businesses needing protection from thermal shock, frequent cleaning, and moderate to heavy foot or equipment traffic. This system is also highly customizable, making it a favorite for facilities with specific traction or texture requirements.

In terms of pricing, Urethane Cement MD usually runs between $9.00 and $13.00 per square foot. For a 5,000 square foot space, that equates to a total investment of approximately $45,000 to $65,000, depending on site prep, moisture mitigation, and design choices.

Decorative Flake or Quartz

If you're looking to elevate your urethane cement floor with more visual appeal and traction, decorative flakes or quartz can be broadcast over the surface before sealing. These finishes provide slip resistance, added texture, and endless design options to match your brand or facility aesthetics. A clear topcoat is then applied to protect the system and deliver a clean, glossy finish.

These enhanced systems are more of an investment, typically ranging from $15.00 to $20.00 per square foot. For 5,000 square feet, total project costs usually land between $75,000 and $100,000, depending on the flake or quartz blend and the number of seal coats required.

A Note on Estimates

As a disclaimer: Every project is unique. This guide provides general estimates, but it’s not a guaranteed quote. There are many types of urethane concrete, so it’s not practical to list all the options and prices here. This will give you a good starting point to understand the costs, but you’ll want to get a more specific quote for your project.

Other Factors That Can Affect Your Urethane Concrete Project in Chicago 

While the ranges above give you a rough idea, the final cost of your project will depend on several other factors:

Size of the Area

Larger projects lower the cost per square foot because material costs decrease, and labor is more efficient. Our crew can work continuously on larger spaces without setup or restaging.  However, smaller spaces require more work pauses, and the setup costs will be spread across a smaller area, raising the cost per square foot.

Surface Preparation

The concrete in your space needs to be properly prepared before the urethane coating is applied. This means profiling the concrete to a CSP (Concrete Surface Profile) between 3 and 5. If there are old coatings or adhesives on the floor from tiles, carpeting, wood paneling, or old coatings, extra prep work, like shot blasting, (Grinding) will be needed. The more prep work, the more time, the higher the cost.

Project Complexity

If the job involves more complexity, like working around large machines, tight spaces, or obstacles, the cost increases. A basic warehouse without obstacles will cost less than a production line with fixed equipment and narrow pathways. More labor is needed for complex projects, which will add to the total cost.

Accessibility

For urethane flooring projects, CustomCrete typically works with large food facilities, factories, warehouses, and commercial kitchens. These spaces tend to have loading docks or garage doors for easy access. However, if your facility is on a higher floor with limited elevator access, additional time and labor will be needed to move equipment and materials.

Parking

For urethane flooring projects, CustomCrete’s crews need ample parking space to park trucks and unload equipment and materials. Having easy access to nearby parking helps ensure that large machinery, tools, and materials can be unloaded quickly and efficiently. Without sufficient parking, setup times can be longer, requiring additional labor and causing delays in the overall project. This not only extends the time it takes to complete the job but can also increase your costs due to the extra time and effort needed to move equipment and materials. Ensuring that parking is available close to the site will help streamline the process and keep the project on schedule and within budget.

Finding the Right Solution for Your Needs

At CustomCrete, we know how important it is to choose the right industrial flooring for your business. Whether you need a basic protective coating or a heavy-duty, durable surface, our team will help guide you through the options. We understand the unique challenges that businesses in Chicago face, especially in industries where floors take heavy abuse, resist mold and bacteria, and need to withstand temperature fluctuations. 

Choosing the right flooring is crucial to protecting your investment, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime.

Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, whether you choose to work with us or not. We believe that every business deserves a flooring solution that meets both its functional and aesthetic needs. By offering expert advice and personalized recommendations, we make sure you feel confident in your choice.

If you’re ready to get an accurate quote for your urethane concrete project in Chicago, the next step is simple: Contact us today. We’ll walk you through the different options and make sure you get exactly what you need without any surprises. From selecting the right application to helping you with any concerns you may have, CustomCrete is here to ensure your project is a success. Let’s work together to create a flooring solution that keeps your business running smoothly for years to come.