Garage Floor Resurfacing: Fix a Pitted Garage Floor

Step 1: Buy the materials and clean the floor

A spalled (pitted) garage floor looks horrible. And patches will just pop out eventually. But you can resurface the concrete yourself, usually in less than a day, and for less than $300. You'll need a pressure washer, concrete cleaner (such as Quikrete Concrete & Stucco Wash No. 8601-15; at home centers), a push broom and a floor squeegee. Buy enough concrete resurfacer material (such as Quikrete Concrete Resurfacer; 40-lb. bags) to coat the entire floor. Refer to the coverage specs on the bag to determine how many bags you need.

The resurfacing material won't bond to loose concrete, paint, grease, algae or mildew. So pressure-wash the entire floor with concrete cleaner and a clean-water rinse.

Step 2: Fill deep holes and cracks

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Photo 1: Find the deep pits

Make a mark 1/4 in. from the tip of a pencil. Use it as a depth gauge to locate pits that need filling.

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Photo 2: Fill cracks and joints

Apply tape to each side of the crack or joint and fill with crack sealer. Then level the sealer with a trowel and remove the tape.

Next, prefill any cracks and pits that are more than 1/4 in. deep (Photos 1 and 2).

Step 3: Apply the resurfacer

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Photo 3: Apply resurfacer

Spread from the middle of the puddle and apply moderate squeegee pressure to force the resurfacer into the pores and pits. Then drag the squeegee backward to eliminate the edge ridges. Continue spreading until you get even coverage.

Saturate the concrete with water and then use a broom to push out any puddles from the pitted areas or low spots. Follow the mixing directions on the resurfacer bag. Then pour out a puddle and spread it (Photo 3). If the pits still show, let the material set up and apply a second coat later in the day. But you can stop with one coat if it provides good coverage. To apply a nonslip texture, lightly drag a clean push broom in one direction across the still-wet material (allow no more than five minutes of setting time before applying the broom finish).

Let the new floor dry for at least 24 hours before you drive on it. Follow the manufacturer's directions for additional hot-weather misting procedures or extra drying time for cool weather.