I'd definitely do something to the floor to make it easier to clean and less 'dusty'.

Epoxy would be a great solution if you aren't concerned with cost. I'm guessing 1700 sq ft of epoxy installed properly will get rather pricey.

A lower priced alternative would be to apply a high quality clear concrete sealer. This wouldn't look as nice, but would be much cheaper and still accomplish your goals.

Check out garagejournal.com for some info. There is a Flooring section in the forum.

Depending on your cost of living in your area - we're "mid-range" - I've seen recent quotes as low as $4/sq foot for colored epoxy - but that 's from a commercial company and I have 8000 sq feet to have done - making it worth their while. I have seen costs around $5/sq foot from the homeowner / garage expert kind of people for epoxy or partial broadcast.

I do recommend a professional - as preparation is everything. You should make sure your slab is well isolated and not wicking moisture, as that will much with the long term adhesion. If your vapor barrier was a good one, you should be okay.

The other thing about a light floor - is that it will really help with lighting in a basement ad make more "finished".

An entry level finish over concrete is around $5/sf. This is assuming that MOISTURE is NOT an issue. And the existing slab is kind of left alone (not a lot of patching or grinding or leveling).

Just remember: the lower cost products can start to look worn. And they can wear through if used excessively. Polishes (you would do this part) can be applied to the areas you want to make look better. I caution against the use of polishes. Once you go down the rabbit hole you will always have to go down the rabbit hole (applying, applying, stripping, applying, etc)

At $5/sq ft, the total cost would be $8,500. This seems like a lot of money for a basement we are only using for a shop and exercise room. I know only we can decide if it is worth it, but is there any reason not to just leave it as is? (Or maybe look into the concrete sealer recommended by booty bums). The floor of my husband’s shop in our current house is unfinished and a bit stained, but it’s never been an issue for us. My workout area has a painted floor we applied ourselves fifteen years ago, and although the paint has come off in small areas (not chipped, just gone- boots from the guy who cleans the oil burner seems to do this), I’ve never had a problem with this.

Depending on your slab quality - we did a smooth concrete finish in our existing house and lived with it for 7 years or so - not really using the basement full on with the car hobby - but we did use it - we were careful not to drip things on it - and it was relatively clean, as we had pressure washed it. It was not sealed or anything until we had the full broadcast chip epoxy floor done. Like I said - it was fine - never felt REALLY CLEAN though - if you sat on the floor, etc.

If the concrete is clean, and at a decent moisture level - you CAN DIY it - renting a sanding / grinding machine - but there's lots of hand work around the edges. Materials cost probably under $2/sq foot. Labor costs "free"! (ha!)

If it's occasional use and not a place you are going to spend a lot of time, or use as a real living space - you can probably DIY. Maybe it's a statement about if this is a "basement" or a "lower level". Where I grew up a basement was mostly below grade and SOME folks put a game room there - but most used for storage, shop like things, exercise, etc and didn't have a ceiling, and likely exposed foundation walls - that's DIY material to me. If it's a "lower level" that is finished and heated and cooled - then I would hire a professional - if it can be used as living space - esp if it's a walkout.

Shop use implies things that will stain and be dirty. Look at your mechanic’s garage floor. It’s also not that compatible with a residence above in many ways.

How about looking at just putting some sheet vinyl down in the shop and workout areas and then skip the rest of the basement, or is the shop area everywhere? The reason for suggesting sheet vinyl is that it can be removed and replaced by someone else in the future, has lots of price points, will protect from any spills etc. of undesirable things that could leach into the concrete (although depending on the type of spill it could potentially damage the finish, but true of other surfaces too), and at least provides some softness to an otherwise hard surface to stand on for long periods of time.

Doing a coating of something may be a good idea, but if there is ever a chance of wanting to use the space for something else the only option to cover it would be to put in carpet without a lot of work to remove the coating.

I epoxied my basement floor. Cost of materials was all it took. Use the flakes for more slip resistance on the top. And my best, biggest, most helpful tip is USE A ROLLER to apply it. I used a brush and it went on too thick and used up too much product, and I had to buy more. You can find several YouTube videos on how to DIY. Make sure you clean up any grease first and maybe etch with muriatic acid for prep or whatever your product recommends. It isn't hard.

Many thanks for all your responses! Our basement is a true basement- we have no intention of using it as living space. It’s entirely below grade with those little windows set Just below grade. After reading through everyone’s comments, I’m thinking it may be best to treat the areas we use separately, and do it ourselves. I will put some type of simple cushioned tile in the exercise room, and my husband can decide what he wants in his shop. I was thinking we should do the shop before we move in because some of his equipment is heavy, but I think we’ll just wait until we move in.

ProSource, I think I misled you- my husband has a woodworking shop as a hobby and it’s absolutely perfect in our basement. He loves doing little projects and making furniture and it’s simple to just go downstairs for a few hours when he feels like it. And his furniture is gorgeous, so I benefit too! We “designed” the basement access and prime basement space for him.

Epoxy is not a good idea for an exercise room. Get resilient flooring for that space.

Thank you for confirming the “gym“ tiles I am now leaning towards!

I think you have a good plan, although putting in flooring before you move in will likely be easier and cheaper for the shop at least.