Most people envision new worktops in the kitchen, hardwood floors throughout the main living areas, and statement tiles in the bathroom when they think of home renovations. The garage, though, is another area that is frequently disregarded.
Even though it’s not the first thing people see, a garage that’s been well constructed may be a major selling point for a property. By making improvements to the neighbourhood, homeowners can enhance the asking price of their homes. The house’s current residents will have more options for how they utilise the space available to them.
Your plans for the garage should inform your remodelling decisions. How often do you plan to actually use the garage? Or are you going to turn it into a workshop, complete with tool storage and mobile cabinetry? The primary function of a garage is to house a vehicle, although they are frequently used for a variety of other functions as well.
Some homeowners with sufficient garage space and a smart layout have even been able to incorporate entertainment components like dart boards, foosball tables, and more.
The flooring option is a secondary consideration after determining the primary function of the room. The design and functionality of your garage will be drastically altered depending on the garage floor material you choose. If you’re looking to remodel your garage, consider these three flooring options.
People usually don’t give much thought to the flooring in their garages unless something goes wrong. The garage floor is constantly subjected to stress from the weight of the vehicles parked there. Because of how easily the floors become discoloured, the area as a whole is diminished in aesthetic value. Just like with any other room in the house, the garage floor needs careful consideration.
It’s possible to treat the garage like any other room in the house. However, not all garage flooring alternatives are created equal. Flooring solutions for garages should be resilient, robust, and durable so that they can survive any weather and are stain-resistant.
FAQs About Garage Renovation
Is It Worth Putting Epoxy on the Garage Floor?
Epoxy flooring protects the underlying concrete from moisture, stains, grease and cracks. In the long run, this can save you a great deal on cleaning and maintenance costs by eliminating the need to clean carpet or grout. It’s also very reasonably priced for the duration and level of protection.
How Long Does an Epoxy Garage Floor Last?
Depending on the additives present in a coating and the levels of foot traffic, drop impact, wear from vehicles in space and other factors, an epoxy garage floor coating can last between two and ten years with proper maintenance.
What Is Better Than Epoxy for the Garage Floor?
Polyurea has a higher resistance to chemicals than epoxy and is U.V. stable. It’s better for garage floors and exterior spaces and protects your floor against stains, damage, chemicals, and wear. They are light reflective, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
Can I Tile My Garage Floor?
The perks of adding tiling to your garage floor are numerous. Homeowners can choose to add either modular tiles, which snap together for easy installation or to add ceramic tiles for a truly luxurious garage floor. Adding tile to your flooring boosts your garage.
How Much Does It Cost for an Epoxy Two-Car Garage?
Epoxy garage floor cost is $2.50 to $9.00 per square foot. The average epoxy flooring cost is $6.55 per square foot or about $3,050 for a two-car garage. This cost includes acid etching of the concrete, two coats of material and decorative flakes.
Select the Right Garage Floor Finishing for Your Home
If you want to make your garage seem nicer, you should start with the floor. Normal concrete garage floors get the job done, but with a little TLC, they may be transformed into something much more aesthetically beautiful and even pleasant.
Most homeowners are at a loss when faced with all the options for garage floor enhancements. Before beginning any renovations, it is helpful to first categorise the garage floor possibilities into coatings and coverings. There are other options worth considering.
Paint and epoxy are two possible coverings.
- Flooring is described as a finish that is put to a concrete floor slab in a thin layer using a roller or brush and then adheres permanently to the concrete. Primarily, your options here are paint and epoxy.
- Surface Options what we call “floor coverings” are the materials that go on top of the garage floor and may be taken up and put back down again as needed. While you’re free to lay down whatever carpet or other covering you choose on your garage floor, a product designed for garage floors is required if you want a surface that will withstand the wear and tear of daily garage use. Products such as floor tiles and floor mats suit this category.
Ground Epoxy
Some individuals think that epoxy floor coverings are actually paint since they can be applied with paint rollers and brushes. The materials may seem similar, but their chemical composition and physical properties are quite distinct.
Contrary to paint, which dries when its solvent (often water or an oil-based liquid) evaporates, true epoxy coatings harden through a chemical reaction between a resin and a hardener (catalyst). Garage floors that have been coated with authentic epoxy are durable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing.
While the term “epoxy paint” is sometimes used interchangeably with one-part latex paints to which epoxy has been added to boost its hardness, this product should not be mistaken with those. True epoxy finishes are typically more effective than epoxy paint.
Before commencing work on your garage floor, it is vital to explore the many epoxy varieties available.
As with latex paint, epoxy (which is a type of paint with an incorporated hardener) requires the floor to be patched, cleaned, and etched if necessary. The next step is to apply the epoxy paint and hardener mixture to the garage floor, but you have to be quick about it because it will only be used for two hours.
Spreading colour chips around the floor and sealing it with a clear finish makes oil spills easy to clean up and extends the floor’s lifespan.
The epoxy coating is the focal point of your garage floor. Made comprised of resin and hardeners, epoxy gives a smooth finish for your garage floor. The completed floor is stunning in its shine and beauty.
Since the floor’s true colour, pattern, and texture are all hidden behind the sealer, it may be used anywhere from a humble garage to a lavish showroom.
This flooring is one of the most eye-catching choices, but it’s also one of the most difficult to put in. It is necessary to clean and etch the concrete floor prior to applying the epoxy coatings.
The next stage is to apply many coats of epoxy paint, using the epoxy in conjunction with a base coat and letting each coat cure before applying the next. As soon as the consistency is right, the finisher is added, and the whole thing is let to sit for a full day.
If your concrete garage floor includes moisture or is porous, the epoxy flooring may not adhere properly and you should explore elsewhere for a solution.
DIYers may purchase epoxy kits that include the base coat, clear coat, flakes, roller covers, and anti-skid additives necessary to complete the job.
Epoxy is the best choice for areas with spills, rolling cabinets, and foot activity since it protects the concrete floor from harm, is robust and resilient, and is easy to clean.
Paint for the Ground
To hide oil, grease, and rust stains on your garage floor and give it a new look, consider using concrete floor paint. There are two primary options when it comes to painting concrete floors: latex and oil. Both varieties of paint have a non-slip smooth surface that is designed to hold up well under high foot traffic and to resist corrosion from solvents, salts, and other caustic substances.
Epoxy resin is added to some latex floor coatings, making the covering exceptionally stain-resistant and long-lasting. Choose a paint that is made to be used on concrete floors, since this will stay far longer on garage floors than conventional paint.
Unlike other garage flooring ideas, which involve specific installations and equipment, this activity is straightforward to perform using resources you probably already have. Painting a garage floor, while time-consuming and labor-intensive, is a low-cost way to improve the space’s aesthetics.
Before beginning, you should patch any gaps in the floor with concrete filler and thoroughly clean the area. The next step is to prepare and paint the area before installing the flooring. It’s recommended to repaint your garage floor every three to five years if you use latex paint.
Floor Tiles
Plastic, rubber, or wood composite tiles, which are firm or semi-rigid and can resist the heavy foot activity that happens in a garage, are the most common, though durable vinyl floor tiles are also a popular choice.
The overlapping surfaces of these pieces combine to form a ramp strong enough to support cars. Tiles might be a good replacement for a damaged concrete floor. There is no need to worry if the slab isn’t completely even because the tiles will cover any imperfections.
- Plastics like PVC and polypropylene are only two of the many materials used to make garage floor tiles. Most producers also sell a variety of accessories to finish off the edges and door thresholds.
- Like the interlocking tiles commonly seen in fitness centres and preschools, rubber tiles may be easily installed and removed. Since these flooring are both long-lasting and easy on the feet, they are ideal for homeowners who spend a lot of time in a garage workshop.
- Wood composite tiles, such as DRICore products, are another alternative for garage flooring; these are typically utilised as subflooring under carpeting and other floor coverings. These 2-by-2-foot planks are perfect for use as garage flooring since each one can support up to 4,000 pounds. Tongue-and-groove interlocking joints make assembly a breeze, and a transition strip is required only at the floor’s intersection with the garage door.
Rugs and Mats
Garage floors are best protected with rubber or PVC matting. Garage floor tiles and mats may be installed immediately on top of concrete flooring, eliminating the need to remove stains or cracks first.
Different mats have different textures and thicknesses; some are flat and smooth like carpets, while others are textured and used in gyms. The most effective garage flooring mats will have a substantial thickness, be made of materials that are simple to clean, and provide cushioning for the feet.
Garage roll-out mats are a simple, one-day solution for garage flooring, and they are gaining popularity as a result. As an easy and affordable alternative to tile or sheet flooring, garage roll out floor mats may be installed in a garage simply by rolling out the mat, removing the excess, and laying it down.
The only preparatory work required is a thorough cleaning of the floor below and making sure it is dry to avoid placing the mat over moisture that might later cause mould development. Garage floors may be protected from debris like dirt and snow with the use of roll out mats. Absorbent floor mats are a must-have in garages and other areas prone to oil spills.
You may choose from a wide variety of mat types, such as rubber flooring, marine flooring, trailer flooring, graphite or pewter diamond deck mats, and mats with snap-on borders. If you want to give your garage a fresh look but don’t want to instal new flooring, garage floor mats are a great option.
Easy and Affordable Garage Floor Options
These bright squares are made of durable vinyl or rubber, and they snap together to offer stability rather than simply clinging to the floor of the garage. They’re perfect for covering up imperfections in a concrete floor, albeit they’re at their most effective on a flat surface. Peel-and-stick tiles allow you to mix and match colours to make custom designs, borders, and patterns.
Roll-Out Vinyl Flooring
Roll-out flooring is, without a question, the top choice for garage flooring. It’s simple to set up, and it covers a myriad of imperfections. As the name implies, all you have to do to instal it is unroll it onto your garage floor, trim off the excess, and you’re good to go!
Unlike tile flooring, which can be repaired by simply cutting out and replacing broken areas, this option is not as simple to replace if something goes wrong. Customization of designs is also difficult to do.
Peel-and-Stick Tiles
Peel-and-stick tiles can be used to cover a garage floor that is flat and free of deep fissures or uneven heights. These tiles, often manufactured from resilient vinyl, can be cut to size and set up in a flash, and because they’re tiles, different hues may be mixed and matched to create unique designs. Before you set down your tiles, make sure the floor is clean and dry.
Carpet
The thought of carpeting your garage floor may seem absurd, but there is a product on the market called TuffCarpet that is made to withstand the abuse that a garage takes on a daily basis.
It can be washed with water or power washed and will not absorb oil or other petroleum-based stains, so any oil spills from your car should be easily removed.
The carpet comes in square tiles that you peel and glue down, making it quick to instal and giving you plenty of room to experiment with design.
Concrete Sealer
Your choices for garage flooring will be constrained by your budget. If you have a concrete garage floor, sealing it may be all that’s needed to protect it. Adding a sealer to a simple grey concrete floor can give it a small gloss and protect it from stains, making it look like new for longer. Choose between a water-based sealer, which may not last as long but is less unpleasant to breathe in, and a solvent-based sealer, which can give a wet effect and offer outstanding floor protection.
Concrete Stain
Concrete stains can be applied thinner than epoxy or paint, revealing the original floor beneath. To put it simply, this is one of the most convenient and inexpensive garage flooring choices. A lovely watercolour or natural stone effect is possible with properly maintained concrete.
Spots and splatters on the floor won’t look fantastic because they will be visible. Because it forms an integral part of the concrete, stain typically lasts longer than paint does and is less likely to chip.
Garage Flooring Interlocking Tiles
Garage floor interlocking tiles, typically crafted from polypropylene, heavy-duty rubber, or vinyl, click together to provide a long-lasting, sturdy answer that totally renews the garage. Garage floor tiles come in an eye-opening array of colours and designs.
Because of how well they fit together, you may play around with the design, choosing from a wide variety of colours and materials to make something truly unique. Since their installation is so simple, interlocking tiles are a great choice for do-it-yourself renovation projects. Prior to installation, the subfloor should be meticulously cleaned and dried to avoid trapping any moisture or dirt underfoot.
There is a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from when it comes to interlocking tiles; however, the Small Coin Garage Tile may be the best option if you need a smooth surface that is suitable for walking on and rolling cabinets across. It’s easy on the feet, durable, and creates an impression of order and cleanliness.
Ribbed tiles, which can be interlocked to create eye-catching patterns, are another option, as they allow moisture-wicking air to circulate beneath the surface and prevent the floor from becoming damp even in regions with heavy snowfall and rain.
This is helpful all year round, but especially in the summer when temperature swings can cause expansion and contraction. Interlocking Diamond Tiles are another excellent alternative for a striking appearance that is both resilient and durable, giving the floor a unique visual profile. Similarly, these last a long time without breaking.
Repair and Preparation Concerns
Coatings and covers for garage floors shouldn’t be seen as a way to bury broken slabs “out of sight, out of mind.” Most finishes, especially paint and epoxy, will not adhere effectively to a cracked or fractured surface unless it has been properly fixed and prepped beforehand.
It is very impossible to prevent oil and grease stains from showing through a garage coating if they are already present on the concrete. The issue of moisture is not going away, regardless of whether or not you coat or cover your garage floor. The garage floor should be free of damage, stains, and wetness before any covering or coating is applied.
Insulating the concrete slab in a garage is a good idea whether you plan to turn the space into a living area or just want to improve comfort there. The ideal way to insulate a garage floor is to first lay down sleeper strips, followed by a layer of rigid foam insulation, and then a layer of plywood and the flooring of your choice.
Conclusion
A well-designed garage can be a major selling point for a home. The design and functionality of your garage will be drastically altered by the flooring you choose. Garages should be resilient, robust, and durable so that they can survive any weather and are stain-resistant. Paint and epoxy are two possible coverings for your garage floor. True epoxy finishes are typically more effective than epoxy paint.
Other materials such as floor tiles and floor mats are suitable for use as floor coverings, but not as long-lasting as epoxy. Epoxy is the best choice for areas with spills, rolling cabinets, and foot activity. It protects the concrete floor from harm, is robust and resilient, and is easy to clean. Painting a garage floor is a low-cost way to improve the space’s aesthetics. Garage floor tiles and mats may be installed immediately on top of concrete flooring.
Plastics like PVC and polypropylene are only two of the many materials used to make garage floor tiles. The most effective garage flooring mats will have a substantial thickness and be made of materials that are simple to clean. Garage roll-out floor mats are a simple, one-day solution for garage flooring. An easy and affordable alternative to tile or sheet flooring, they are gaining popularity. You may choose from a wide variety of mat types, such as rubber flooring or vinyl tiles.
Garage flooring interlocking tiles are a great choice for do-it-yourself renovation projects. Concrete stains can be applied thinner than epoxy or paint, revealing the original floor beneath. A lovely watercolour or natural stone effect is possible with properly maintained concrete. Small Coin Garage Tile may be the best option if you need a smooth surface. Interlocking Diamond Tiles are another excellent alternative for a striking appearance. The ideal way to insulate a garage floor is to first lay down sleeper strips, followed by rigid foam insulation, and then plywood and the flooring of your choice.
Content Summary
- The garage, though, is another area that is frequently disregarded.
- Even though it’s not the first thing people see, a garage that’s been well constructed may be a major selling point for a property.
- Your plans for the garage should inform your remodelling decisions.
- How often do you plan to actually use the garage?
- The flooring option is a secondary consideration after determining the primary function of the room.
- The design and functionality of your garage will be drastically altered depending on the garage floor material you choose.
- If you’re looking to remodel your garage, consider these three flooring options.
- Just like with any other room in the house, the garage floor needs careful consideration.
- It’s possible to treat the garage like any other room in the house.
- However, not all garage flooring alternatives are created equal.
- Select the Right Garage Floor Finishing for Your HomeIf you want to make your garage seem nicer, you should start with the floor.
- Most homeowners are at a loss when faced with all the options for garage floor enhancements.
- Before beginning any renovations, it is helpful to first categorise the garage floor possibilities into coatings and coverings.
- Paint and epoxy are two possible coverings.
- Primarily, your options here are paint and epoxy.
- While you’re free to lay down whatever carpet or other covering you choose on your garage floor, a product designed for garage floors is required if you want a surface that will withstand the wear and tear of daily garage use.
- Products such as floor tiles and floor mats suit this category.
- True epoxy finishes are typically more effective than epoxy paint.
- Before commencing work on your garage floor, it is vital to explore the many epoxy varieties available.
- The next step is to apply the epoxy paint and hardener mixture to the garage floor, but you have to be quick about it because it will only be used for two hours.
- The epoxy coating is the focal point of your garage floor.
- Made comprised of resin and hardeners, epoxy gives a smooth finish for your garage floor.
- It is necessary to clean and etch the concrete floor prior to applying the epoxy coatings.
- The next stage is to apply many coats of epoxy paint, using the epoxy in conjunction with a base coat and letting each coat cure before applying the next.
- If your concrete garage floor includes moisture or is porous, the epoxy flooring may not adhere properly and you should explore elsewhere for a solution.
- Paint for the GroundTo hide oil, grease, and rust stains on your garage floor and give it a new look, consider using concrete floor paint.
- There are two primary options when it comes to painting concrete floors: latex and oil.
- Choose a paint that is made to be used on concrete floors, since this will stay far longer on garage floors than conventional paint.
- Before beginning, you should patch any gaps in the floor with concrete filler and thoroughly clean the area.
- The next step is to prepare and paint the area before installing the flooring.
- It’s recommended to repaint your garage floor every three to five years if you use latex paint.
- Tiles might be a good replacement for a damaged concrete floor.
- Plastics like PVC and polypropylene are only two of the many materials used to make garage floor tiles.
- Tongue-and-groove interlocking joints make assembly a breeze, and a transition strip is required only at the floor’s intersection with the garage door.
- Rugs and MatsGarage floors are best protected with rubber or PVC matting.
- Garage floor tiles and mats may be installed immediately on top of concrete flooring, eliminating the need to remove stains or cracks first.
- The most effective garage flooring mats will have a substantial thickness, be made of materials that are simple to clean, and provide cushioning for the feet.
- Garage roll-out mats are a simple, one-day solution for garage flooring, and they are gaining popularity as a result.
- As an easy and affordable alternative to tile or sheet flooring, garage roll out floor mats may be installed in a garage simply by rolling out the mat, removing the excess, and laying it down.
- Garage floors may be protected from debris like dirt and snow with the use of roll out mats.
- Absorbent floor mats are a must-have in garages and other areas prone to oil spills.
- If you want to give your garage a fresh look but don’t want to instal new flooring, garage floor mats are a great option.
- Roll-Out Vinyl FlooringRoll-out flooring is, without a question, the top choice for garage flooring.
- Peel-and-Stick TilesPeel-and-stick tiles can be used to cover a garage floor that is flat and free of deep fissures or uneven heights.
- The thought of carpeting your garage floor may seem absurd, but there is a product on the market called TuffCarpet that is made to withstand the abuse that a garage takes on a daily basis.
- Concrete SealerYour choices for garage flooring will be constrained by your budget.
- If you have a concrete garage floor, sealing it may be all that’s needed to protect it.
- Adding a sealer to a simple grey concrete floor can give it a small gloss and protect it from stains, making it look like new for longer.
- To put it simply, this is one of the most convenient and inexpensive garage flooring choices.
- Garage Flooring Interlocking Tiles Garage floor interlocking tiles, typically crafted from polypropylene, heavy-duty rubber, or vinyl, click together to provide a long-lasting, sturdy answer that totally renews the garage.
- Garage floor tiles come in an eye-opening array of colours and designs.
- Because of how well they fit together, you may play around with the design, choosing from a wide variety of colours and materials to make something truly unique.
- Since their installation is so simple, interlocking tiles are a great choice for do-it-yourself renovation projects.
- Prior to installation, the subfloor should be meticulously cleaned and dried to avoid trapping any moisture or dirt underfoot.
- There is a wide variety of colours and patterns to choose from when it comes to interlocking tiles; however, the Small Coin Garage Tile may be the best option if you need a smooth surface that is suitable for walking on and rolling cabinets across.
- It’s easy on the feet, durable, and creates an impression of order and cleanliness.
- Ribbed tiles, which can be interlocked to create eye-catching patterns, are another option, as they allow moisture-wicking air to circulate beneath the surface and prevent the floor from becoming damp even in regions with heavy snowfall and rain.
- Interlocking Diamond Tiles are another excellent alternative for a striking appearance that is both resilient and durable, giving the floor a unique visual profile.
- Similarly, these last a long time without breaking.
- Repair and Preparation ConcernsCoatings and covers for garage floors shouldn’t be seen as a way to bury broken slabs “out of sight, out of mind.”
- Most finishes, especially paint and epoxy, will not adhere effectively to a cracked or fractured surface unless it has been properly fixed and prepped beforehand.
- It is very impossible to prevent oil and grease stains from showing through a garage coating if they are already present on the concrete.
- The issue of moisture is not going away, regardless of whether or not you coat or cover your garage floor.
- The garage floor should be free of damage, stains, and wetness before any covering or coating is applied.
- Insulating the concrete slab in a garage is a good idea whether you plan to turn the space into a living area or just want to improve comfort there.
- The ideal way to insulate a garage floor is to first lay down sleeper strips, followed by a layer of rigid foam insulation, and then a layer of plywood and the flooring of your choice.