Your garage does not have to be bland and boring. You can add some style and personality to your garage by giving your floor some color. Most garage floors are concrete slabs, which certainly are practical but there are options to make your garage look more interesting. If you are planning a garage remodel, you can transform this space into something a little bit more appealing and easy on the eye.
When it comes to transforming your garage floor, you have a variety of options to choose from. Due to this wide selection, it is often challenging to choose just one option. To help you make an informed choice, let’s start by splitting the options into two different categories. One is coatings and the other coverings. We have listed four great options you can think about.
Paint and Epoxy as Coating Options
In the category of coatings, this refers to a layer that adheres directly onto the concrete floor. It can be applied with a roller or brush and is generally a thin coating. The two main types of floor coating used on garage floors are paint and epoxy.
Tile and Mats as Covering Options
This category refers to certain materials that are installed on top of the garage floor. These types of floor coverings can generally be moved or removed at a future point in time. You can install carpets or other types of floor coverings on your garage floor; however, you do need to consider the practicality thereof. Depending on the primary use of your garage, a specialized product, manufactured with garage use in mind, may be the best option. A garage floor is often subject to harsh wear and tear, and you want a covering that can handle this kind of environment.
Handy Tip
For colder climates where snow and ice are often brought in by your car, paint or epoxy would be the better choice. It’s easy to clean and will not soak up the moisture like tiles or mats are likely to do.
Epoxy Flooring
An epoxy coating can easily be confused with paint as they are applied in a similar fashion, which is with paint rollers or brushes. The chemical composition and final result, however, sets these two apart.
Paint has either an oil-based or water-based solvent. The hardening process happens through the evaporation of this solvent. On the other hand, genuine epoxy coatings harden by a chemical interaction between the resin and the catalyst, which in this case is the hardener. Before you or garage contractors apply epoxy to your floor, consider which type is best for your garage.
Garage builders will agree that genuine epoxy coats the floor with a tough, durable, and appealing finish. Contrary to popular belief, this product is not the same as the so-called “epoxy paint”. Epoxy paint is simply one-part latex paint that has a little bit of epoxy mixed in with it to make the finish harder. The overall performance of epoxy paint is inferior to that of a genuine epoxy coating.
Painted Flooring
For a garage floor that has become stained with various substances, like oil, grease, and rust, a fresh coat of concrete floor paint will make a big difference. When it comes to concrete floor paint there are two options to choose from. One is an oil-based paint and the other a latex paint. These paint options are ideal to use on a garage floor due to their durability and satin, anti-slip finish. They also tend to be stain-resistant when it comes to solvents, salts, and other caustic materials.
Some latex floor paints contain a small quantity of epoxy resin. This aids in making the finish harder and more stain resistant. Whichever paint you decide on, it is important to check that the paint is suitable for use on a concrete floor. If in doubt, consult with a garage construction company for the best professional advice. You will find that paint specifically suitable for concrete flooring will last significantly longer compared to normal paint.
Floor Tiles
Vinyl tiles is one option to use when a garage floor covering is required. People sometimes use the same vinyl that is installed inside the house, for their garage floor. It’s not the best solution though and instead we would recommend the use of rigid or semi-rigid plastic, rubber, or wood composite tile options. This type of floor tiling will create a slightly raised floor that has enough strength to handle the weight of vehicles. The tiles have interlocking edges, making them strong and durable.
Some of these tile options are:
Plastic garage floor tiles are a popular option and they come in a variety of styles to suit all tastes. They are generally manufactured from PVC or polypropylene plastic. They also come with optional accessories for the finishing of edges and door thresholds.
Rubber tiles are another great option. For reference, you would also find these types of tiles in sport halls and children’s play areas. These tiles have the advantage of being tough and slightly buoyant, making it an appealing choice for the garage floor. Homeowners that tend to spend quite a bit of time in their garage/workshop usually prefer this floor covering.
Another option that is frequently installed by garage contractors is a wood composite tile, like for instance the DRICore product. This is a product often used for underlayment when installing carpets. It is also suitable to use as a garage floor covering. These tiles are 2-foot square panels, easy to install and can support plenty of weight. They come with tongue and groove edges and a transition strip finishes the floor ends and corners neatly. A great flooring solution for a garage.
Floor Mats
The simplest solution for a garage floor covering is the laying down of loose mats made from rubber or polyvinyl plastic. It hides ugly stains or minor flooring damages. No preparation is required, and mats can be moved easily and quickly, if required.
Floor mats have various options for you to choose from. Some are textured, others are like rugs or you can choose a type that resembles gym mats. Overall, they are easy to clean, versatile and comfortable underfoot. It’s another good choice, depending on your garage needs.
Important Information Regarding Your Garage Floor
By coating or covering your garage floor, any existing problems with the concrete slab will not magically disappear. If the concrete slab is damaged or cracked it will always cause problems. This is especially true for paint or epoxy coatings. It needs to be attended to and fixed first. Proper preparation is required before any coating or covering can be applied. A garage construction company, like Stanley Garage Builders, can give you the best advice and professional service when it comes to your garage floor installation or repairs.
Almost invariable, pre-existing oil and grease stains on concrete will show through a floor coating. Furthermore, a problem with moisture or dampness will not be resolved by merely coating or covering the floor. Any damages, stains or moisture issues need to be taken care of first before any type of flooring finish is applied to the concrete.
- You should think about insulating the concrete floor if you want to turn your garage into an extended living space.
- The ideal approach to insulating the floor during this type of garage remodel is the following:
- Firstly, lay sleeper strips and rigid foam insulation over the concrete floor.
- This is followed by installing plywood sheets over the first layer of insulation.
- The final layer is the installation of your preferred flooring.
Contact Stanley Garage Builders to speak to our friendly and experienced team. We’d be happy to discuss your garage remodel requirements and can provide you with a free estimate.
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