Most garage floors are bare concrete, but there are plenty of DIY-friendly options to upgrade the floor covering. Paint coatings and stains change the color of the concrete and offer some protection, but they can chip and peel over time.
Whether you choose the modern sleekness of epoxy or comforting textures of interlocking tiles, these options will turn your garage into an attractive showroom.
1. Rubber Tiles
Whether you’re using your garage as a workout room, lounge or game space, rubber flooring is an affordable and easy way to pad your floor. Many rubber floors feature interlocking edges that snap together like a giant puzzle, yielding a finished look with tight seams. This feature also makes it easy to replace damaged tiles without having to redo the entire floor. Cleaning is simple, too — simply sweep the floor and mop it with water or a pH neutral cleaner (never use acidic or petroleum-based cleaners on rubber).
Polyurea is another durable and affordable garage flooring option that can withstand heavy equipment and vehicle traffic. This coating can be applied with a brush, roller or spray, and it’s available in an array of colors. The finish is impervious to chemicals and oils, resists stains and is slip resistant.
Unlike epoxy, this material is not a good choice for areas that will be soaked with liquids, as it can crack and bubble. It’s also not a good option for vehicles, as it can cause tires to stick and slide on the surface. If you choose polyurea, be sure to follow the installation guidelines closely to ensure long-lasting results.
2. Epoxy Coating
If your garage floor is damaged beyond repair, an epoxy coating will restore the concrete and provide a durable surface for driving on. Epoxy flooring is also more appealing to buyers than an unfinished garage floor and can raise property values.
When deciding on an epoxy flooring solution, it is important to consider the amount of work involved in prepping the floor before application as well as how durable the material will be. DIY epoxy flooring kits are available for those who want to apply the coating themselves, but it is important to read the product instructions carefully before beginning. Mistakes during preparation or the application process can lead to poor results, which will be very costly in terms of time and money. For those looking for professional results without the hassle, consulting with reputable epoxy flooring contractors in Houston can ensure a high-quality finish and lasting durability.
It is crucial that you completely empty your garage before applying an epoxy floor coating. This will allow you to remove any tools, vehicles, or workbenches that might be in the way during the application process. You should also remove any freestanding cabinets or storage shelves that touch the floor. Once the floor has been prepped, it is easy to apply the epoxy using a paint roller attached to an extension handle. If you wish, you can add color flakes to the epoxy as it is being applied to add a decorative touch to your garage floor.
3. Interlocking Tiles
Unlike epoxy flooring kits that require professional application and can be expensive, interlocking tiles are affordable and easy to install. They fit together like a puzzle and can be installed in just a few hours without the need for adhesives or special tools. These garage floor tiles offer a durable surface that is resistant to oil and chemicals, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
Interlocking tiles come in a variety of textures that are designed to maximize traction, even when wet. This is an important feature for a garage floor, as it will help to reduce the risk of slipping and falling. They can be installed easily, by aligning the loops and pegs correctly, then snapping them together. You can use a mallet or your hand, but avoid hitting the pegs with too much force as this may damage them.
One drawback of these tiles is that they are not as durable as an epoxy coating and are prone to shifting or coming apart over time, especially in heavy-duty environments such as garage workshops. However, they are a great option for homeowners who want an affordable way to upgrade their garage floor and make it safer to work in.
4. Peel-and-Stick Tiles
Similar to a rolled mat, peel-and-stick tiles offer an easy garage floor covering. These heavy-duty rubber or polyvinyl plastic sheets snap together like a puzzle to form a cushioned and durable floor in just an hour. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, too, making it easy to personalize the look. You can even use them as a temporary covering while painting or priming. Just be sure to clean and prep the floor before installing – moisture behind the tiles can create a breeding ground for mold.
A drawback to peel-and-stick tiles is that they must be fitted over new or extremely clean floors – they will not bond with heavily stained floorings. They are also susceptible to liquid stains, including dyes, ink and harsh chemicals. Additionally, the tiles can lift under the tires of high-performance or all-season vehicles, leaving tire marks on the flooring.
Concrete stain is a good option if you’re looking to elevate your garage’s look with an attractive watercolor or natural stone appearance. It is one of the cheapest options, but it requires extensive surface preparation to get an ideal outcome. Stain is also more vulnerable to stains than epoxy or paint, and it must be retouched regularly to maintain its look.
5. Stain and Sealer
Stain and sealer is a simple garage floor protection option that costs less than epoxy coating. These fluid-applied systems coat the concrete surface and can be tinted to add color. Staining is quick and easy, but it may take a while for the color to fully develop. It can be used to hide blemishes left by patches and repairs, but it doesn’t provide the same level of durability as higher-quality concrete coatings.
These products are designed to reduce dusting and protect the concrete from chemicals, salts and oils. They can also be applied over existing concrete floors to prevent damage and extend the life of the slab.
While floor paints are affordable, they don’t last as long as other options and are often only a temporary improvement for the floor. Paints also chip and flake easily, so they’ll need to be touched up or fully reapplied sooner rather than later. If you choose to use a floor paint, it’s important to prepare the concrete first by cleaning it, patching cracks and applying a primer — all tasks that can be done at home. You’ll also want to use a product that is designed specifically for concrete, such as a densifier.
6. Paint
A floor coating is one of the simplest ways to give your garage an entirely new look without spending a fortune. This can include a variety of options like floor mats, paint, concrete stain and epoxy.
Garage floor paint is a tougher version of interior wall paint, but it’s still susceptible to damage from road salts and chemicals. It’s also prone to scuffing and stains, so you might need to touch it up every year.
Unlike floor paint, garage floor sealers are fairly durable and resist spills and chemicals much better. They’re available in acrylic, latex and urethane versions to meet different needs. Sealers cost less than paints, but they’re still not as hard-wearing.
For a more aesthetically pleasing, colorful option, vinyl flooring can provide an appealing and practical solution for your garage. These floors come in many different colors and styles, so they can easily add to your garage’s decor. They’re also easy to install since they simply stick directly to the concrete. However, vinyl floors are not as resilient as other types of flooring and can crack under pressure. This makes them best for garages with light traffic.
7. Porcelain Tiles
If you can afford to invest in a floor covering that will last a lifetime, porcelain tiles are a great option. They’re available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find one that suits your style. They’re also highly durable, able to withstand the weight of cars and tools.
Porcelain tiles also resist oil, chemicals and stains. This makes them ideal for work garages, where stains and spills are a regular occurrence. This material can also stand up to the heat and cold of your garage, which is a major plus for those living in harsh climates.
One disadvantage of porcelain tile is that it’s more expensive than other options. However, it will add tremendous value to your garage, and its durability makes it worth the upfront investment.