Garage flooring may not be high on your list of priorities. If you are just moving into a new home, there are a million other things demanding your attention, and if you’ve lived in your current house for awhile, the thought of emptying the garage to install some sort of garage floor covering probably seems like way more trouble than it’s worth.
Actually, once you have made the effort to cover and protect your garage floor, you will more than likely think the same thing that so many others have, which is “why did I wait so long to do this?”
Whether you plan to simply park your car in the garage or use it as a recreation room where you will entertain guests, it will be important to protect the concrete that is the flooring found in most garages. Due to its porous nature, concrete stains very easily and spills or leaks of oil, antifreeze and other chemicals can be next to impossible to remove. Fortunately, there are a variety of floor covering options available.
Painting is the solution that initially comes to mind for most people. A little research, however, often results in a rethinking of that option. Applying garage floor paint is not at all the same as painting a wall in the den. Extensive preparations are necessary to even have a chance at getting the paint to bond to the concrete, and, even then, there is no guarantee that it won’t peel due to moisture or some other factor.
There are garage floor epoxy products designed specifically for use on concrete. They come in a variety of colors and can be combined with color chips to create an attractive pattern. Here again, even though advertised for the do-it-yourselfer, it might be a good idea to get a professional opinion before attempting to use any garage floor coating. You don’t want to join the ranks of those who spent several days painting their garage floors only to have them start to peel in a very short time.
Garage floor mats are a common option for many. Typically made from vinyl, they do a great job of protecting garage floors from spills or cover up areas that have already been stained. They come in various sizes, shapes, colors and degrees of thickness, as well as an anti slip backing. Being movable, they are easy to clean or replace. Some homeowners mark parking spots with them, while others place them strategically throughout the garage. The cushioning can also be a benefit, especially in an area used as a workspace.
Collectors of antique or high end autos have long used garage floor tiles, not only for floor protection but to also really jazz up the space. More and more, these colorful tiles are now being installed in garages everywhere. These tiles look great, but one of the main attractions is the ease of installation. No labor-intensive floor prep required here. In fact, no preparation at all. The tiles are simply installed over the concrete without any adhesives, glues or chemicals. There is no need to vent the area like when a coating is being used, and the garage can be used immediately.
Every situation is unique and what you choose will depend on your own individual situation. The important thing is that whether you decide on the most expensive garage floor tile, epoxy paint with color chips or a few simple mats, you will benefit from protecting your garage floor, now, for many years to come.
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