Whether you want to refresh your concrete floor with durable epoxy, comfort your feet on soft rubber or create a customizable design using interlocking tiles, each option transforms your garage into an appealing and visually interesting part of your home. Consider the maintenance requirements and longevity of each flooring surface to determine which is right for you.
1. Vinyl
If your garage is climate-controlled and you don’t plan on parking cars in it, vinyl floor mats and rolls can create a durable, inexpensive, and stain-resistant flooring. They are easy to clean and can be customized with a variety of colors.
You can also find textured tiles that provide excellent traction and can resist gasoline, chemicals, and oil spills. They are a good choice for home gyms and workshops.
Epoxy coatings are another great option that add durability to the concrete while hiding stains and scratches. They can be applied in a few coats, and most offer flakes to create a terrazzo-like appearance. They take longer to cure than other options and can be expensive. You will need to patch, prep, and clean the floor before applying an epoxy coating. You can choose a water-based or solvent-based product.
2. Concrete
Concrete garage floors offer durability and low maintenance with a variety of color options. They’re also resistant to the weight of a car, truck, or other vehicle.
Epoxy, polyurea and true polyaspartic coating systems protect concrete from damage while providing a tough surface that is non-absorptive so oils, fluids and street salt will not stain the floor. These coatings are easy to clean, durable and can even have anti-slip media broadcasted into the top coat for maximum surface grip.
Penetrating concrete sealers are another inexpensive option that reduces dusting and protects the concrete from stains and damage, but do not make your garage floor look better. These types of fixes often need to be redone in a short time.
3. Rubber
When converting your garage to a workshop, home gym or playroom, you need a durable flooring option that will resist heavy loads and spills. Learn how different types of flooring tackle these challenges so you can choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Rubber mats are an affordable solution that provide good traction and protection from oil staining on underlying surfaces. They are easy to install and can be easily rolled up when not in use. If you want more style options, look for a raised square pattern that combines slip-resistance with sleek texture.
If you prefer a smoother surface, epoxy floor coatings are a great option for your garage. They are easy to clean, highly resistant to stains, and come in an array of attractive colors. However, they are a bit more expensive and require a bit more work to install than mats.
4. Epoxy
When it comes to durability, nothing beats a high-quality epoxy floor coating. Considering professional epoxy flooring contractors through their map listing can provide access to experienced professionals who specialize in applying durable epoxy coatings for various spaces.
The material resists impact damage, chemical spills and UV rays. This makes it an excellent choice for heavy-duty areas like garages and industrial spaces. Professionals use a primer that penetrates the concrete to create a strong bond and enhance durability. They also have the equipment and epoxy volume needed to saturate concrete pores, extending coating life.
A quality epoxy is odor-free and does a great job of hiding surface damage. However, it’s still vulnerable to moisture. A polyurea or urethane floor coating can protect the epoxy from UV and moisture damage. This new type of resinous floor coating is becoming more popular as it offers a superior level of protection and looks great. This option costs more but is less likely to require costly repairs or touch-ups.
5. Interlocking Tiles
Transforming your garage floor into a functional space can make a big difference in your home. Interlocking tiles offer an easy installation method that saves time and labor costs.
Unlike other types of flooring that require professional help, interlocking tiles can be installed by a homeowner with basic DIY skills and a free afternoon. They also typically don’t require adhesive, lowering installation costs even more.
These durable and attractive garage floor tiles are easy to clean and maintain. They’re also able to withstand moisture and are resistant to stains, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Foam and rubber options provide cushioning and shock absorption for comfortable flooring that prevents injury from falls or dropped items.
6. Laminate
Laminate garage floors offer a fresh new look and are relatively easy to install. They’re also resistant to scuff marks, scratches and most normal household chemical spills (like magic markers, Kool-Aid & paint).
Graphite, flagstone or sandstone flooring can add a sophisticated look to your garage floor. It’s also durable and slip-resistant, making it a good choice for high traffic areas where comfort is important.
Unlike epoxy, stone floor coatings are not ideal for temperature controlled spaces. However, if you plan to use your garage for more than just storage, these floors are a great choice. They can be color stained and sealed like concrete or a garage floor mat, which allows for quick installation and replacement. These flooring options also require less maintenance than concrete. Most are made to withstand heavy loads of parked cars.
7. Wood
Using wood flooring in your garage is an excellent choice for homeowners who want to make their home’s interior look more like their personal style. It’s resilient, easy to clean and offers insulating properties. The material can also be molded to fit the shape of your vehicle.
A wood garage floor can also be stained, though this method is not as durable as concrete stain and is prone to water damage from ice and snow. It’s also a fire hazard if you use oil or other flammable materials in the space.
Tile is another option that can beautify your garage. It’s available in a wide range of textures, colors and aesthetically pleasing designs, but it’s expensive and not suited to temperature controlled spaces. It’s also susceptible to cracking and breaking if exposed to moisture. It’s also a good idea to lay down a protective coating over it.
8. Carpet
Standard carpet can be used as garage flooring, but there is also special floor mats and coatings made specifically for the space. They come in a variety of colors and designs and can add a nice look to the floor. They’re also easier to clean than concrete and feel better underfoot.
They’re great for a man cave or workshop and can give the room a masculine, athletic feel. However, they’re not suited to parking cars and will wear away quickly from the pressure of tyres.
Epoxy is a durable, highly resistant option that can last up to three years in heavy traffic. It’s also easy to clean and can withstand the chemicals that are often used in a garage. It can be a tricky DIY project though and takes some time to install. You can find epoxy in various colors and finishes to suit your style.
9. Stone
Natural stone provides a sophisticated look to garage designs. High-end stone floors like sandstone or graphite are typically tiled and bound with epoxy, offering both durability and eye-catching design. However, they can be quite expensive. Also, this type of flooring is cold in winter and requires regular resealing.
A more affordable option for a stone-like finish is mottled concrete stain. Stain seeps into the existing floor and becomes part of it. This can create a watercolor effect or the natural marbled look of stone. However, this flooring is susceptible to cracking if the concrete becomes too damp. It also must be resealed regularly to prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the floor, causing damage and mold growth.
10. Tile
Tile garage floors add visual interest to your garage, and if you choose the interlocking variety, they’re easy to install. They’re also robust enough to withstand the spills and puddles of water, oil, and chemicals.
Wood-styled vinyl tiles are a good option for a garage that doubles as a workshop or man cave, but they don’t hold up well to vehicle tire marks and jack stands. PVC or polypropylene modular floor tiles are a better choice, as they’re designed to allow moisture that gets under the system to wick out.
Tip: For a unique look, try staggering the tiles rather than laying them in straight rows. You can even rotate them 45 degrees for a truly one-of-a-kind garage floor. This can help mask the fact that you’re installing garage floor tiles over concrete. This will reduce the cost of installation by about $1 per square foot.