6 Innovative Garage Flooring Ideas
The garage is usually a dusty, dirty catch-all spot that houses everything from holiday decorations to camping gear. A durable flooring upgrade can turn this drab space into a functional and attractive part of the home.
From the modern sleekness of epoxy to the comforting textures of rubber and interlocking tiles that lock together, find a floor covering for your garage that fits your aesthetic.
Vinyl Sheets
Vinyl sheet is a popular garage flooring idea because it can be easily installed and replaced, and it’s relatively inexpensive. It’s available in a vast array of patterns, and can be designed to look like almost any other common flooring material including wood, stone and tile. It’s also impermeable, meaning that it is unable to absorb moisture.
Because of this, it is more susceptible to moisture emissions from concrete slabs than modular products like vinyl composition tile (VCT) and luxury vinyl tile or plank (LVT or LVP). This moisture and the high alkalinity salts that emit with it can collect on the adhesive layer, causing it to fail.
The nature of rotogravure (which uses printing to create the visual) means that vinyl sheets can be created to mimic almost any type of common flooring material. Some examples include wood, stone and slate as well as abstract patterns.
Sheet vinyl is softer underfoot than most other hard-surface floors and is warmer to the touch, making it a good choice for an area where comfort is important. It is also a less durable option, and may not last as long as other flooring materials.
The downside to sheet vinyl is that it can be difficult for an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer to install, as it is created on a large calender press in big (6′-12′) rolls. This makes it bulky and unwieldy to manage, and cutting to perfectly fit a surface is a challenge.
Peel-and-Stick Tiles
As the name implies, peel-and-stick tiles come with adhesive on their backs, so they stick to walls and floors without the need for additional materials or specialized tools. They are available in many different styles and materials, from vinyl and faux leather to stone and gel. Some offer a modern, geometric design while others mimic ceramic tile or wood flooring. They are often less expensive than traditional tile and, if properly installed, can last longer than painted drywall or linoleum.
They are quick to install, which makes them ideal for renters or those who want a simple and inexpensive way to update their spaces. They also allow for easy removal if you change your mind about the décor or move out. However, because they lack the durability of grout and thin-set tile, they’re not recommended for areas that experience a lot of foot traffic or moisture exposure.
When installing, it’s important to follow the product’s installation guidelines. For example, you should always ensure the surface is clean and level. You should also sand or scrape any protrusions and remove old adhesive. The tile’s backing paper typically has arrows printed on it, so you should lay each tile according to the arrows in order to get the most consistent results. You may also need to apply a floor roller to the surface to help ensure proper adhesion. This is especially important if you’re using peel-and-stick tile over concrete or other hard surfaces.
Coating Concrete
Concrete floors look tough and durable, but they’re prone to moisture and dirt that can damage the floor or create stains. A durable coating prevents these problems, and it’s an attractive option as well. For example, epoxy is barely affected by harsh chemicals that would damage a standard concrete floor. This makes it a popular choice for chemical plants, automotive garages and other industrial settings. It also holds up well against hot tires, avoiding the dreaded “hot tire pickup” that can soften low-quality paints and degrade them over time.
Another concrete-coating option is microtopping, which is a thin layer of polymer-modified concrete that adds a fresh new surface to an existing floor. It’s a quick and affordable way to give your garage floor a facelift. It also offers a wide variety of color options, giving you the chance to choose an aesthetic that matches your garage décor and other home design.
If you’re looking for a way to make your garage flooring more interesting, consider epoxy flooring. Contact these experts and refer to their epoxy products catalog for more information. Aside from epoxy flooring, you may also consider stenciled patterns. These designs can be applied before the overlay or staining process, letting you create a custom floor. Then, once the floor is cured, you can simply lift up and replace them with new stencils to refresh your space again.
Interlocking Tiles
A garage floor that is covered in interlocking tiles can provide a durable surface that is also easy to clean and maintain. This type of flooring is available in a wide range of materials, colors and patterns to allow you to create a garage floor that suits your style and preferences. Many options are slip resistant and can help reduce the risk of accidents. If you have a tight budget, interlocking tiles are a great option as they can be purchased at an affordable price and installed with ease.
The modular nature of these tiles makes them ideal for DIY installation, which helps you save on labor costs and time. They typically don’t require any adhesives and can be cut to accommodate obstacles or unique room shapes. You can find interlocking tiles made of rubber, vinyl, PVC and other durable materials to withstand heavy foot traffic and impact. There are also foam options that offer cushion and shock absorption to make the garage more comfortable underfoot.
Many interlocking tile options are designed to be water-resistant and can withstand chemicals, oil and other harmful substances. They are a great choice for a garage where you will be changing vehicles or performing other tasks that can spill liquids or leave residue on the floor. Cleaning up the tiles is as simple as removing any loose debris and using a broom or vacuum cleaner to damp mop the floor.
Garage Floor Mats
Garage floor mats provide a simple and cost-effective way to cover concrete floors. They’re available in a variety of colors and designs, including textured or padded options. They’re typically made of durable flooring materials like rubber and polyvinyl plastic, making them resistant to chemicals and impact. These mats are also easy to clean and won’t absorb spilled oil or other fluids, so they don’t create slippery conditions.
These mats can also be used to conceal unattractive cracks and stains in the garage floor. Using these mats, customers can transform their garage into a comfortable workshop space without having to worry about unsightly marks on the concrete floor. In addition, these garage floor mats trap snow and mud so that they don’t make their way into the house.
These mats are especially effective in preventing slipping because they provide traction to prevent people from falling over objects on the garage floor. They’re also designed to be easily cleaned, so they can be rolled up and put away when not in use. If you want to add a little more style, these garage floor mats are available with a raised square pattern that provides slip-resistance and a unique texture. You can also choose a more minimalist option with a single color of tile for a sleek look.
Vinyl Composition Tile
VCT is the most common flooring material in commercial spaces because it offers a variety of color and design options. It is also durable and affordable for a hard-wearing floor covering. It can easily hide scuff marks, and it is easy to clean with mild soap or detergent. It is recommended to sweep and vacuum a VCT floor daily to prevent dust from abrasive the surface. Regular mopping with a mild soap or detergent will keep the floor looking shiny and new.
VCT tiles can mimic the look of traditional materials such as ceramic tile, wood and stone. It is possible to have a bolder approach with acid-green or sunburst orange floors, or even a checkerboard pattern. VCT is a great choice for retail organizations, educational facilities, healthcare and hospitality venues, light industrial locations and commercial offices.
All the flooring options described above leave the concrete floor looking like the bare concrete it is, but they don’t address its dings, dents, cracks and other damage. One way to cover the dings and dents is to coat the concrete with a film coating, such as epoxy. Epoxy resin is a great choice for a garage because it provides an extremely durable surface that can stand up to heavy foot and vehicle traffic. It is important to prepare the concrete floor for epoxy by cleaning the concrete, patching cracks and holes and priming.