Many homeowners underestimate the importance of garage floors. It is a surface that experiences lots of wear and tear due to high pressure. Like for a garage door, there are so many flooring options on the market, but not all of them will work for the garage. You need a material that is durable and can withstand the pressure but also isn’t susceptible to stains.
In this post, we review the different options together with their main characteristics. Based on this, you can make a final decision that suits your specific needs and budget.
What is the best material for a garage floor?
1. Concrete flooring
Cost: $60 per square metre for polished concrete, $100 for grind and seal polished concrete.
Pros
- Hard and durable material. The concrete flooring won’t show signs of wear and tear, even with constant movement and pressure.
- Budget-friendly option. If you work with a budget, then concrete is an excellent option for you. It doesn’t cost much for installation and sealing.
- Low maintenance. Concrete is easy to clean and stain resistant, so you will only need to sweep and mop the surface.
- Aesthetic finish. Concrete floors don’t necessarily have to look dull and plain. Introducing textures and different finishes make concrete a versatile option for garages.
Cons
- Concrete might feel uncomfortable if you stand for too long. However, you can place a mat or other alternative to feel more comfortable if you need to fix your car.
- Not moisture resistant. Concrete should be sealed with special agents to be protected from moisture. Otherwise, it might result in the appearance of mould.
2. Epoxy flooring
Cost: $30-$35 per square meter, $80-$100 for decorative finish included.
Pros
- Durable and resistant. Epoxy flooring is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas that experience a lot of wear and tear. They are known as being resistant to chemicals, so don’t worry about accidentally spilling gasoline or bleach.
- Epoxy can be used on top of any material to protect it against chipping. You can add it over existing concrete or stone floors to protect it against damage.
- Epoxy flooring isn’t an expensive solution and is very versatile.
- The thing that homeowners love the most about epoxy flooring is the stylish choices. You have a wide selection of attractive colours that will suit your preference.
- Easy to clean. The smooth surface makes these floors best for cleaning. Remove dirt from the surface with a quick sweep and mop to clean the built-up dirt.
Cons
- If you don’t add a suitable non-slip finish, epoxy floors can be risky. Especially when wet or after an oil spill. Make sure to add a special final coat to prevent the floor from being slippery.
- Moisture problems. If the garage has moisture issues, avoid this type of flooring. Over time, it might lift as a result of chronic moisture.
- Too loud. The flooring is tough, so it will be noisy when you walk.
3. Rubber Tile Flooring
Cost: $10 per square metre, depending on the quality and thickness of rubber.
Pros
- Rubber is a highly durable material and offers you stability.
- Different style options available. You are free to choose the colours that match your preference. From fancy patterns to fun textures, you can always add a dose of playfulness into the space.
- Easy to install. If you are up for a DIY project, then rubber tiles are the way to go. They are easy to install on any subfloors, so this is a DIY-friendly project that you can finish quickly.
- Repairs are too simple. You can remove the damaged tile and replace it with a new one. They are lightweight, which makes handling easier.
Cons
- The process can be time-consuming if you need to cover a large area.
- The flooring isn’t waterproof, as moisture can find its way through the seams. Also, the untextured floor can be slippery when wet, so you need to be very careful.
- The rubber smell will be present in the first few months after installation. If you are sensitive to scents, then this will be a no for you.
4. Vinyl Flooring
Cost: $30 to $45 per square metre, depending on quality.
Pros
- Vinyl flooring comes in tiles which are easy to install. This is another DIY-friendly project that you can do by yourself.
- Available in different colours and styles. There is a wide choice of colours on the market so you can easily find your favourite.
- Easy cleaning and simple maintenance.
Cons
- Vinyl flooring is tricky to remove if you use adhesive.
- Since it is a cheap material, it won’t have any impact on your home’s value. In some cases, it might even have a negative effect.
- Can be damaged by sharp or heavy objects.
5. Stone flooring
Cost: from $80 per square metre.
Pros
- Extremely hard and durable. Stone flooring is also stain resistant.
- Versatile designs and luxurious look. Many different stone choices will add versatility to your space, such as sandstone and flagstone.
Cons
- Stone can be very cold in winter. This will make you feel uncomfortable if you work in the garage.
- It can be pretty costly. Compared to other options, the stone is expensive and not recommended if you are on a budget.
- Stone flooring is challenging to replace.
Is painting a garage floor a good idea?
There are so many reasons to paint your garage floor. And it isn’t all about the aesthetics, although a painted floor looks very pleasing. These are the advantages of painting a garage floor:
Easy cleaning
Garages tend to accumulate lots of dust and dirt. By covering the concrete with a coat of paint, it will be smoother and accumulate less dirt. It will be easy to clean, and help prevent dirt from entering your home.
A layer of protection
A coat of paint can offer adequate protection, depending on its properties. There are different products available on the market, so you can have the floors protected from mould, moisture, and chemicals.
Budget-friendly
Covering the floor with paint isn’t expensive at all. You can choose to do it by yourself or hire professionals to do it for you. This cheap solution will also increase the value of your home. It will give the dull concrete flooring a quick update and make it look more attractive in the eyes of the buyers. And let’s not forget that it reflects light and makes the garage look brighter.
