As simple and utilitarian as a plain concrete garage floor can be, there are other flooring options that can make it more comfortable and more aesthetically pleasing, not to mention more durable.
Let’s take a look at a few of these flooring options so you can decide which one would be best for your garage.
Garage Floor Coatings
Garage floor coatings come in either latex paint or epoxy. They can be applied easily with a paint roller, and they can both cover up stains, cracks and other minor imperfections in your garage floor. Of the two options, epoxy is almost always the better choice as it can extend the life of your garage floor and protect it against spills that might otherwise stain or damage it. If you’re living in New York area than you’ll be amazed with Epoxy Flooring NYC.
Garage Floor Tiles
If you don’t want to take the time to apply a coating to your concrete garage floor, you can always lay down some garage floor tiles instead. These tiles are made from plastic, rubber, or composite wood mats, and they are durable enough to withstand the punishment that most garage floors endure. They do have to be kept clean, and they might need to be replaced if they take too much of a beating, but the very fact that you only need to lay them down on your concrete floor makes them an easier and more convenient option than an epoxy coating or paint.
Garage Floor Mats
Flooring is essentially a thick, rubbery mat that comes in a variety of lengths, widths, colors and patterns. You can put a mat only under your car or you can combine several mats together to cover an entire garage. They are very easy to install, all you need to do is sweep the garage floor paint, unroll the flooring and butt the edges together or overlap them and then trim the mats to fit with a utility knife. Garage floor mats are durable, but they can be permanently stained by hot tires and chemicals. These mats can be slippery in snowy or icy weather and are susceptible to being cut or gouged by motorcycle kickstands, hot metal shards and gravel.
Concrete Sealer and Concrete Stain
If you have a concrete garage floor, simply sealing your floor might be enough. Sealing will make your garage floor look more attractive, and the sealer will ward off stains, ensuring that the floor keeps looking fresh. Always use a solvent-based sealer, which can create a wet look and offer exceptional floor protection, because water-based sealer might not last as long.
Concrete stain can be applied in a thin coat that lets the old floor show through. Concrete stain is one of the cheapest and easiest garage flooring options. If your concrete is in good shape then you can wind it up with an attractive watercolor or natural stone look. It’s not so great if your floor is spotted and splattered, because those imperfections will show through. Stain tends to last longer than paint, because it actually becomes part of the concrete, so it doesn’t chip off as easily.
These different types of garage flooring are relatively easy to install in your own garage, but there are also contractors who will help you if you need it. All you need to do is Google “garage flooring Chicago” or wherever you might be located to find a flooring contractor who will sell you the supplies you need or will install a new floor that is perfect for your garage.
