If your garage floors have seen their better days, it may be time for an upgrade. You’ll have a lot of different options, though, so it will be easy to create a space that you love.
Do you ever really look at your garage floor? It’s not something that most people put a lot of focus on, but most have seen better days. If your floors are old, dirty, worn, or even just haven’t been updated in quite some time, consider a change.
You like this garage floor? See other ideas from Wonderful Engineering
If your garage floors need a little upgrade or even just some love, this article will cover what you can do. Find out about paints and paint styles, ways to create new spaces, and even some other improvements that you probably weren’t expecting. Let’s dive in.
Don’t Start Yet!
There are several different coatings and covering options for garage floors, and we’ll get to those in time. However, we first want to talk about the repair and prep of the floor. If your floor has any cracks, damage, or other issues, they will need to be corrected before you can put down a new surface or coating. Any excess grease or oil stains should be cleaned, too, because those can bleed through some coverings and cause issues.
First things first, repair and prepare the surface. Image from Pixabay
Moisture issues are a big problem and they’re not something that can be solved by just putting down a new floor. Condensation needs to be dealt with first and then you can consider improvements. Find out about weatherstripping and what it can do here. Once you’ve taken care of the repairs, you can worry about the looks.
If you find extensive damage or anything that warrants a full replacement of the floor, you will need to bring in the professionals. This could include:
- Temperature extremes have created cracks in several areas or with extensive damage.
- The threshold on your garage door has been damaged and needs replaced or repaired.
- Chipping and other wear and tear is evident.
- A visual inspection shows signs of sinking or other issues.
- The floor has stains, signs of age and wear, or other problems.
- Perhaps you just no longer like the current floor in your garage.
All of these situations could lead to a floor replacement. However, if you are dealing with more minor issues, you may want to consider the options below before you do a full replacement. Consider all the choices and what’s best for your floor.
New floors can be the perfect touch for your contemporary garage. Considering an all-glass garage door? Check out the California , in 18'x8', Black aluminum frame and Mirror glass
Try Epoxy
The first thing to know is that epoxy and paint are two different substances. Both are applied with brushes and rollers, but they are completely different materials and their performance differs, as well. Epoxy will harden on the floor due to a chemical reaction, while paint hardens because of evaporation. Once the epoxy has set, it offers a long-lasting durable coating for all kinds of garage floors.
Epoxy paint is also different than proper, straight epoxy. Paint has small amounts of epoxy mixed with paint compounds, so it won’t offer the full performance. Straight epoxy comes with a resin and hardener that are mixed immediately before application and then applied on your garage floor.
What About Paint?
It is easy for garage floors to become worn with grease, rust, and oil. People experience this when they work on vehicles or projects in the garage, and it’s really not a difficult issue to handle. In fact, paints are available that will cover the floors, including the stains that are present. Non-slip satin paints are a leading choice here because they resist salt, solvents, and other materials. These paints are durable and designed for use in garages and other workspaces.
If you decide to use latex paint, it might include epoxy. This could add a harder finish and offer more stain resistance. Regardless of the paint that you select, make sure that it’s designed for use on the concrete of your garage floor. That way, you’ll get the best results.
Although paint and epoxy are quite different, they can both be applied to the garage floor fairly quickly.
Paint is a great way to add visual appeal to your garage floors.
Maybe It’s Time for Tile
If you like simple designs, you might want to use tile to help the space look new again. The tiles found in garages are similar to those found in kitchens and baths, with most being made of rubber, wood composite, or a semi-rigid plastic.
Tiles will lock together in the floor so that they provide a secure fit. This could cause the floor to be slightly raised, but that will also provide additional support for vehicles and other heavy equipment. If the floor is already uneven, tiles could help with leveling it out.
- There are many tiles made from polypropylene plastic or PVC. There may also be edge pieces, finishing pieces, and thresholds available in these materials.
- Some garages will do well to use rubber tiles. These are often found in gyms, sports facilities, and playrooms, and offers a comfortable surface for those who spend a lot of time working in their garage space.
- Wood composite tile is the final choice, which comes in planks, or strips, that will support plenty of weight, thanks to the tongue-in-groove design. There are even transition strips that you can install by the overhead and man doors.
When you need something that looks as good as it works, tile is a great choice for the modern garage. Consider what you’ll be doing with the space to make sure that you get the right material. There’s something for every need that will fit every garage.
Tile is easy to clean and it offers a fresh look. Do you think it fits your garage space?
Floor Mats for An Easy Victory
If you need a quick change or temporary fix, floor mats might be the way to go. These mats are easy to maintain and they provide a great solution to spruce things up without having to commit to a full installation. They roll out and are usually made of rubber or plastic. Some install similarly to tile and snap together to create a secure fit. They’re great for covering cracks and stains without a lot of prep work, and they’re even better at handling abuse than paint or epoxy.
You’ll find all kinds of floor mats, including those that are similar to rugs, those that are specially padded for comfort, and even made to have texture to provide a safe, nonslip finish for your garage. No matter what you choose, they’re easy to maintain and easy to install so that you don’t have to stress or spend a fortune.
It’s Not Just the Floors: Other Considerations
A new floor can make a world of difference. What other changes can you make? Consider adding a smart garage door opener. Or, have the pros install window s to open up the space. You can even go all out and choose an all-new garage door to show off your new garage floor.
Consider a modern garage door with windows for a unique finish. You love these garage doors? These are Eastman E-13 , 8'x7', in Desert Sand doors and overlays, with Panoramic Clear Windows.
Call the Pros Today
Contact local garage door dealers to get help choosing your new garage door. They will ensure that you find a style that fits your needs and your budget.
Island Overhead Doors makes it easy, from helping you choose the best door to giving you a simple, straightforward email quotation.
If you’re not sure about home styles, that’s okay. Check out the guide to the 3 styles that most homes fall under and which doors are recommended.
Call us at 902-439-7907. We’ll make sure that you get the details you need and get on your way to a better garage in no time.
Enjoy using apps?
Try our Design Centre if you’re looking for inspiration. From any smartphone or tablet, you can look at several doors, upload photos of your garage, and more.
Still not sure what's right for you?
You'll find tons of gorgeous garage doors waiting here. Explore our gallery to get inspired by what other customers have chosen for their designs.
Add new comment