If you’re aiming to add style and color to your garage, start with the floor. Standard concrete slab garage floors are functional but can be made attractive and comfortable with a bit of effort. There are many ways to spruce up a garage floor, and homeowners often struggle to decide which option to choose.
An effective way to think about a new garage floor is to divide choices into two categories: coatings and coverings. Here’s what you need to know to pick the best option for your garage floor.
Floor tiles and floor mats are suitable for garage floors. Floor Tiles: Resilient vinyl floor tiles used in other living spaces can cover a garage floor, but rigid or semi-rigid plastic, rubber, or wood composite tiles are better. These products have interlocking edges and form a slightly raised floor with strength to support vehicles. Floor tiles are a good choice when a concrete slab is badly stained or cracked and hard to repair. Tile options include plastic garage floor tiles (usually made from PVC or polypropylene plastic, with various accessories), rubber tiles (similar to interlocking tiles, often used in sports facilities and playrooms), and wood composite tiles (used as underlayment, sold in 2-foot-square panels, strong with tongue-and-groove edges). Floor Mats: The easiest way to cover a garage floor is with mats made from rubber or polyvinyl plastic. Mats can be installed over slightly stained or cracked concrete floors without prep work. Some mats resemble rugs, others are textured or like padded gym mats. Easy-to-clean mats with enough thickness are best. Repair and Preparation Concerns: Garage floor coatings and coverings should not be used to ignore damaged slabs. Address underlying damage like cracked slabs, oil and grease stains, and moisture problems before coating or covering. If converting the garage into a living space or making it more comfortable, consider insulating the concrete slab by laying sleeper strips and rigid foam insulation, then covering with plywood sheets and chosen flooring.