A garage can add somewhere between $12,750 to $33,150 of value to a home. Although, the condition of the garage flooring plays a big factor when it comes to getting the most value.
If you’re in need of a garage remodel, there are several flooring renovation tips to easily transform the space. You’ll also want to maintain your new floors properly after your garage renovation to preserve the added value.
The following guide will explore the most popular options for custom garage floors and how to keep them looking great!
Tile Garage Flooring Options
Tiles for garage flooring are a very popular option in 2023. You’ll find that they come in many materials and colors to fit just about any style. Examples include hard plastic tiles that interlock, vinyl composite tiles, porcelain tiles, and peel-and-stick vinyl tiles.
A lot of tile options are simple enough for homeowners to install themselves. But you want the job to look great in the end, so you might want to hire a professional if you plan to do complex designs like checkered patterns.
Not only does tile flooring look fantastic in garages, but they also help protect your garage from the elements. A lot of high-end tiles are resistant to chemicals, oils, staining, and hard impacts. Tile flooring also cleans up easily and most have anti-slip features.
Garage Flooring Mats
If you want to install new garage flooring yourself but tile seems too daunting, consider rubberized vinyl mats. Similar to tiles, they come in different colors and textures to match your home.
You can even choose a mat size just big enough to park your car on instead of covering the whole garage. Doing so will protect the concrete underneath from stains and wear. It’s a great option on a tight budget and you can always add more mats later.
They’re simple to install and the fastest approach for concealing pitted and cracked concrete. While they can help add value to your current home, you can also pack them up and move them to your next home if you want!
Mats also help drivers park their vehicles in the exact same spot every time they get home. If you live in an area with lots of rain and snow, mats help keep moisture from the concrete underneath.
Popular Coating Options
Many homeowners have opted to go with epoxy coatings for their garage floors in recent years. These durable coatings get applied in multiple coats and offer a ton of benefits.
First, you choose a solid color for your epoxy flooring that complements your garage. Then, you can add a colored chip mixture to give your flooring texture and additional color hues.
It’s not uncommon for epoxy flooring companies to offer a warranty for up to 15 years. You’ve probably seen this type of flooring in auto showrooms, professional kitchens, and warehouses.
Epoxy is easy to clean and it resists most spills so that it stays looking phenomenal. The shiny finish of an epoxy coating can take any garage from drab to stunning.
Affordable Coating Options
If epoxy floors don’t fit your budget, you can always go with the more affordable tried and true method of painting concrete. The best and most affordable paint option for garage floors is water-based latex.
You’ll have almost any color you can think of as an option if you decide to paint your floor. Just remember that it’s not the most durable option and your paint job last forever. Consider adding 1 part epoxy to your mix to add durability.
You can also go with a sealer for your garage floor if you prefer a natural look over colored paints. Sealers are affordable, easy to apply, and they offer a lot of protection. Like epoxy, tiles, and mats, sealers make cleaning your floors a breeze.
It’s important to note that epoxy comes in clear coats to achieve a natural look as well but with more durability.
Maintenance Tips
Now that you have completed your renovation, it’s time to think about maintaining your garage floor. Always clean up oil and grease stains as fast as possible. First, get the area surrounding the stain wet so that it can’t spread to another dry spot.
After soaking the surrounding area, apply a degreaser to the stain and scrub the area thoroughly. Let the degreaser sit there for a few minutes, add more, and scrub it again. Use a high-pressure hose to rinse the area before the degreaser drys out.
For small rust spots, try using lemons or white vinegar to remove them from the floor. For bigger rust spots, skip the lemons and only use vinegar. You’ll let your lemon juice or vinegar sit for 5 minutes, scrub, rinse, and repeat until the rust spot is gone.
If you still see rust spots, create a water-based solution with oxalic acid, trisodium phosphate, or specialty rust stain remover. Just remember to use those products with caution and always read the instructions on the labels.
Just like with stains, you’ll want to act fast if you see minor cracks and fill them yourself. Start by chiseling out any loose material inside the crack and use a shop vac to clear it away. Then, apply an epoxy paste to the crack using a putty knife.
Remove any excessive epoxy paste using a trowel and smooth over the area. Gently sand the area once the epoxy fully drys. If you have to fill in cracks frequently it’s probably time to call a professional before the problem gets out of hand.
Other Garage Remodeling Ideas
Painting the walls in your garage to match your new flooring is inexpensive and adds life to the space. You’ll need to add drywall if you only have studs in your garage but it’s still worth the effort.
Adding windows to your garage might cost a pretty penny, but it’s still a great option to consider. The natural light they’ll allow in can change the feel of your garage completely and also allow a way to air out your garage.
If you do a lot of home projects, adding a workbench can make your garage much more useful. Workbenches can also serve as extra storage and help cut down on clutter.
Choosing and Preserving Custom Garage Floors
Now you know the most popular custom garage floors that can accommodate any style or budget. Remember to always take care of stains and cracks right away to keep your new investment looking its best.
Need more renovation tips? Check out our blog’s home improvement section for additional tips and tricks.
