Tips on Garage Floor-Covering Options

There are a few different reasons why a person may consider garage floor covering options. It could be for purely appearance reasons or it could be for practical reasons such as a softer floor to work on. Whatever the reason you may be considering garage floor coverings, you have some different options to choose from.

The advantage of choosing a floor covering for the garage over a coating is that the covering does a good job at hiding imperfections in the floor such as cracks or pockmarks. A garage floor coating such as an epoxy or stain often highlights imperfections while a covering can work to make a floor look completely new. Also, coverings are not hard to put into place and take very little preparation for the flooring. Usually all it takes is a good sweep or vacuum over the garage floor before lying the covering down.

Rollout Mat Coverings

Rollout mats are by far the easiest floor coverings to install. The mat is a thick and rubbery and can come in a variety of lengths, colors, and patterns. Several of these mats can be laid next to each other to cover the entire garage floor.

To install a rollout mat in the garage all you have to do is clean the surface of the floor and unroll the flooring and butt the edges together or overlap them. Then trim back the excess with a sharp knife. It is recommended that you not tape the edges of the mat to the floor as they will expand and contract with weather fluctuations.

Most of these mats are pretty durable but they can be stained by chemicals, oil, and even hot tires. These mats can also get slippery when wet and can be easily cut from sharp utensil and even gravel. These mats are relatively inexpensive and can run anywhere from $2-$5 a square foot.

Rigid Snap Together Floor Tiles

One of the options that people have for garage floor coverings when it comes to tiles is rigid snap together ones. These come in a variety of different sizes, colors, and styles. Some versions are even perforated so that water from spills or melting snow can be drained away which means dealing with less mold.

These tiles are not difficult to install. Line up the tiles in the space that you want them on the garage floor. Just step on them and click the female and male loops together.

Since these tiles are rigid, they can handle heavier loads, which may appeal to people who work on their cars in their garage or have heavy machinery they store in that space. These tiles also don't expand and contract as much as the flexible covering options. The tiles range in price from $2.50 - $4.50 a square foot.

Interlocking Flexible Tiles for Garage Floors

Interlocking flexible floor tiles generally come in two sizes: 12 x 12 in. or 18 x 18 in. They are flexible plastic tiles that come in several different patterns and colors that allow homeowners to customize their own designs on their garage floors.

The tiles are installed with using a rubber mallet or wallpaper roller to tap or press the interlocking parts together. The tiles can be cut with a sharp utility knife to fit into designs and odd-shaped spaces.

These flexible tiles are more slip resistant than the rubbery rollout mats and are better with liquid resistance. Most people find them more comfortable on the feet as well especially after working for several hours in the garage. The tiles are subject to staining but it's much easier to replace one tile rather than having to buy a new rollout mat. Just like the mats, though they will expand and contract in extreme weather conditions. The tiles range from $2.50 - $5.50 per square foot.

A garage floor covering is a great way to not only spruce up the look of a garage but can also provide comfort and protection. Before purchasing the covering, a person should consider the options they have and decide which flooring option is best for their home.