When you’re starting to consider installing a new floor in your garage or replacing an aging concrete floor, the range of options can be staggering.
We know the feeling. We’ve been consulting for years with clients to find just the right flooring for their garage. One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to garages.
So, what works for you and your space? We’ve compiled a list of advantages, disadvantages, and costs for each major type of garage floor to help you get a handle on the overall picture.
Note that all three options give an incredible look and feel to your garage. They also protect the floor and add market value.
Epoxy Garage Floor Coating
- Coating options include solid color, decorative chip, and metallic coating. On top of that, there’s a wide range of colors, styles, and textures.
- Can be applied to any hard surface and adheres very well to concrete. Drying time is a relatively short—18 to 24 hours.
- Durable and long-lasting, averaging up to 15 years. Professional application provides a five-year warranty.
- Easily cleaned and maintained. Stain-, chemical-, and impact-resistant. Anti-skid surface.
- Disadvantage: It does not adhere well in high humidity environments.
- Costs: $3 to $12 per square foot. A two-car garage at 500 square feet would range from $1,500 to $6,000 installation.
- DIY application can somewhat reduce cost but requires moderate expertise, a considerable time investment, and hard hands-on work. Plus, there is no warranty, and you can expect to reapply the coating every few years.
Ceramic, Stone and Plastic Tile Flooring
- Ceramic and stone available in a variety of materials, textures, and colors.
- Flexible plastic tiles available in hard plastic, flexible PVC, and vented.
- Can easily be cleaned and provide a non-slip surface.
- Extremely long life in all three options.
- Disadvantages: Stone and ceramic require grout that needs to be replaced often. They are also subject to cracking, breaking, and staining. Plastic tiles can also stain, and they are prone to expansion and contraction during extremes in temperature.
- Costs: $3 to $6 per square foot. A two-car garage at 500 square feet would cost between $1,500 and $3,000 including installation.
Polished Concrete Garage Flooring
- Using concrete dyes, a virtually unlimited range of colors and patterns is possible.
- Polishing can be adjusted to provide a matte surface up to a very high-gloss shiny surface.
- The surface is extremely durable, lasting up to 20 years or more.
- High humidity and moisture are no problem.
- Stain-resistant and easily cleaned.
- Disadvantage: Lengthy curing time of two to four weeks.
- Costs: The typical range is $3 to $8 per square foot. However, especially complex coloring and patterns can cost up to $15 per square foot. This would bring the cost of a 500 square foot two-car garage into the range of $750 to $7,500.
We’ve Got You Covered
As noted earlier, we’ve installed quite a few garage floors over the years. With that level of experience and expertise, we’re here to help from the selection process to the final installation.
It’s time to investigate the options for your home. Contact Pittsburgh Garage for a free on-site consultation. We can help you make your garage dreams come true!
