The best garage flooring for you will vary depending on your garage needs.
Whether your garage is used for plain old parking or designed to be your company’s headquarters, there are lots of great flooring choices to choose from.
Lets take a close look at the best garage flooring materials that may work for you.
Average Garage Flooring Cost
Garage floor replacement costs around $2,100.
For small recoating and repairs, you can spend as little as $250, but a complete revamp of the surface can cost more than $3,500.
The total cost depends on the square footage, material, and type of service you need.
Garage Flooring Cost Breakdown
On average, homeowners pay around $6 per square foot for garage flooring, including the labor cost.
You can save up to $3 per square foot if you do the small fixes and repairs yourself.
The materials and equipment cost between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, while the labor cost is from $1 to $6.50 per square foot.
For epoxy flooring, you’re likely to pay from $2.50 to $11.50 per square foot, labor included.
The price for laminate flooring is around the same.
So for a 220-foot garage, you can expect to pay from $550 to $2530 for the job.
| Cost Factor | Price per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $6 |
| Materials and Equipment | $1.50-$4.50 |
| Labor | $1-$6.50 |
| Epoxy Flooring | $2.50-$11.50 |
| Laminate Flooring | $2.30-$11 |
How To Choose The Best Garage Flooring
The right garage flooring for your particular garage depends on a number of factors.
Before shopping, go over them to get the proper flooring for your specific needs.
Current Garage Flooring Condition:
The starting point for any flooring renovation is an assessment of the current flooring condition. Are there issues with the flooring that you want to solve with the new flooring? Note that garage floors lack a standard subfloor. Before making any changes, ensure the existing floor is in good condition
Temperature and Weather Conditions:
The garage is the least temperature-stable area in a home. It’s the transitional place between outdoors and indoors. The outside temperature can affect the products or items you keep in the garage. It’s crucial to keep a minimum temperature for some products. So, if you live in a colder climate, you’ll have to eliminate some flooring choices right from the start. There are still plenty of high-quality options for any weather condition out there.
Installation and Maintenance Type:
Different flooring solutions have different installation methods. Floating vinyl planks for example, are super fast to install. Carpet, on the other hand, takes much longer. Consider the installation time and choose the flooring solution that will fit your needs schedule-wise. You should make similar considerations for maintenance. Some flooring options require much more time to maintain while others require virtually zero maintenance. Making a garage flooring choice shouldn’t be any different than a bedroom or basement flooring decision. Always go for solutions that will meet your maintenance preferences.
Garage’s Purpose:
The most interesting factor when changing the flooring of a garage is the overall purpose of the place. Because, let’s be honest, people use garages for various applications. Whether it’s a basic parking and storage space, gym, office, or even company headquarters – people have different visions for their garages. Consider how the flooring you choose will accommodate your needs and how it will affect the resale value of your home. Given that most people use the space to park their cars, you may want to go with more durable options to avoid losing money in the long term.
Did you know? Epoxy is a popular coating option for most garages, regardless of the purpose. The durable and long-lasting coating is applied to the concrete floor and makes it more resistant to moisture, grease, and chemicals.
Top Garage Flooring Options
1. Vinyl Plank
Vinyl plank flooring also goes by the name “luxury vinyl tile” or LVT.
Different types of vinyl flooring are suitable for different applications.
For example, engineered vinyl plank (EVP) is the stronger version that can handle high-traffic areas and more frequent bumps. The core of the engineered vinyl planks have extra materials for strength and comfort. WPC and SPC are some of the most popular EVP vinyl types.
Vinyl is one of the fastest-growing flooring products in demand, and for good reason.
Pros:
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- Vinyl tiles are available in plenty of looks and styles. You can get solutions that mimic ebony, light wood, or any other wood or tile type. It’s super easy to find matching vinyl tiles for any room, and the garage is no different.
- LVT solutions are also easy to clean and maintain, making them perfect for a workroom or gym-repurposed garage. These floors are also waterproof, which comes with additional benefits.
- Finally, installation costs for vinyl are the lowest ones around.
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Cons:
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- Vinyl floors require humidity and climate control. Too much exposure to the elements drastically lowers the lifespan of vinyl flooring.
- Most vinyl tiles handle traffic well, but they aren’t the best at supporting car weight. Although some vinyl floors are pretty robust, car-bearing features only come with the strongest options.
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2. Interlocking Plastic Tiles
If you’re a DIYer needing a simple flooring option, you’ll want to consider interlocking plastic tiles.
Some interlocking plastic tiles are also available as PVC.
Most interlocking tiles come in 12-inch x 12-inch squares, but you can also find larger models.
Pros:
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- The reinforced grid system under the tiles lets the water and air drain efficiently. You can even find self-draining solutions.
- Different grid settings determine the amount of weight they can bear, so homeowners have the flexibility of choosing the best option for them.
- Heavy-duty solutions are readily available and can support the weight of a car without an issue.
- Best of all, interlocking tiles are suitable for DIYers because the process only requires clicking them together into place.
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Cons:
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- Interlock tiles aren’t a good option for garages with plenty of direct sunlight. They tend to absorb the heat and expand. As a result, they can buckle. So, if your garage is equipped with large windows, try to steer clear of this flooring option.
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3. Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is among the best flooring solutions for any garage. It’s shiny, beautiful, polished, and easy to maintain.
Pros:
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- Polished concrete has an excellent lifespan.
- Polished concrete requires little maintenance.
- Polished concrete also has a shiny finish reflecting the light and brightening up the garage.
- You don’t have to worry about the subfloor because concrete is the subfloor.
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Cons:
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- The polished finish won’t fit just any garage. For example, if you live in an area with a cold climate, too much salt on the roads can damage the finish if it makes it inside.
- Homeowners with garages that have high traffic and activity need to clean and sweep up rocks and sand regularly to protect the finish.
- Finally, the installation cost of polished concrete isn’t the most affordable.
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4. Vinyl Composite Tiles
Vinyl composite tile or VCT floors are a more robust, comfortable, and appealing version of LVT products.
These vinyl composite tiles contain a combination of vinyl chips and fillers (often from limestone).
Chances are that your local school or hospital has VCT flooring.
Many people confuse VCT with linoleum, but they are different flooring types.
Pros:
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- VCT is one of the most durable solutions on the market. It can handle car traffic like other more robust floor types.
- The homeowners can wax the floor to protect the installation.
- It’s also possible to customize the colors and layout to make stunning designs.
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Cons:
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- VCT floors have a slightly higher need for maintenance than other vinyl floors. You should occasionally clean, wax, and buff the surface to preserve its glossy look.
- Also, if you don’t seal it properly, it can become stained by tires. For this reason, it’s essential to use a professional service provider who knows how to install the floor properly.
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Did you know? Vinyl flooring is super easy to care for. Simply sweep the surface and run it with a damp mop, and you’ll be good to go.
5. Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy flooring is long lasting and is a great value for the money.
The two-part epoxy is an excellent match if you’re searching for a robust flooring solution.
The specific structure of epoxy makes a surface that’s super hard and transparent.
Homeowners can add colors and additional materials for a more personalized design.
But even without upgrades, the regular epoxy flooring fits most garages just fine.
Pros:
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- The strength of epoxy is so apparent people even use it for outdoor flooring. These floors are bleach, gasoline, and oil resistant.
- Epoxy flooring is among the most affordable options as well. You can install this flooring type on top of your existing surface, which comes with lower installation costs.
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Cons:
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- Even though the installation doesn’t require removing the old floor, it’s still a rather complicated task. A good portion of the work is about floor preparation. The surface must be clean for the epoxy to bond correctly.
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6. Carpet Tiles
Carpet tiles are a great flooring option for homeowners who want to make their garages warm and comfortable.
Pros:
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- The carpet is comfortable, warm, and feels soft on the feet. Modern-day manufacturers even make machine washable carpet tiles for easier maintenance.
- The carpet tiles also have good sound isolation and are easy to replace in case of stains or spills.
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Cons:
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- Carpet tiles don’t handle moisture well.
- Carpet tiles aren’t suitable for car storage unless you use the strongest adhesive available during the installation.
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7. Painted Concrete
Painted concrete is among the most affordable and fastest flooring solutions for a garage.
The paint serves as an additional protective layer to the concrete, making the garage look more appealing.
DIYers love painted concrete floors for their ease of installation and personalization.
Pros:
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- The visual appeal is pretty good with painted concrete. You can choose from dozens of colors or paint your floor however you like.
- Manufacturers today make heavy-duty paint that protects the surface from spills and oils, so you can enjoy your floor for longer.
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Cons:
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- Using cheap material to paint concrete flooring in garages is never a good idea.
- There isn’t a paint type robust enough to not scuff, stain, or chip after a while. So, if you’re considering the painted concrete flooring for a high-traffic garage, you should consider another option.
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8. Rubber Flooring
Looking to transform your garage into a workroom or gym? If so, you’ll want to consider rubber flooring.
The roll of rubber cut to size and rubber tile options are both comfortable and waterproof.
Pros:
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- Comfort
- Plenty of traction
- Mold and mildew resistance
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Cons:
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- Some rubber tiles may come from rebounded rubber and are connected by glue. Tiles like these tend to break down easily, especially if you use the garage for parking a car.
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9. Porcelain Tile
If you live in a hot climate and want to bring a luxurious showroom appearance to your garage, then porcelain tiles may be the option for you.
Pros:
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- Porcelain tiles are an investment in the future. They can easily last for decades.
- Porcelain tiles are resistant to stains.
- The dense structure of porcelain makes it strong and able to handle just about anything it gets exposed to.
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Cons:
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- The cost is one of the biggest drawbacks of porcelain tiles.
- Its brittle nature also doesn’t favor homeowners who use the garage for parking the car.
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10. Rollout Mats
Rollout mats are super easy to install, move, and swap out.
Rollout mats are most often made of rubber and vinyl.
Pros:
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- If you want to move the structure around, rollout mats will be right up your alley. They are an excellent option for garages that serve multiple purposes.
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Cons:
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- The flooring underneath the mat must be in good condition.
- Rollout mats are comfortable but aren’t long-term fixes for structural issues.
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11. Laminate
Laminate is a great garage flooring option for all purposes except car parking.
The three-layered laminate structure consists of a dense core, image layer, and protective layer for a beautiful and quality finish.
Pros:
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- Laminate is super versatile in terms of design. You can choose between hundreds of designs, colors, and styles.
- There are also plenty of famous brands, so you know you’re getting a good value.
- The ease of installation and affordable price are additional benefits.
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Cons:
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- Laminate isn’t suitable for garages with cars because the structure can’t handle too much weight.
- This flooring option is also not a fan of moisture. If your garage is a high-spill area, consider waterproof laminate flooring.
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Pro Tip: If you go with laminate flooring, only use the cleaning products made for laminate exclusively to avoid damage.
Tiles vs Coatings
Tiles install faster than floor coatings.
There are also more quality design and pattern options with tiles.
Epoxy coating is often a better idea for concrete protection or for surfaces that need to handle a lot of chemicals and oils.
Tiles vs Mats
Tiles offer slightly poorer protection to the concrete compared to mats.
However, tiles let moisture evaporate and protect the garage from tire stains better than mats.
The tiles also take longer to install, which is an essential factor to consider for DIYers.
What Type Of Flooring Is Best For Garages?
The best flooring for garages is, of course, a durable one.
In terms of strength, epoxy and concrete get the highest points.
What Is The Best Flooring To Put Over Concrete?
Carpet, laminate, engineered hardwood, and vinyl are good flooring ideas to top concrete substrates.
When Painting Garage Floors, What Kind Of Paint Should I Use?
It’s best to use epoxy for garage floors, as it’s the most durable and lasts the longest.
Paint-wise, go for latex or acrylic for DIY projects.
But always remember to power wash, fill cracks, and degrease before starting to paint.
Can You Put Wood Flooring In A Garage?
Hardwood is rarely a good option for garages.
You can consider wood flooring if you will never park a car in your garage or have minimum exposure to elements.
What Are The Best Colors For Garage Floors?
The best color for a garage depends on your current setting.
Usually, grey and neutral colors work well and are easy to clean.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering what the best garage flooring is, you now understand that the answer depends on many factors.
Hopefully, this article gives you a better idea of the flooring material that will work best for your particular needs.
The market is packed with plenty of high-quality and fun flooring ideas, so you can always get help in terms of which direction to go. The important part is to have fun in the process and be sure to consult the experts for advice.
