The best types of floor for a garage

Unlike decorating a hallway or a kitchen, for example, flooring can often be an afterthought when it comes to kitting out a garage - sometimes even forgotten about entirely. However, the floor surface you choose for your garage should reflect how you use the space so that you can optimize its performance and potential. 

Below are five great options for your garage floor, covering the main pros and cons of each so that you can make the right choice for your requirements. 

Polished concrete

Concrete is arguably the most effective all-rounder when it comes to garage flooring because it’s extremely cost-effective and easy to maintain. Concrete is also an incredibly robust material that will have a long lifespan, even in high-traffic and heavy-use areas. Polished concrete is stain-resistant and also super easy to clean. 

Stone offers similar benefits to concrete but isn’t quite as hardwearing and will make the space very cold during the winter. 

Garage floor tiles

You might have seen tiles similar to this in your gym or a child’s play area - they’re typically made from heavy-duty rubber or vinyl and can be slotted together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Generally, they can be stuck to the ground with a robust adhesive to secure them firmly in place. Not only are these a great option for protecting the floor beneath, they’re also an effective way to help level an uneven surface. Rubber is also suitable for use in different temperatures and is extremely easy to clean. Plus, due to their DIY installation, they’re super easy and flexible to use. 

Epoxy floor paint

Epoxy creates a hard, easy-clean surface that is ideal for use on high-traffic floors or in garages that need a more robust solution. It is a coating that can be applied over existing concrete or stone floors, providing that any repairs have been made first and that any dampness has been resolved. Epoxy isn’t recommended for use on subfloors that are moisture-absorbent so you may need to resurface first. 

Vinyl flooring 

If your garage floor isn’t subject to too much traffic or pressure, vinyl is a material you could consider installing. It comes in a diverse range of different colors, textures, patterns and applications (roll or tile) so that you can really make the space your own. Vinyl is also extremely easy to clean and comfortable underfoot. However, it’s not the most hardwearing surface so bear this in mind. 

Carpet (in specific scenarios) 

Another option you have is carpet but this is only really viable in pretty specific circumstances. If you’ve had your garage converted into an additional living space, for example, you might consider the same sort of residential carpet you’d install in the rest of your home. Or if your garage is used for noisy band practices, an acoustic carpet could be a great idea. 

However, if the space is used as a workshop, to house a car or as storage, carpet probably isn’t the best option. That said, there are carpet products out there that are stain-proof, hardwearing, oil-resistant and compatible with power-washing. The choice is yours. 

However you choose to floor your garage, don’t forget to secure it with a good quality garage door threshold and door seal.