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Garage Floor Epoxy for a Concrete Slab:

Garage Floor Finishing Options Include Epoxy Coating, Sheet Vinyl, and Rubber Tiles

Traditionally, almost all home garages were used to park the family’s car, a workbench, landscaping tools, and a multitude of cardboard boxes filled with goofy Christmas decorations that just didn’t fit in the attic. But now, most garages have become family rooms, man caves, or woodworking and craft workshops.

So to remodel the garage, what flooring options are on the market? Epoxy coatings are the most effective, but there are others that work well, customizing the space, and increase the equity, curb appeal, and value of the home.

Epoxy Garage Flooring Finish

Important: When you work with epoxy components, be sure to wear protective gloves and safety glasses, as well as making sure that the work area is well ventilated.

An epoxy garage floor finish (called an epoxy paint system by some manufacturers) is very popular today, and for very good reasons: it’s a breeze to maintain, it’s resistant to oil staining, and it beads water like a car with a new wax job.

There’s no need to hire a professional flooring contractor. This is a DIY project that can be completed over a weekend, but if you'd rather hire someone, why not locate a professional through Angie’s List. While rolling out the epoxy, it’s not a bad idea to wear those paper booties like you see at the hospital over your shoes. This will ensure you don't track in any debris. Let’s look at the basic steps:

Wash the garage floor. This will start you with a clean slate.
Acid etch the concrete slab. This will provide a deep cleaning treatment and affords the epoxy a solid surface to bond with.
Repair any existing cracks by filling them with a commonly available concrete/mortar repair compound.
Get the epoxy paint ready. There are two components: a hardener (your kit may call it a catalyst) and the epoxy paint. Mix them in the specified ratio and set it aside for the recommended amount of time to let the chemical process begin.
Next, apply the epoxy mixture. This is similar to painting a sheetrock wall; first cut in the corners and then use a roller in the open field.
Distribute the color flakes evenly by hand as the sections are painted.
When this first coat is dry, apply the top coat. Mix it well just like before, and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. As this coat is applied, anti-skid granules may be added at this time if so desired.
Allow the manufacturer's specified drying time before using the garage.

Alternate Garage Floor Finishes

An epoxy treatment isn’t the only way to dress up the garage floor. There are other materials that do a good job, can be easier to install, and don’t have as many VOC concerns. Many of these materials are being used in automotive repair shops rather than traditional paint.

Vinyl Garage Flooring

Vinyl sheet goods; aren't just for the home’s interior any more. This material has several benefits. For one thing, it’s anti-static. This is a distinct advantage in the dry winter months. It’s also designed to be anti-slip.

Installing it is straightforward; just give the concrete slab a good cleaning and either butt the sheets together or overlap them. Vinyl also provides a moisture barrier.

Rubber-Based Flooring Systems

Rubber is a popular alternative. It can be purchased in floor tile format and sheet goods. Tiles are easier to install and can be replaced individually in the event of damage. Also, different colors may be used to create intricate patterns.

An added benefit is that rubber is more cushioned and shock-absorbing than vinyl. This is important if the garage is used as a woodworking shop and the homeowner spend time standing in front of a lathe or band saw.

Rubber floor tiles are generally use a locking system for installation. Simply layout the floor, and then begin adding and locking the tiles together. Any trimming is easily done using a straightedge and a utility or an X-acto knife.