Having a limited budget for redoing your garage floors doesn’t mean you need to skimp. In this post, the Area Home Services team goes through several options, from floor paint to Polyurea and Polyaspartic garage floor coatings. Read on to see which is best for your concrete floors.
Polyurea and Polyaspartic Flooring
A Polyurea and Polyaspartic garage floor in Quincy ticks many boxes. It is:
- Durable
- Resistant to hot tires, scratching, and scuffing
- Low-maintenance
- Easy to clean
Garage floor Polyurea and Polyaspartic coating is one of the most versatile and cost-effective choices. While it costs more than most of the options on our list, it is the least expensive in the long run. The Polyurea and Polyaspartic floor coating will last 10 to 15 years in a home garage. During that time, you don’t need to refinish it at all..
While a Polyurea and Polyaspartic garage floor is our top recommendation, it won’t work for everyone. If you have a moisture problem in your garage, correct it before applying Polyurea and Polyaspartic coatings.
If you go this route, the installation is quick. It takes a day to install the average garage coating, and your floor will be drive-on ready within 24 hours afterward.
Concrete Garage Floor Paint
Floor paints are one of the most affordable options upfront. Here you apply a more durable version of the exterior paint you used on your home. The upside is that the installation very quick, and you can do it yourself.
You simply need to clean the concrete as well as possible and let it dry thoroughly. Then, apply the paint using a roller. You may need to apply two to three coats, and we recommend keeping any leftovers for touchups.
The downside of using paint is that it will chip and lift fairly easily. You will find that it becomes dirty quickly and that you need to replace it within a year or two. This means stripping the old paint and repainting, making it an expensive option over the long term.
Concrete Sealers
Sealants are more affordable than Polyurea and Polyaspartic garage floor coatings and offer protection from staining and spills. However, they are far less durable than Polyurea and Polyaspartic coatings. The upside is that they are relatively easy to apply, much like paint..
Latex and acrylic sealants are not good if there are many chemicals in your garage because they don’t withstand them well. Urethane sealers are a better option if you work with chemicals or have a sunny garage.
The downside with urethane sealants is that getting them to bond with the surface is challenging. Like with paint, sealers require regular maintenance and replacement.
Concrete Stains
A concrete stain is a quick and easy way to change the look of the flooring. While it won’t hide stains or provide any protection in the future, it is an attractive option. The upside is that staining is fairly easy to accomplish and relatively inexpensive.
The downside is that you need to apply multiple coats and scrub them into the surface. You have no way to tell what the final look will be as concrete formulations differ. You will also need to seal the surface afterward to prevent it from picking up dirt and staining.
Also, the dye is translucent, so it won’t hide existing stains and may cause them to become more evident due to the surface not dying evenly in that spot.
Carpet Tile
Carpet tile is not something most people think of, but it can be useful in a workshop or office space. Carpeting is not a good idea if you use heat, machinery, moisture, or chemicals. It will stain easily and become a haven for mold if you are not careful.
However, it is useful in insulating the space and acting as a buffer against noise. You can also buy carpet tiles designed for use in a garage that are more resistant to marking, moisture, fire, and mildew. It’s also possible to use a moisture-tight backing.
Flexible Interlocking Tiles
Rubber tiles are a popular option for garages because they are affordable and easy to install. Some come with an adhesive backing, while others simply lock into place. The upside is that they are easy to install and provide a cushioned, insulated surface.
They completely cover the underlying surface, hiding any imperfections on your floor.
The downside is that they may require high-VOC adhesives to adhere properly, and the rubber may also have harmful chemicals. The surface will stain easily and can lift and tear, requiring you to replace the tiles every few years.
Metal Tiles
There is no denying the classic appeal of metal tiles for a garage floor. One of the more expensive options on this list, they reward the buyer with durability and low maintenance. The metal covers the floor, leaving no trace of previous marks. However, there are some downsides.
For starters, installation is not always easy. If your garage is an awkward shape or size, you may need professional help. Secondly, the metal is seamed and textured, making it harder to clean and providing plenty of space for dirt and grime to hide.
Also, keeping metal looking its best might require some serious polishing and buffing, making it a high-maintenance flooring option.
Contact us for the Best Polyurea and Polyaspartic Garage Floor in Quincy, IL
A garage coating offers several benefits and can transform your space in as little as a day. Contact Area Home Services at (573) 463-6640 to get your free estimate on a Polyurea and Polyaspartic garage floor so you can make an informed decision today!
