What Materials Are Needed for a Concrete Floor in a Garage?

Setting Up

• You need a steel rake and shovel to level the dirt in the garage if it is not already level. Additionally, purchase some 2-by-4 boards and string before pouring your concrete. Two of the boards should extend the width of the garage, and the other two need to cover the garage length on each side. Extend the longer 2-by-4 boards to the front of the house, a couple of inches past where the garage door closes. That will eliminate any gaps under the garage door. Place four stacks near the four corners of the 2-by-4 boards. Attach some string around the stacks and perimeter of your garage to mark the depth of your concrete floor. Most garage floors are about 4 inches thick.

Pouring the Concrete

• You have two options for concrete: purchasing ready-mix concrete or ordering concrete from a contractor. Measure the square footage to determine how much concrete you need. Ready-mix concrete is between 67 and 75 percent sand and gravel and 25 to 33 percent cement, according to experts at Aubuchan Hardware. All you need to do is mix it with water. Make sure your concrete is 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi), which is the required strength for supporting vehicles, according to Absolute Garages.com. Use about 5 3/4 gallons of water for every bag.

  Order enough concrete in advance when using a concrete contractor. A contractor will pour the concrete from a cement truck. Also, lay some clear plastic wrap over the surface of the dirt before pouring the concrete. The plastic serves as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture buildup and cracking.

Screeds and Bull Floats

• Screeds and bull floats are used to smooth the surfaces of garage floors. You may be able to rent a screed, which is a long, heavy bar that spans the length of your garage floor. These devices are used more for garages without structures, as you can't step on the cement while it's hardening. A bull float is an alternative for enclosed garages. It has a large flange attached to a pole for leveling the concrete garage floor.

Epoxy Sealant

• Wait about 60 days to seal your floor with epoxy, according to "This Old House" magazine. This allows the concrete time to solidify and settle in. Clean the surface of your garage floor before applying your epoxy sealant. Run a push broom over the surface to spread the water and clean away any residue. Most epoxy sealants leave a slightly rough surface. You can also select one that provides a shinier surface for a sleeker look. Apply your epoxy with a roller, much like painting the wall of a house. Use a paintbrush to reach the outer edges near walls.