Garages Made of Concrete

Walls

• Concrete garage walls consist of concrete cinder blocks that have been mortared into place. Reinforcing lines of rebar run up through the blocks to strengthen the walls. The rebar is anchored in concrete footing sunk into the ground. The mortar sandwiched in between each cinder block creates a completely solid surface. Concrete garage walls are thick and sturdy and do not move. The cinder blocks can be painted or coated with a veneer surface, like fake brick, to improve their appearance.

Flooring

• Concrete is ideal flooring material for garages. It is nonflammable, easily swept or hosed down, and it stands up to the tremendous weight cars and other vehicles place on it. Concrete is the standard material found in most garages, even if the driveway is made of asphalt or some other material. It can be combined with concrete walls, or with walls constructed from other materials like brick or wood. If you live in a wet or snowy area, a floor drain can make cleaning the concrete floor easier to do.

Pros and Cons

• Concrete walls make for a sturdy garage, but they create difficulties if you wish to remodel or expand your garage since they cannot be moved. If you have concrete walls, consider working with a professional concrete contractor when making changes for both safety and to learn the easiest way to modify the walls. While concrete is strong and easy to sweep, it stains easily. It is uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time, so if you use your garage as a workshop you could experience sore feet and legs.

Considerations

• Painting a concrete garage floor will improve its appearance and make it less slippery when wet. Putting down mats or soft tiles in a work area will cushion your feet, giving you a more comfortable work area. If you are planning to build a new garage out of concrete, try to do the work in the spring or fall in good weather. The mild temperatures help to ensure the concrete doesn’t freeze or dry out, but instead cures quickly to form a solid frame for your garage.