Can I Use Basement Tiles for the Garage?

House Tiles

• Ceramic, stone and laminate are the tiles most commonly installed in homes. While each type is durable and water-resistant, they have limitations. Heavy tools dropped on ceramic and stone tiles could crack or chip them. Natural stone tiles are durable, but they tend to be expensive. In addition, they need to be sealed regularly to prevent staining. Corrosive spills, like battery acid or antifreeze, can damage grout, reducing the water-resistance of a tile floor. Vinyl tiles designed for homes are made in layers. While these layers make them ideal for home installations, they also weaken the tile and predispose it to tearing from heavy equipment or damage from harsh chemicals.

Garage Flooring Options

• Most garage floor coverings are made of a solid, thick sheet of PVC vinyl. Garage flooring is available in click-together tiles or roll-out sheets. It is also available in different colors, like black, gray, yellow, red and blue. PVC garage flooring is designed with several slip-resistant textures, including diamonds and circles. It is also available with a smooth surface.

Benefits

• As a solid sheet of PVC vinyl, garage flooring is resistant to tearing, peeling and chipping. It is also water-proof and can withstand spills of common garage chemicals, like battery acid, oil and antifreeze. Tiles are not glued down, and damaged tiles can be lifted from the floor and easily replaced. Both roll-out and tile floors can be pulled out of the garage and hosed down for cleaning.

Installation Tips

• Before you install your floors, thoroughly sweep your garage to remove any dirt and debris. Remove all items from your garage. Cutting around heavy items can compromise the water resistance of your floors. Allow your flooring to sit outside for as long as possible to condition it for installation. If you are installing roll-out floors, use a push broom to remove air bubbles from under the mats after you've rolled them out.