Alternative Garage Floor Coating

Considerations

• Before you begin installing any type of alternative garage flooring, your concrete floor needs to be clean. Grease and other liquids sitting on the concrete can work to loosen the bonds of concrete epoxy or prevent stain from settling properly. Rent a power washer to clean your entire floor thoroughly. As you consider different floor coating materials, remember to avoid alkyd paints on your garage floor. According to the "Popular Mechanics" website, alkyds react to the moisture that comes up through the concrete floor and causes the alkyd-based epoxy or paint to peel.

Rubber or Ribbed Flooring

• Rubber flooring comes in a variety of designs and colors. Purchase rubber flooring in rolls or tiles, depending on your preference. Rubber floors can help reduce the amount of noise in your garage and create a softer walking surface. Ribbed rubber flooring offers channels to guide liquid spills and cleaning materials to a safe and designated draining spot.

Epoxy

• Epoxy is a paint-like substance available in a variety of colors. It can be swirled together to create a marble look, or purchased with color chips mixed in. Concrete epoxies are good for garages because the epoxy and acrylic resins can withstand hot vehicle tires and resist damage from floor moisture.

Stain

• Concrete stains can color your concrete floor to match any element of your garage or home decor. The stain penetrates the porous concrete and prevents fading. Stain is convenient because you can walk on it within one hour of application and start parking your cars on it within three days.