Project Ideas for Garage Floors

Acid Staining

• Acid staining paints your garage floor with pigments that are designed to soak down into the concrete where they will not wash away over time. The acid allows the paint to seep in and chemically change the concrete. Acid staining makes it possible for you to plan out a wide range of colors and designs, but it does not change the surface of the floor itself. You will need to reseal the concrete to keep the color from fading.

Epoxy

• Epoxies are plastic resins that can be used to coat other surfaces, such as concrete. These resins are self leveling and give the concrete a new surface that hides cracks and blemishes. You can add paints to the resin as it is drying to create a variety of coloring effects, but if you want it to resemble stone like marble, you should hire a professional.

Tile

• If you want to get rid of your concrete entirely, you can use tile in your garage instead. Stone and ceramic tiles are strong when installed correctly and can often withstand the weight of automobiles. However, tile does have grout lines that need to be sealed and repaired, creating more maintenance work over time.

Vinyl

• Two types of vinyl flooring are available. One kind is the vinyl you install in your house, in bathrooms and kitchens and similar areas. It can resemble wood or other materials, but it cannot be used in the garage. The second type of vinyl is an industrial version that is made to withstand cars and large pieces of equipment. While industrial vinyl does not come in as many varieties as the indoor version, it can be used in your garage.

Dyed Concrete

• Dyed concrete is the same as regular concrete, but a pigment is added to the mix. If you are creating a new garage floor, use dyed concrete to change the color of the typically gray floor. Because the pigment affects all the concrete, chips and scratches will be less noticeable.