Thread: Garage Floor Covering

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Hi everyone,
I'm in the process of a garage upgrade with cleaning, painting, new cabinets, etc. I would like to get either those interlocking tiles or a coin design mat (two) for the floor. Never used either one so would like some feedback of someone who has. I plan to cover the whole floor (20'x18').
Thanks for your help,
Milner

I have installed the interlocking sqares for a living ,they come in a few brands now.
The squares are pretty easy to install and are very durable,the only complaint I had from a cosmetic or end user was the fact that they like to click when walked on if you do not use the foam underneath.
Kinda pricey too ,but they are great for alot of things because you can unlock them and use em anywhere .....car shows ........kids yard stuff etc.
I collected enuff random pieces from work to use under my tent.....

The interlocking sqaures are expensive, but man do they look cool! I wanted to get them but my budget wouldnt allow. I ended up using 2 part epoxy on my floor instead and I am quite happy with the results, and it cost a fraction of the interlocking tiles. But the epoxy required quite a bit of work to clean/prep the concrete before application.
The coin design mats are cool too, but do you glue them down or something, or just roll em out?.. just wondering.

The coin design mats you just roll out. I think they come in two different thickness. I like the looks of them but are within $300 of the interlocking tiles. I think its easier trying to build a hot rod than deceiding which type to go with.
Milner

Ever consider VCT tile? It's as durable as iron, easy to install, looks good, and is cheaper.

those snap together floor tiles- how do you clean when dirt gets underneath. dirt trap for sure

Wow those tiles really look good. But I'm cheap. I used old carpet that was taken out of my living room. Left space open directly under the cars and covered the open space with heavy duty card board. When I get tired of it or it gets dirty, out it goes. Plus the carpet is nice to lay on when working on the cars during those cold winter days here in PA.

But then again, mine is a garage not a show room.

tOol,

To clean under the interlocking tiles, I just go to the end of a row and unsnap the first one. Then I take a broom handle, slide it under there and just walk up the line and they will unsnap easily and you can remove a whole section of as many as you want to. I have had mine for about 5 years now and no problems.

Ron

I've got some of the interlocking tile things, got them from Sumitt at a very reasonable price....they sure don't like welding sparks, though!!! I have the ones that are about 1/2" thick, I position them around what I'm working on to make the wear and tear on the back and legs a bit less then plain old concrete!!!

For the floor itself, I clean everything out and scrub the floor once a year and apply another coat of the $20.00 a gallon implement enamel with a hardener. It holds up quite well and is certainly an inexpensive method of keeping the floor looking decent...

Originally Posted by joeybsyc

Ever consider VCT tile? It's as durable as iron, easy to install, looks good, and is cheaper.

Here's another possibility that sure looks good. Do the tires leave marks and that's why you have the diamond pattern pieces? Also do you wax it to keep it up? I checked the prices and it's very reasonable. I think this is the same thing I have on my work bench top that has lasted for years. Duh, why didn't I think of this.
Thanks, Milner

My shop floor is epoxy coated though that is really a poor substitute for the tiles. Previous owners had used what is my shop now and a drive out stall in my basement as dead storage. I spent many hours cleaning whatever was stored there (neighbors have said that one of the past owners had used it for an "interesting chemicals" storage area as many vehicles were seen a strange hours). Two coats of a name brand epoxy were applied. Unfortunately, tires will lift the paint if a car sits long enough. Since tiles are/were not in my budget, I picked up a couple 3'x3' $20 rubber mats at Lowes to put in front of my bench or move wherever I'm working to save my legs - it's an automotive (greasy/dirty) shop not a showroom

Finally finished the garage. Went with the interlocking tiles which I am happy with but were expensive. Lots of work cause it was a 30 year old unfinished garage. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Milner

Looks real good Milner.... Wish I could do that to mine, just doubt it would stand up too well for all the welding, cutting, grinding, and what ever else that always seems to be going on in mine!!!! Maybe some day!!!!! Sure looks nice, though!!!! Great job!

I am not familiar with VCT tile,is that just a brand name.I have considered epoxy,but we have studded snow tires on our vehicles and I don't think it would hold up.

VCT tile is a glue down industrial tile, it will take a beating.....