When you think of high-value home improvements, what comes to mind?
Improving the curb appeal of the home might be one of the first answers, which is why many people think of replacing the garage door as a high ROI investment. While that’s true, the inside of your garage should match the outside if you really want to impress your neighbors and potential buyers.
What’s the point of having a beautiful garage door when you have a cracked or stained garage floor inside?
That said, there are different types of garage flooring out there, and some add more value to your home than others. If you’re not sure which to choose, we can help walk you through your options. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the various garage floor types.
Covering the Concrete
Over time, garage floors tend to accumulate stains from oil to rust and more. Constant vehicle traffic, excessive weight, and moisture can all cause concrete to crack.
A cracked concrete floor in the garage is not only unsightly, but it can also bring down your home’s value. Buyers can see this and worry over how much it would cost to fix.
The easiest way to update your garage flooring is to cover the concrete. Concrete coatings protect the floor from stains and prevent concrete from chipping, pitting, and more.
When you’re considering covering your concrete, it’s important to think about durability, safety, and the overall look of the completed surface.
Let’s go over some options, and then we’ll talk about which type offers the best value.
Paint or Epoxy
Some people paint their floors or use epoxy coatings, but both of these have their downsides.
Floor paint might cover up rust and grease stains, but it won’t fix your cracked floors. And while floor paint might be more resistant to stains, it’s not as durable as other options.
Epoxy coatings are more durable than paint, and many homeowners are familiar with this type of garage floor. However, epoxy can chip if exposed to repeated stress, and over time, epoxy floors can turn yellow. If your garage has any windows or is exposed to the sun’s harsh UV rays, that can turn an epoxy floor yellow.
Another downside to epoxy coatings is the toxic fumes. They can also get slippery when wet unless you add texture to the floor.
Tiles and Garage Floor Mats
Some people use floor tiles or mats in their garage, but these also have their downsides.
Mats can become slippery in wet weather when exposed to moisture from rain and snow. They can also stain and get damaged quite easily.
Interlocking tiles might be convenient since you can replace them when they get stained, but they’re also susceptible to damage. These are temporary solutions that require replacement over time.
Polyurea Coatings
Polyurea coatings for your garage floors are actually stronger than epoxy. If your garage sees a lot of sunlight, you’ll want to consider polyurea coatings for their UV-resistant properties.
Polyurea coatings offer the same—and more—benefits as epoxy. It’s a strong and attractive option that only takes 24 hours to install. There are also plenty of options out there regarding the look and colors available, meaning you can customize your floor however you want.
Another benefit of this type of garage floor coating is that you can have it installed in any climate. One drawback to epoxy is that it’s both temperature and moisture sensitive, meaning installation in the wrong climate or season can result in flaws.
Which Types of Garage Flooring Offer the Most Value?
You might use your garage for much more than storing your vehicles and lawn equipment. Some people turn their garages into workout rooms, home offices, or extra living spaces. While this is fine if you plan on this being your forever home, you’ll get the most value by thinking about vehicle traffic above all else.
It’s true that creating a room in the garage “boosts” your square footage, which can provide value in certain areas, but you’ll also lose out on valuable storage space. Consider the pros and cons of converting your garage space, as making the wrong decision can impact your home’s value.
Most buyers will want to store their cars in the garage to protect them from the elements. After all, do you really want your car exposed to wind, rain, and snow?
You’ll want a garage floor that’s long-lasting, durable, and low-maintenance above all else. That means you’ll want to install a garage floor type designed to withstand lots of traffic, and one that is also resistant to staining and damage.
Temporary solutions such as paint and floor mats only get you so far. If you put the money into a more permanent solution, even if it costs more upfront, you’ll be making a solid investment.
While many homeowners go with epoxy floors, investing in a polyurea floor will last longer, and it won’t fade or turn yellow in the sun.
Different Color and Texture Options
You don’t have to go with grey or black for your garage floor if you don’t want to. There are many different color and texture options you can choose when going with a concrete coating. There are flooring options that have a glossy, metallic look, and even solid colors in white, red, blue, and much more.
For instance, our Full Chip System is not only anti-slip and resistant to staining, but you can get it in a variety of different colors. If you want to give your garage a pop of color with a warm Terrazzo, you can.
Install Your New Garage Floor Today
Now that we’ve covered the different types of garage flooring, you can make an informed decision about what is best for your home. If you want to add the most value, it’s important to choose a flooring option that lasts. In the garage, this means it must be stain-resistant, able to withstand heavy vehicle traffic, and is slip-resistant.
Our polyurea concrete flooring will last for years to come, and it makes the perfect finishing touch to your garage. If you’re ready to install your new garage floor, contact us to get a quote.