Vinyl Garage Flooring

Vinyl garage flooring is available to cover garage floors with an attractive, protective new surface. Typically vinyl flooring material is available in roll-out packages for installation by the homeowner.

Advantages of Vinyl Garage Flooring

Vinyl garage flooring has a number of advantages over the plain concrete slabs found in many garages. The vinyl provides a relatively inexpensive and attractive means of covering over an unattractive or cracked surface. It is generally easier to clean than concrete. Vinyl is less prone to getting permanently stained by car substances like oil, grease, battery acid, brake fluid, and antifreeze.

In winter climates, the vinyl provides a protective surface against snow, slush, and mud that cars can bring in. It can be designed with grooves or ridges to provide a surface with better traction than smooth surfaces. It also protects against mildew and rot.

A variety of concrete paint products are available for improving garage floors. However, vinyl flooring is generally cheaper and easier to install. It also has the advantage of not being subject to chipping, peeling, or scratching.

Other advantages of vinyl garage flooring include:

Helping to prevent concrete deterioration

Providing a vapor barrier that moisture cannot penetrate

Easily moved for cleaning

Providing cushioning for walking and working

Thermal insulation

Noise reduction

Ability to channel liquids out of the garage

Providing an anti-static, nonconductive surface

Installation and Cost

Installation in a typical two-car garage can be done in a few hours. The surface needs to be cleaned before installation. The material can be cut to size using a utility knife, and then laid out on the floor. The vinyl should be allowed to relax and lay flat on the floor before any final custom trimming is done. In cool climates, it can take around three days for all of the curls to relax out of the vinyl. Many of these products do not require the use of adhesives, but it may be desirable to use indoor-outdoor carpet tape to tape down the edges and seams.

Typical costs run about $500 to $1000 for a two-car garage. This cost can be compared to the $5 to $15 per square foot typically charged by professional coating companies to apply paint or epoxy products.

Caring for Vinyl Floors

Cleaning can generally be done with a hose and soap. Household vinyl cleaners can be used to increase longevity and remove difficult stains. The vinyl products are typically not stain-proof, so some indelible stains can result. Harsh chemicals such as tar remover and kerosene should be avoided. A coat of floor polish for vinyl floors will enhance the appearance.