Planning to renovate or building a new garage from scratch? Fantastic, however there is key part of the garage that often goes overlooked, the floor garage! A key component of your garage is the place that you walk on, the one that is exposed to chemicals, oil and dirt. A dirty garage floor can lead to health problems like allergies, asthma and more. Not only does your garage floor need to be clean but it also needs to be smooth for foot traffic and easy on tires too. When it comes to garage flooring, you’ve got the choice between garage tiles vs epoxy. Discover which is a better solution for your home. The pros and cons of each option are described in detail so you can make an informed decision about which type to choose for.
It’s not that simple though, there’s a lot of other variables to also consider too. You need to consider garage floor covering ideas. It’s important to select the right flooring for your needs, but there are so many questions associated with it. What type of garage will you be using it in? Do you just want a simple decorative look or is your garage floor something that has to stand up to abuse? Cost, durability and ease of installation are some other questions to keep in mind too.
Do yourself a favor, know what you’re getting into before committing to something that just isn’t for you and that’s what we’ll be covering today.
Garage Floor Tiles Vs Epoxy: Which is Better?
So, now the big question, do you go with garage floor tiles or epoxy? Historically, the answer would be simple, tiles of course. Tiles have been available for a long time and they’re easy to replace when needed. However, thanks to epoxy technology, the game has changed dramatically. Epoxy is more than just a floor covering solution; it’s functional too!
We will be looking into each one in detail to help you make an informed decision. Each comes with own set of benefits and drawbacks. Also, as mentioned before, there are a lot variables such as time, cost, installation, design, durability, etc. These are all factors that must be considered when making this decision.
But not to worry, that’s what we are here for! We are here to provide you extensive knowledge to help you make an informed decision. After you are done reading this, you will be able to weigh the pros and cons of each option so that you can make a better choice. So, without any further ado, let’s begin.
Also read: What Causes Cracks In Your Garage Floor?
What is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy (aka polyurethane) is a popular option because it often comes in bright colors and can be applied to almost any type of existing garage floor. It truly came and took the spotlight the 1950’s thanks to its unique properties like durability, brightness, and more. Epoxy is a chemical solution that comes in two components that you mix together before applying it to your garage floor. The epoxy is then spread evenly and allowed to dry completely before walking on it (about 24 hours). Although epoxy flooring does take a long time to dry, the material is water resistant. For décor, flakes can be sprinkled on top with a variety of colors. Once dry, it is very durable and will not require any additional maintenance besides regular sweeping to keep it clean.
Pros of Epoxy Flooring:
It has good adhesive properties which means that your new colored flooring will not shift or lift up when subjected to the usual wear and tear associated with garages. Being a tougher material, it is also suitable for use by foot traffic, allowing you to have full access of out your garage without worrying about damaging the epoxy coating. This coating can last longer than some other alternatives like tiles.
Cons of Epoxy Flooring
However, it isn’t very well suited for replacing individual pieces of flooring. Also, epoxy is a fairly expensive material and the application process can be complicated for someone not familiar with it. Also, corrosive chemicals can damage or discolor your epoxy flooring. Also, it takes a long time to dry so you won’t be able to use the garage for at least 24 hours while waiting for it to completely harden.
What is Tile Flooring?
Tiles are perhaps the most popular flooring option because they are easy to find and install. Today, many homeowners prefer them because they can be purchased in different colors to match. You have a wide variety of designs and colors to choose from so you can customize your garage according to your taste. Usually made of glass, stone (granite), ceramic, resin, etc. Tiles are installed by simply snapping them into place over the mortar. As a general rule, thicker tiles are more durable and offer greater protection from the elements. A professional tile installer can usually complete a garage floor in 10 to 12 hours.
Pros of Tile Flooring
Garage floor tiles are great for easy clean ups and the ability to replace pieces as needed later on down the road. Should anything spill on it, you can simply clean it as tiles are water resistant and some materials are even stain and corrosive resistant. They are aesthetically pleasing and suitable for other uses such as kitchens, bathrooms, etc.
Cons of Tile Flooring
On the other hand, tiles are not as durable as epoxy and they aren’t designed for heavy traffic either. They can also easily be more expensive than epoxy depending upon what you choose. When it comes to durability, tiles do not hold up as well and impact resistance is not always good so in the long run they may need to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is epoxy floor better than tiles?
Neither option is necessarily better than the other. They both have their pros and cons alike, however tiles are a more traditional choice while some homeowners prefer to use epoxy because of its modern look and feel. However, tiles are not for everyone because they are more delicate and can be less durable than epoxy. So, ultimately, it’s up to you to choose what will work best for your garage.
Is tile more expensive than epoxy?
Again, it depends on the brand and your specific budget. Tiles are more expensive than epoxy flooring because they are made of higher quality materials that can survive in many different environments. However, this is also why they are less durable so in the long run you may have to replace them more often depending on their thickness and type of material used.
Can I epoxy over tile?
Generally, not recommended. Since tiles are set into concrete, installing epoxy over them is not recommended because it will likely look subpar. If you really want to, make sure to use professional grade epoxy that will adhere to grout and tile. You will also need to sand the tile down to allow for maximum adhesion.
Conclusion
Choosing between these two options really boils down to preference and budget. If you need something that can be replaced over time then go with garage floor tiles, otherwise epoxy will do just fine for most people out there. Both options look great and can serve their purpose, however tiles may not be the best option for heavy traffic areas that need more durability than what it has to offer. Epoxy, on the other hand, is known for its durability and will protect your garage against most things that can potentially ruin it. Although they are both suitable options in different ways, neither option is necessarily better than the other.
