Are Garage Floor Coatings Worth It? Everything You Need To Know

It’s part of the American Dream. The white picket fence. The wraparound porch. The garage with the best floor.

If you’re considering installing a new garage floor but need a little more info on what you’re getting into, then you’re in the right place. We go over different garage floor coatings, their benefits, whether it’s worth it, and more in this blog post. Let’s dive in.

First of all: What is a garage floor coating?

A garage floor coating is usually a type of resin or sealant that covers your concrete garage floor to make it more visually appealing, durable, and longer-lasting.

The different types of garage floor coating

There are several types of garage floor coating, including paint, epoxy, or polyaspartic. And they bring different things to the table.

Paint

This may sound like a fun, inexpensive weekend project, but beware. Paint chips and flakes away in high-traffic areas.

Think about it. Would you want to paint your kitchen floor? We bet not. And it's the same reason why you shouldn't paint your garage floors.

Whether you plan to use your garage as a hobby space, or to park your car, that paint will wear off over time. 

And even though paint seems like the most affordable option, you'll have to repaint over the years to maintain that good-looking floor, which ends up costing you more in the long run.

Epoxy

Epoxy is a coating formed by mixing a polyamine hardener with epoxide resin.

And we have a confession to make: We aren’t the biggest fans of it.

Epoxy doesn't hold up over time. It easily peels, wears down, and just like paint, will need to be reapplied again and again. On top of that, the application process requires a lot of surface prep, and if done incorrectly, will give bad results.

Even though it’s a popular option, it might not give you the longevity you want.

Polyaspartic

Polyaspartic is a newer advancement in the garage floor world, but it's quickly gaining traction. Previously used for commercial use, polyaspartic floor coatings are made from polyurea, a combination of synthetic resin and isocyanate-reactive materials. Polyaspartic is often compared to epoxy, and though they are similar, there are a few key differences.

One of the biggest being polyaspartic's durability. It's stain-resistant, doesn't scratch or chip easily, is more flexible, and won't yellow over time as epoxy does. Polyaspartic requires professional installation, and the company installing it must use 100% aliphatic polyaspartic to ensure it's pure and doesn't contain harmful additives.

Honorable mention: Garage tiles and mats

We know, we know. We're talking about coatings here. But we wanted to mention garage tiles and mats as they seem to be a popular alternative. 

Garage tiles are tiles that snap together. They not only protect your floors, but they're also slip-free. They're a quick and easy self-installation, but they are not permanent. Because they acquire dirt, mold, and mildew around the edges, you must clean them regularly. They are also not waterproof or heat resistant. 

On the other hand, garage mats are large rollout mats that can be trimmed to fit your garage. But like tiles, they are not waterproof, require cleaning, and aren't durable.

What are the benefits?

There are several benefits to installing a garage floor coating.

1. Improved appearance

This one's a little obvious, but a new garage floor just looks good. Most garages have a dingy, old concrete floor. It can sometimes feel like the garage is separate from the house. But the second you install a new coating, the garage instantly becomes a whole new space.

A coating can transform a dull, gray concrete floor into a sleek, glossy surface that adds value to your home.

2. Durable

Garage floor coatings provide a protective barrier that helps to increase the longevity of your concrete floor, making it more resistant to wear and tear from vehicles, chemicals, and heavy foot traffic.

3. Easy maintenance

The smooth surface of a coated garage floor makes cleaning easier and helps prevent stains and oil spills.

4. Slip resistance

Most garage floor coatings contain additives that enhance slip resistance, making the surface safer for you and your family to walk on when the floor is wet.

5. Increased floor life

A coating can help protect the concrete from damage, thereby increasing the floor's life.

6. Enhanced organization

A clean, polished garage floor can help you organize your space more efficiently (PS. We offer a variety of cabinets, storage, and organization solutions for your garage).

7. Increased resale value

A well-maintained garage floor can make a big difference in the resale value of your home. A freshly coated garage floor can be a selling point for potential buyers.

8. Customizability

Garage floor coatings come in a variety of colors and finishes, so you can choose a look that complements your personal style and decor of your garage.

The burning question: Are garage coatings worth it?

In conclusion, a garage floor coating can provide numerous benefits, including increased durability, improved appearance, enhanced slip resistance, easier cleaning, increased resale value, and customizability.

A garage floor coating is worth considering if you want to upgrade your garage's look and functionality. With proper installation and maintenance, a garage floor coating can provide years of protection and enhance the overall value of your home. Whether you use your garage for storage, as a workshop, or as a living space, a garage floor coating is a smart investment that can deliver long-lasting results.

Transform your garage with Hello Garage

If you're interested in garage floor coating and in our service area, Hello Garage can help. We install 100% polyaspartic garage floor coatings, cabinets, and garage organization accessories. To schedule your free design consultation and estimate with a garage guru, click here!