PVC Tiles Credit: AmericanFloormats.com
Flooring tiles for garages are interlocking flexible tiles in ¼” to ¾” thicknesses. PVC vinyl and polypropylene are common materials used. They are produced in sizes ranging from 8” square to 24” square, and are available in an array of colors and textures. Garage flooring tiles are often referred to as modular flooring. They are a cost-effective and durable garage floor that you can install yourself with little trouble.
The tiles aren’t glued down, so they form a floating floor. The interlocking edges are connected using a rubber mallet. Trimming along edges is done with a utility knife. The best technique is to start along the wall with the most open floor space and plan to end underneath cabinetry or a work bench with the trimmed pieces.
Garage Flooring Tiles Options
The various thicknesses give you price options. The thicker the material, the better the quality and the better the tiles will hold up to traffic. Color selection spans the rainbow, though colors used in garages tend to be more subdued than those used in recreation areas and kid’s rooms. Many floors are made with two complementary or contrasting colors in checkerboard fashion. Some floors feature one primary color with a border of another color. The design you use is limited only by your imagination.
The tops of the tiles are textured for grip. Many feature coin-top, diamond-top or ribbed design.
Pros and Cons of Garage Flooring Tiles
This is an attractive product at a reasonable price. Design versatility is a definite strength. The tiles hold up quite well to vehicle traffic, especially thicker tiles. Oil and other car fluids won’t stain if removed fairly quickly. The tiles can be cleaned quite easily, though if you hose them down, some moisture will penetrate the seams. You may want to dry the floor beneath periodically with a floor fan. That can be something of a hassle to do. Some tiles are vented, so the floor beneath can dry. The disadvantage of those is that dirt and fluids get trapped beneath the flooring.
Removing dirt from the tiles on a regular basis is essential. The dirt will scratch the tile surface when it is walked on or driven on. In time, it will dull the finish. The best way to remove the dirt is with a blower or a shop vacuum. Sweeping it up may harm the surface. It’s impractical to sweep ribbed surfaces too.
Durability depends on the quality of the tiles and how you use your floor. Expect ¼” tiles to last 5-7 years. Tiles ½” will give you 8-12 years and ¾” tiles will look good for 10-15 years. If you use your garage for living space and not for vehicles, life expectancy will be 50% to 100% longer.
Garage Floor Tiles Price
The cheaper tiles cost as little as $3 per square foot. Better tiles cost $6-$8 per square foot.
Who Should Consider Garage Flooring Tiles?
These tiles are comfortable under foot. If you spend a lot of time over an engine or work bench, these are a lot easier on your feet and back than concrete or other solid flooring options. If your garage is living space and you’ve got young kids, a tile floor is great to have. Finally, if you want an attractive floor and tiles meet your budget, you’ll probably be very satisfied with the results.
