It’s time. You’ve decided to upgrade your garage floor, transforming it from a dusty concrete slab to a durable (yet stylish) part of your home.
Now you have a decision to make: garage floor tiles vs epoxy coatings?
They’re two of the best garage floor coatings, but it can be hard to choose between them.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings. We’ll look at the cost, durability, installation, and maintenance – and weigh these factors against each other.
The goal here is to comprehensively compare them both so you can make the best decision for your garage.
TLDR:
Garage floor tiles are super easy to install and can be configured in a variety of designs. They’re a great option if you want to inject some personality into your garage.
On the other hand, epoxy coatings provide a sleek, seamless finish that looks amazing and is incredibly resistant to stains and damage. Professional-grade, high-solids epoxy coatings have the potential to last for many years with the proper care.
That’s the TLDR, but both options have their own unique quirks and features.
So, let’s dive in and explore garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings in more detail.
Table of Contents
Garage Floor Tiles: Overview
You may be familiar with tiles from your kitchen or bathroom, but garage floor tiles are a whole other ballgame. They’re made to handle the unique challenges of a garage – from oil spills to heavy equipment.
These definitely aren’t your grandfather’s floor tiles.
When people think about garage floor tiles, they usually think of the checkerboard pattern in many showroom garages.
Garage floor tiles are typically made from hard plastic or flexible PVC and come in various styles, sizes, and colors. Whether it’s the classic diamond pattern, vented tiles, vibrant colors, or basic black, there’s a garage floor tile to match your style and aesthetic.
For example, softer rubber tiles would be a great option if you have a gym in your garage. If you detail your cars in the garage, then vented PVC tiles would allow the water to drain away quickly.
That allows you to custom-tailor your garage flooring to look more expensive while still working well with how you use your garage.
Pros:
One thing that sets garage floor tiles apart from other floor coatings is how easy they are to install.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast or played with Legos as a kid, you won’t need professional help or special tools. Simply snap them together over your existing floor – no adhesives, no mess.
Plus, they’re just as easy to remove or replace if you want to change things up or replace a damaged tile.
Interlocking floor tiles are like the Swiss Army knife of flooring solutions. You can mix and match tiles to create a specific pattern.
Plus, they can be cut to fit any garage size or shape, so you can work around your water heater or heavy shelving.
Since they’re designed for the garage, these tiles are built to heavy vehicle traffic, stains, chemicals, impacts, and even temperature changes.
That said, not all garage tiles are created equal. One important thing to consider is how thick each tile is.
The thicker the tiles, the longer they will last.
For example, IncStores, a less expensive popular option, are 1/2″ (12mm) thick. They only rate their tiles up to a 36,000-pound rolling weight.
That’s about as heavy as an empty dump truck.
By contrast, Swisstrax, a leading modular tile flooring manufacturer, is 3/4″ thick. Their tiles are rated up to a rolling weight of 70,000 pounds. RaceDeck tiles, even though they’re only 1/2″ thick, go even further and rate their flooring up to 80,000 pounds rolling weight.
That’s around double the rolling weight limit as the more inexpensive tiles!
To put it into perspective: you can roll a fully-loaded tractor-trailer over your Swisstrax or RaceDeck flooring and not damage the tiles!
Even if you’re only parking your sports car on your garage tiles, it’s worth investing in durable PVC tiles that will withstand the pressure.
I go into more detail comparing Swisstrax and RaceDeck tiles in this article.
Cons
Now, let’s take a step back and look at some potential downsides.
Garage floor tiles have a lot going for them, but I want you to have the complete picture before deciding on one or the other.
First, let’s talk about the cost.
Garage floor tiles tend to be more expensive upfront than epoxy coating.
That makes sense since you’re paying for the convenience and versatility.
Still, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re working within a strict budget.
Next, there’s the potential issue of your floor sliding around.
If your tiles aren’t adequately secured, they may shift or separate over time, especially with heavy traffic or loads.
This won’t happen to everyone, but it’s something to consider, especially if you regularly move heavy equipment or vehicles in and out of your garage.
Next, you’ll need to think about ventilation.
Since garage floor tiles ‘float’ over your existing concrete slab, they can trap dirt or moisture underneath them.
This isn’t usually a problem, especially if your garage is well-ventilated and you clean your tiles regularly. But a damp, poorly ventilated garage could lead to mold or mildew growth underneath your tiles.
Finally, some garage floor tiles are susceptible to UV damage.
Extended exposure to sunlight can cause some tiles to fade or crack over time.
Epoxy Coatings: Overview
Before we start, it’s important to note that epoxy coatings are different than epoxy paint.
Epoxy coatings are a two-part polymer coating that cures to form a hard, glossy finish.
Epoxy paint is similar to acrylic or latex paint. It’s much cheaper than a high-solids epoxy coating but only offers a fraction of the protection and durability.
You can find epoxy coatings in a wide variety of colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits your garage’s vibe.
Let’s explore why epoxy coating might be your garage floor’s new best friend.
Pros
First, if we’re talking dollars and cents, epoxy coating typically comes out cheaper than garage floor tiles.
That can be a big plus if you’re trying to stretch your home improvement budget.
Epoxy coatings create a seamless and smooth surface that covers up any imperfections in the concrete. It can even help cover up any cracks or spalling in your concrete slab.
High-solids coatings are highly resistant to stains, chemicals, abrasions, and moisture. So whether you’re an artist, a mechanic, or just someone who tends to spill things, epoxy can handle it.
But, the biggest advantage epoxy coatings have is how amazing they look. It can turn a dull, gray concrete slab into your garage’s show-stopping centerpiece.
Need proof? Check out some of Leggari’s work. They make some truly epic epoxy floor designs.
Last but definitely not least, an epoxy coating does more than just look good.
It protects your concrete floor from deteriorating over time. It’s like a shield, protecting against the abuse we dish out to our garage floor every day.
Cons
While epoxy coating certainly has its perks, it’s only fair that we talk about its drawbacks too.
First up…installation.
Unlike interlocking garage floor tiles that you can lay down on a Saturday afternoon, an epoxy coating requires a lot more expertise.
Personally, I would definitely hire a professional to do the job unless you have access to a concrete grinder, a patient spouse, and a couple friends to help out.
Remember, epoxy is a two-part system that involves a chemical reaction. So, it’s not as simple as opening a can of paint and getting to work.
Another thing to consider is the curing and drying time.
Epoxy coating isn’t a quick fix. After the long process of cleaning and grinding your floor, then applying the epoxy, you’ll need to wait for it to cure and dry before you can put everything back in your garage.
You usually can’t even walk on it for 24-48 hours.
Then there’s the long-term durability.
If not correctly prepped and applied, an epoxy coating may peel or chip over time.
This is why the preparation stage is so important. You need a clean, well-prepared surface for the epoxy to adhere to.
Finally, if your epoxy floor gets damaged or you decide to change it, repairing or removing it often means grinding down your garage floor and starting from scratch.
Garage Floor Tiles vs Epoxy Coating: Cost
Money talks, right?
So let’s get down to the cost of installing garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings.
When we talk about the cost of garage flooring, it’s not just about the initial material cost. Installation and maintenance should also be on your radar.
When I’m writing this, Swisstrax, RaceDeck, and Husky, three of the most popular garage floor tiles, are all around $3.75 per square foot. IncStores is slightly less expensive at about $3.07 per square foot.
This will vary depending on the specific type and color tile you choose.
Leggari Products has several epoxy coatings for roughly $3.45 per square foot. Armor Garage is less expensive at $2.59 per square foot.
However, expect to pay between $2.62 and $5.84 additional labor costs to apply an epoxy coating.
Most homeowners choose to install the garage floor tiles themselves but would need to hire a contractor for an epoxy coating. That brings the total cost of epoxy coatings to around double that of garage floor tiles: $7.25 vs. $3.60 per square foot.
To give you a rough idea of the total cost, let’s consider a standard two-car garage, which is about 400 square feet.
If you install garage floor tiles, expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,800 on materials alone. An epoxy coating would be between $600 and $1,800 for the materials.
But remember, if you’re hiring a company to install your epoxy floor, add another $400 to $1,200 for labor.
These are just rough estimates.
The actual cost can vary depending on your project’s complexity, the quality of the materials you choose, and where you live.
Always ask for detailed quotes before making a decision.
Garage Tiles vs Epoxy: Durability
No matter what floor covering you choose for your garage, durability is a must-have.
We’re talking about a place that sees oil spills, tire marks, dropped tools, and more.
So, how do garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings compare?
Let’s dive in.
Garage floor tiles can last up to 20 years or more if well-maintained because they’re designed to handle the worst that your garage throws at them.
Oil spills wipe up easily.
Tire marks are less noticeable.
They handle dropped tools like a champ.
Plus, they can shrug off temperature swings, humidity changes, and UV exposure if you leave the garage door open often.
Epoxy coatings are no pushover, either.
An epoxy-coated floor can last 10 to 20 years with proper installation and maintenance. It’s highly resistant to common garage hazards like oil and chemical spills.
It can handle the daily grind of car traffic without a problem.
Epoxy also handles temperature changes and humidity, although UV exposure could cause some discoloration over time.
Let me give you an example.
Consider a high-traffic garage that’s home to weekend woodworking projects and car maintenance in addition to your daily family life.
Garage floor tiles might show some wear over time, but a damaged tile can be easily replaced.
An epoxy floor might show wear in high-traffic areas and require a polish or top coat every few years to keep it looking its best.
The truth is…both garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings are incredibly durable floor coatings.
The key takeaway points are the quality of the installation, how well you plan on maintaining them, and how you use your garage.
So, think about your garage’s typical day-to-day. Then choose the best flooring solution that’s up for the challenge.
Garage Floor Tiles vs Epoxy: Installation
Let’s face it. Installation is one of the biggest factors when choosing your garage flooring.
After all, you want to know what you’re getting into, right?
People love how easy garage floor tiles are to install. Typically, you can transform your garage in only a couple hours.
All you need to do is clean the floor, lay the tiles, and snap them together.
You don’t need any special skills or tools. Just a little patience and a good eye for detail.
Plus, there’s no drying or curing time to worry about. You’re ready to drive into your garage as soon as the last tile is down.
On the other hand, an epoxy coating requires a bit more elbow grease.
It’s a multi-step process that involves cleaning the floor, repairing any cracks, etching the surface, applying a primer, then finally applying the epoxy itself.
While you can do it yourself, many homeowners hire a professional for the best results.
This process can take several days- even without factoring in curing time. Finally, when the first epoxy coat is dry, an additional clear coat is sometimes added.
Once each coat of epoxy is down, it needs to dry and cure before you can use your garage again.
This could take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the product used and the conditions in your garage.
Let’s go back to our same two-car garage from earlier.
With an epoxy coating, you might start prep work on Wednesday, apply the epoxy on Saturday, and finally have a usable garage the following weekend.
Remember, though, that this timeline can fluctuate depending on the condition of your existing floor.
So, what’s the bottom line?
Garage floor tiles might be your winner if you’re after a quick, easy DIY project. But if you’re looking for a sleek, professional finish and aren’t in a hurry, epoxy could be worth the wait.
Garage Floor Tiles vs Epoxy: Appearance
Let’s face it. A big part of choosing what garage floor coating to buy comes down to how it looks.
You want something that makes your garage someplace you’re proud to show off to your friends.
With garage floor tiles, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to color options and patterns.
Whether you want a checkerboard, stripes, or even to match your favorite team’s colors, you can make it happen.
You decide where each tile goes, giving you complete control over the final look.
Most interlocking floor tiles are available in different styles and textures. You can choose between vented, diamond-plate, or rubberized tiles.
In most cases, you can mix and match to have rubberized tiles in front of your workbench and vented tiles underneath your vehicle.
While garage floor tiles can’t give you a glossy finish, they still have a clean, professional appearance that many homeowners love.
Now, imagine walking into a garage and seeing a pristine, high-gloss floor that looks like a high-end car dealership.
That’s the beauty of an epoxy coating.
Epoxy coatings come in a variety of colors. You can even add decorative chips or metallic effects for some extra pizzazz.
No matter what color you choose, epoxy floors provide a smooth, seamless finish, which is a real plus if you’re after that polished look. You can add texture to your epoxy floor for added slip resistance, but personally, I think it ruins the look.
Here’s another thing to consider: interlocking floor tiles or epoxy coatings may look better, depending on your garage lighting,
Epoxy’s glossy finish reflects light more, which can make your garage look brighter. On the other hand, the matte finish of garage floor tiles can reduce glare.
Garage Floor Tiles vs Epoxy: Maintenance
After spending time and effort installing your new garage floor, you will want to keep it looking its best.
Let’s look at what’s involved in maintaining garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings to see which fits your lifestyle best.
When it comes to cleaning, garage floor tiles easily take the prize. Because of their modular design, cleaning up spills or dirt is as simple as using a broom or vacuum.
No special cleaners needed!
If a tile gets stained or damaged, no problem! Just remove the damaged tile and replace it.
You don’t need to refinish the entire floor.
That said, depending on the design of the tile, it can be easy for dirt and dust to accumulate in the gaps between tiles.
On the other hand, an epoxy-coated floor is a seamless, non-porous surface that’s easy to sweep or mop. Epoxy is resistant to stains and can be cleaned with standard cleaning products.
However, if the epoxy gets chipped or starts to peel, it requires more extensive repair. While durable, epoxy floors need to be re-coated every few years, depending on the level of wear and tear.
In between, you can usually polish epoxy floors to buff out any minor scratches and imperfections.
When it comes time to replace your floor, garage floor tiles have the upper hand.
It’s just as easy to remove your old tiles as it was to install them.
If you want a different look with epoxy, you’ll probably need to hire a professional to remove the old coating, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Wrapping it Up: Making the Best Choice for Your Garage Floor
Choosing between garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings can be a big decision.
Let’s break it down for you.
Who Should Choose Interlocking Floor Tiles?
Garage floor tiles could be the right choice for you if:
- You appreciate versatility and customization. Tiles come in a variety of styles, patterns, and colors, allowing you to create a unique design that complements your garage.
- You prefer a DIY-friendly option. Installation is straightforward and doesn’t require professional help or specialized tools.
- You need a solution that’s easy to maintain. Tiles can be individually replaced if damaged, and cleaning is as simple as sweeping or vacuuming.
- You are prepared for a slightly higher upfront cost. While tiles can be more expensive initially, the long-term benefits may make the investment worth it.
Who Should Choose Epoxy Coatings?
Epoxy coatings might be the better fit for you if:
- You prefer a seamless, professional-looking finish. Epoxy provides a high-gloss, smooth surface that can make your garage look sleek and clean.
- You are seeking a cost-effective solution. While the installation process might be more complex, the upfront cost is generally lower than that of tiles.
- You are willing to wait for the cure time. Epoxy takes longer to dry and cure, but the result can be a highly durable and resistant surface.
- You can manage potential repair work. Epoxy might be more difficult to repair if damaged. But with proper care, it can last for many years.
Every garage is different, and your choice between garage floor tiles and epoxy coatings will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.
Hopefully, this guide has given you the knowledge to make a confident decision. Whichever you choose, both options can significantly enhance the look and functionality of your garage floor.
