Best Garage Flooring of 2018: 6 Garage Flooring Ideas

The Best Garage Flooring of 2018: 6 Garage Flooring Ideas

Create your man cave in style using the best garage flooring trends of 2018. Discover exciting, new garage flooring ideas – you’ll have your dream look in no time.

It’s finally here; the time you’ve been waiting for! It’s time to turn your garage from a boring, outdated storage room to a hot, envy-inducing man cave. That’s right, you’re going to finally give your baby the home she deserves.

And by baby, I mean your car. Naturally.

Of course, there’s a lot to do if you want to create your dream garage. But I always recommend starting with the floor. After all, it’s the foundation for your whole garage. And chances are, you’ll want to choose the rest of your decor to match.

Choosing your garage floor is a big decision, one you only want to make once. The great thing about flooring trends is they have some constancy. Unlike fashion and design, they’re not constantly changing, causing you to struggle to keep up with the latest and greatest.

No, flooring trends are steady and dependable. If you go with what’s hot right now, it’s likely that your floor (and garage) will still be 100% in style 10 years from now.

The Best Garage Flooring: 6 Garage Flooring Ideas - chart

How to Choose the Best Garage Flooring

This is where people tend to get overwhelmed. Often, we hear “Can you just tell me what to buy?”

Actually, yes. Yes, I can.

But I want to include you in the process. Because my tastes might be different than yours. To be honest, they are almost definitely different because my taste can be kinda weird. Or, as I like to call it, “original”.

The main things you want to look for are durability, loudness (more on this soon), look, cost, maintenance and installation. It’s up to you to determine the priority for each of these – maybe you have

It’s up to you to determine the priority for each of these – maybe you have really bad hearing and don’t care how loud your tiles are? Or, maybe cost isn’t a factor for you. Every garage is different and so is every person. Let’s dive a little deeper and discover what’s best for you.

Related content >> How to Create Your Dream Garage in 10 Easy Steps

Durability

I mean, I think this is a deal breaker for just about everyone. There’s nothing worse than getting your garage just the way you want it and having your floor fall apart right underneath your feet.

In shocking new discovery: cars are heavy! So are tools. And oil, along with other automotive fluid, can be really tough on your floor. You need a beefy, brawny, durable floor that will stay sharp and intact through any amount of abuse.

Loudness

This one’s more of a personal preference. The truth is, traditional plastic garage tiles are a little noisy when you walk on them. There are some tips and tricks for reducing this (like underlayment – it’s the best!), but they will never sound as smooth and quiet as walking over a garage roll.

In fact, even something like epoxy has a certain degree of loudness. When you drop tools on a harder surface, they make a lot of noise. The softer the flooring material, the quieter your floor. Simple as that.

Look

I mean, let’s be honest; you want your garage to look sharp. Although functionality is important, you get garage flooring because you want your garage to look awesome.

Most garage flooring options come in diamond, coin, smooth or vented patterns. And that’s just the beginning! If you choose tiles, you can do all sorts of fun patterns with your layout – mix and match colors, create that classic checkered look, or get real crazy with full on designs, like this Super Mario one.

Of course, epoxy is a whole other story, giving more of a speckled look. If you hire a pro, there’s a ton you can do with epoxy. However, it does require a bit more skill to get more than a basic wash, which, to be fair, still looks great!

Cost

Regardless of your budget, there is a garage flooring option for you. I promise.

You can cover a 2 car garage in anything from approximately $400 to $6,000+. There are a lot of variables here, including durability, brand, look, etc. But, seriously, you can start right around $400, which is super doable. Here’s the typical breakdown of least expensive to most expensive*:

Peel & Stick Garage Tiles
Epoxy
Vinyl Garage Rolls
Hard Plastic Garage Tiles (non-vented)
Soft Plastic PVC Garage Tiles

*Note: This varies between brands/styles.

Maintenance

If you’re anything like me, you want to spend approximately 0.062 seconds per year cleaning your garage floor. I know some people think cleaning is “fun” or “relaxing”. I am not one of them.

My advice: check out how easy/difficult your floor is to clean and if it requires any special cleaners, tricks, etc. If you really love it and you don’t mind giving it a little extra TLC, then by all means! Otherwise, you may want to go with an equally sleek, less needy option.

Installation

A few things to think about:

Are you installing the floor yourself? If so, how handy are you?
Do you have room in your budget to hire an installer?
Do you plan on keeping this floor here for a long time or do you want it to travel with you when you leave?

The truth is none of the garage flooring ideas we’re discussing today are terribly difficult to install. A garage flooring roll or soft PVC tile will always be the easier, but the others just require a bit of patience and the intelligence of approximately a 3rd grader. I think you’ll be good 😉

Related content >> Garage Flooring Buyer’s Guide: Tiles, Rolls, Epoxy & More

Best Garage Floor Tiles

Okay, so now that you know what to look for, let’s get to the real thing you’ve been waiting for…

What are the best garage flooring ideas in 2018?

We’ve got a few favorites that always get rave reviews in lots of different types and styles. So there’s a little something for everyone.

Shop Garage Tiles

Nitro Garage Tiles

Nitro Tiles are one of the most popular garage floor tiles on the market. They’re tough and durable, ready to take on even the harshest garage conditions. Beyond the garage, use them for dealerships, workshops, trade shows and more.

For the most popular looks and patterns, go with the diamond tiles and lay them in a classic checkerboard.

What People Are Saying:

“Very easy to install, did it by myself in about 4 hours for a 2 car garage. I would recommend this before putting down stuff like vinyl. This tile is very durable. I like how easy it is to install just snaps into place with each other. Love it.” – Joe from LA

“I purchase the garage flooring in red, blue and gray. It took a little over three hours. Just a quick note to say how pleased I am with the product. Easy to install with the end product absolutely beautiful. I will definitely be telling everyone how pleased I am.” – Richard from FL

How Nitro Tiles Measures Up:

COST

1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
Nitro Tiles are the most affordable garage tiles on the market. You won’t find garage flooring for a better price.

DURABILITY

1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
These are the most durable hard plastic garage tiles on the market. Vinyl tiles and rolls typically hold up better than hard tiles, but these bad boys do an excellent job holding up to cars, tools and more.

SOUND

1 – quietest to 5 – loudest
Hard plastic tiles will always be louder than your other garage flooring options. If sound is a big issue for you, you can add an underlayment, but flex tiles or garage floor rolls will be your best bet if you want a really quiet floor.

INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
Easy peasy. You can 100% DIY. They just take a little more time than a couple other options.

CLEANING DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
The occasional sweeping and damp mop with gentle cleaning solution and you’re good to go.

Related content >> How to Design Your Dream Garage: Colors, Paint & More

Pros of Nitro Tiles

Cost
Durability
Maintenance
3 year warranty

Cons of Nitro Tiles

Sound
Fewer color options

Shop Nitro Tiles

Nitro Flex Garage Tiles

Okay, so we all want that sleek, professional garage look. But many people are hesitant to go with a garage tile to achieve the classic checkerboard look or other patterns because they’ve heard about the sound you get with hard plastic tiles. I’m not gonna lie; hard plastic tiles are noisier.

But soft PVS garage tiles are quiet as a mouse! Sharp looks without the sharp sounds. A win, win if you ask me.

Beyond the garage, use these babies for basements, showrooms, tradeshows and, yes, even kitchen! For the most popular look, go for the classic checkerboard – it will always be in style.

What People Are Saying:

“These tiles are extremely durable, feel great to walk on and look amazing. I will be spending more time then I should in my garage.” – Craig from IL

“I have put garage tiles in three garages so far in my life and this one might be my favorite. The past two garages I did I used the plastic tiles which are great. I always liked the plastic tiles since you can’t see the interlocks and they look great. This time I wanted to try the vinyl since I heard they are quieter. Well they weren’t lying, these tiles feel almost like a rubber floor and don’t ever have that clicky sound like the plastic tiles sometimes have if your subfloor is uneven. I think these tiles might also be easier to clean since it seems impossible for dirt to get in the cracks. I am very happy with my purchase.” – Jim from WA

How Nitro Flex Tiles Measures Up:

COST

1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
Nitro Flex Tiles are the most affordable PVC garage tiles on the market. They are middle-of-the-road price wise, but it’s a great deal for the quality.

DURABILITY

1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
I think the 15 year warranty speaks for itself.

SOUND

1 – quietest to 5 – loudest
They’re even quieter than most in-home floors.

INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
These tiles are the easiest to install of any garage tile on the market. Snap the locks together and go. Ain’t nobody got time for complicated.

CLEANING DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
The occasional sweeping and damp mop with gentle cleaning solution and you’re good to go.

Related content >> How to Choose Garage Flooring

Pros of Nitro Flex Tiles

Durability
Sound
Versatility
Piece of cake installation
15 year warranty

Cons of Nitro Flex Tiles

A little more expensive than hard plastic tiles
Occasional slight color variance between batches

Shop Nitro Flex Tiles

Grid-Loc Garage Tiles

These American-made hard plastic garage tiles are engineered to withstand the heat, tools, chemicals, oil and more that come from even the grungiest garage. They’ve been around for the long haul and we still think they make our list of the top 5 garage tiles on the market.

Beyond the garage, Grid-Loc Tiles are versatile enough for storage sheds, trade shows, dealerships and more. They are popular for their large color selection and variety of patterns.

What People Are Saying:

“Garage looks outstanding! Everything came perfectly. Installation was pretty easy. When cutting tile, first tried a box cutting blade but it was too arduous. The jigsaw worked great and cut my time exponentially. Stomping on the tile to join them worked most effectively. Having a rubber mallet handy proved beneficial for the edges. These tiles are durable but not soft. You will hear the flexing of the tiles when walking on them but since they’ll be in the garage it’s an easy trade-off. Would highly recommend.” – Poolster from NY

“Installation was a snap. The Diamond Grid-Loc tiles seem indestructable. Several spills wiped right off. We changed our design and it was easy to remove and reinstall tiles in the center of the garage floor. ” – Ken from TX

How Grid-Loc Tiles Measures Up:

COST

1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
These are mid-range. The Nitro Tiles are less expensive, but these will give you more color options if you prefer that.

DURABILITY

1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
Grid-Loc Tiles are tough and sturdy, lasting for years. With a lot of wear and tear, however, you will start to see scratches and imperfections.

SOUND

INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
An easy, straightforward loop system. Any Average Joe can totally do it themselves.

CLEANING DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
The occasional sweeping and damp mop with gentle cleaning solution and you’re good to go.

Related content >> Brainstorming Your Dream Garage

Pros of Grid-Loc Tiles

American-made
Large color selection
Versatility
12 year warranty

Cons of Grid-Loc Tiles

Sound
Pricier than Nitro Tiles (their competitor hard plastic tile)

Shop Grid-Loc Tiles

Ribtrax by SwissTrax Garage Tiles

SwissTrax is famous for their Ribtrax vented garage tile line. These tiles are extra-large and made right here in the USA. At 3/4″ thick, Ribtrax are the toughest garage floor tiles on the market.

Beyond the garage, use them for boats, docks, around the pool and pretty much anywhere with a lot of water. The vents allow water to easily flow through with no issues or mess.

Ribtrax tiles are also popular for their huge color selection. Like, ridiculously huge. With 19 different options, if you want it, they’ve got it.

What People Are Saying:

“I installed the snap together about as fast as you can unload the shipping box and it is beautiful. Highly recommended all the way around!” – RxBow from PA

“I ordered the two colors I love and when they arrived my husband and I started snapping them together. It was amazingly simple and fast. After a few hours we had a classy looking garage. We are extremely happy with our “new looking” garage. And the best thing is should we ever decide to move again, or even simply want a different pattern, these tiles can easily be stacked in a box and carried to a new home to be used again!” – Mark from FL

How Grid-Loc Tiles Measures Up:

COST

1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
With the big brand name, these ultra-thick tiles do come at a higher price point.

DURABILITY

1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
These babies come with an impressive 15 year warranty. They’re sticking around for the long haul.

SOUND

1 – quietest to 5 – loudest
While still louder than PVC, the vented tiles are significantly quieter than other hard plastic tiles.

INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
We’ve received so many comments on how easy they are to install. Tiles do take a bit of time, but any novice could easily take on this project.

CLEANING DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
This is one of the best parts! Because of the vent system, you can just hose ’em down every once in a while. Literally does not get any easier than that.

Related content >> 10+ Ways to Use Your Garage: From Functional to Fun

Pros of Grid-Loc Tiles

American-made
Durability
Sharp look and colors
Great for water

Cons of Grid-Loc Tiles

Price

Shop Ribtrax

Smooth Flex Garage Tiles

Now for something a little different. Smooth Flex Tiles don’t look like any other garage floor tile on the market. They are, well, smooth, for one! Instead of diamond or coin patterns, you get a gorgeous, smooth leather look. Their interlocking system is hidden, giving you a flawless, cohesive floor.

Homeowners love how the Smooth Flex Tiles provide versatility. Yes, they’re garage tiles, but, beyond the garage, they look great in laundry rooms, basements, offices and more.

Looking for style? The classic checkerboard look always looks sharp.

What People Are Saying:

“I installed the smooth tiles in my basement laundry room area over a cememnt floor. It is a wonderful product. The floor looks great and it is good to walk on. The contractor who installed it for me said it was great to work with and he will recommend it to other customers. Very satisfaied.” – Amanda from NY

“This was the most amazing look when completed. It was fast AND easy to install and looks GREAT! There was no way we could have achieved this look with any other tile. ” – Chris from VA

How Grid-Loc Tiles Measures Up:

COST

1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
The striking, professional leather look does come at a higher price point. However, these are actually pretty affordable compared to similar tiles.

DURABILITY

1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
PVC is known for its durability and longevity. Also, they come with an insanely awesome 25 year warranty – that’s sayin’ something!

SOUND

1 – quietest to 5 – loudest
Vinyl is always a quiet flooring option, especially PVC compared to other garage flooring options.

INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
An easy installation, accessible for even a home improvement novice.

CLEANING DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
You’ll just need to keep up with the standard sweeping and occasional damp mop with a mild cleaning solution.

Related content >> 20+ Garage Theme Ideas for Your Perfect Space

Pros of Smooth Flex Tiles

Gorgeous leather look
Hidden interlock design
American-made
Anti-fatigue technologies
Chemical-resistant
25 year warranty

Cons of Smooth Flex Tiles

Occasional color variance between batches
Price

Shop Smooth Flex Tiles

Best Garage Floor Rolls

If garage floor tiles aren’t your thing, you can still get that sleek, professional garage look on a lower budget and with even easier installation by choosing a garage floor roll.

What is the best garage flooring roll?

Let’s talk about it!

Shop Garage Rolls

Nitro Garage Floor Rolls

These premium vinyl garage flooring rolls have it all: sharp looks, easy installation and maintenance, and superb durability. It’s no wonder they are the number 1 garage flooring roll on the market.

Beyond the garage, use these stylish coin and diamond-patterned rolls in workshops, storage sheds, industrial settings and more.

What People Are Saying:

“The flooring turned out really great and it is the “wow” factor when I show my garage to my friends. I installed it myself and am very proud of it.” – Gary from PA

“Although only as thick as a nickle, this product is tough and very durable. I ordered a 10′ x 7′ mat. I’m a 66 year old woman and easily rolled out the 65 lb. mat and was able to drag it into place into my golf cart garage. The former home owner’s cart battery acid had eaten dinner plate sized holes into the garage floor. After getting the concrete flushed and repaired, this mat made the perfect finish. I like how easy it is to sweep and keep clean. Online ordering and delivery were quick and easy. This mat is a terrific value at a great price..” – Janet from CA

How Grid-Loc Tiles Measures Up:

COST

1 – least expensive to 5 – most expensive
Nitro Rolls are the least expensive option on this list – they’re a true bargain for garage flooring.

DURABILITY

1 – least durable to 5 – most durable
There’s a reason these babies come with a 7 year warranty. They are virtually indestructible, designed to hold up to cars, tools and more.

SOUND

1 – quietest to 5 – loudest
Garage rolls are the quietest garage flooring option there is and these Nitro Rolls don’t disappoint.

INSTALLATION DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
Nitro Rolls are so easy to install, a child could do it. For real. They are a bit heavy/bulky and you may need to do a little cutting, but it is a very short DIY project.

CLEANING DIFFICULTY

1 – least difficult to 5 – most difficult
The occasional sweeping and damp mop with gentle cleaning solution is all it takes.

Pros of Nitro Rolls

Quiet underfoot
Easy installation
Professional look
Affordable
7 year warranty (the longest garage flooring roll warranty on the market!)

Cons of Nitro Rolls

Patterns on each roll may not always align perfectly with the adjoining roll

Shop Nitro Rolls

Ready to get started? Order samples of your favorite garage flooring today!

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