It would be a tedious task for anyone to maintain a garage floor in its best condition all the time. Most of the time we disregard the garage floor until it becomes coated with oil, other car dirt and debris, grease from bikes or even the grass and leaves that the winds blow in.

With your garage floor you have a wide range of choices for maintaining it. The simplest way would be to paint the floor with an epoxy, which is durable and water resistant, and does not need to be reapplied very often. To paint it would really take some effort but it is a good way to make the floor last for a long time as long as you have also after coated the epoxy with a good sealant to aid in the prevention of moisture and other debris getting between the coating and the floor itself.

Some flooring options for your garage are more costly than others. While some ways of protecting your garage floor might give you a hard time with the application or installation, the best decision is to research all your options, whether it be rubber floor mats, concrete staining, epoxy floor paint, tile, stamping, or anything else to decorate the floor, and determine what is not only going to be most cost effective, but also what you will be able to do yourself versus having to hire a contractor to do the job because it’s too challenging or you simply don’t have the tools or equipment to get the job done right.

The garage usually starts out nice and neat, but over time it becomes more of a storage unit.  And after months or years of parking your car in it there are usually unwanted oil and other fluids staining the areas on the garage floor under the engines of your cars.  It may usually just be bare concrete, but it still needs to be maintained and protected. So, here are some steps to help you in effectively protecting your garage floor.

The first thing you need to do is to clean it well. This can most easily be done by first sweeping out the loose dust, leaves, and any other debris, then remove all boxes or other junk that may have accumulated.  Once the entire garage is empty, then power wash the floor using some kind of cleaner.  If you don’t have a power washer you can always rent one, or you can simply use your garden hose with a pressure tip.  You need to sweep and wash the floor thoroughly. If you see some engine oil and car dirt, then you need to apply some heavy duty cleaner or degreaser in order to get it as clean as possible. Once the it is clean, then you can let it air dry or use a blower to dry it faster.

Once you’ve chosen the method you’re going to use to protect your garage floor, which is often paint or stain, you simply apply it according to directions, then apply a sealer to the floor for added protection.

A simple overview, these are valuable tips and advice can add value to your home as well as providing you with a nicer place to park your car or tinker on the weekends.

In applying a garage floor epoxy coating, you must never forget the primary step of preparing the surface. This would be about fixing up cracks and filling up holes. One of the leading reasons why a lot of coating fails is due to the absence of proper surface preparation. To be successful on this, you must do the following steps:

To etch a solid garage floor needs some gel acid. Acid etching is the usual process that even expert contractors do in resurfacing. Liquid acid has always been an all time recommendation by a lot of manufacturers. And as modern times come, the gel has been combined with acid to make it easier to roll in the concrete floor. Liquid acids emerged to be more troubling due to its being diluted. Many consumers are not even aware that they are buying mere water instead of a genuine acid solution.

Second step is to fix the cracks and holes in the floor. Do not buy a crack filler that is much too thick. If you will use not a thin crack, you will only get to fill the top portion of the crack. This process is what you call bridging the crack. So for best options to use as crack fillers, you need to go for the more modern polyureas.

Choose the right coatings for your floor. Do not settle for instant home improvement epoxy kits, since they would only look good on the same day that you apply them. You must only go for the high quality and high performance coatings to make it last for years.

Deal with moisture issues. You need to use some tools to measure the content of moisture in the floor. You can place a rubber floor mat or tape plastic on it. After 3 to 4 days, you have stumbled upon some moisture underneath, then it is time you buy a waterproof epoxy which will be applied first before you apply the embellishing system of epoxy.  You can also apply a sealer for added protection after you are done applying the epoxy.

As you follow these steps and choose the ideal garage floor epoxy, you can be sure to make your garage floors looking new as ever.

Even if you have your heart set on travertine tile or slate flooring, don’t cross stained concrete off of your list. It’s easy to style cement to look like tile flooring by using a cookie cutter effect while it is still wet. After staining and gloss is complete, the tile like grooves will have a beautiful stone effect that flows throughout your home at less than half the price of porcelain tile.

It is important to note the difference between painting concrete and staining it when choosing what type of flooring to install. With paint, you have a layer set on top of the concrete itself and dries as one solid color. Stained concrete changes the structure at a molecular level using an acid-base to mix with the compounded minerals. This is why, depending on the color of stain being used, stain has a varying rustic pattern as real stone or slate would.

Besides color patterns, you can also choose your texture gradient based on the thickness of the stain you’ve opted for, whether it be roll on or spray on. Several layers and tones will change the way it feels or lays. Match it to your kitchen theme, or stone fire place setting and furniture. Either way, your guests will be amazed to find that your unique flooring style is not imported from Spain or Italy, but is actually your own variation of stained flooring.

The quality of stained concrete is competitive. Wood flooring can easily warp or lose its luster, but a concrete stain is durable and holds its shape and shine for years. Tile flooring can crack, but once concrete is sealed, not even water or heavy furniture can damage it. Stained concrete is easy to clean and doesn’t stain or scratch like carpet or some woods will, yet it is just as beautiful as some of the most expensive stone floors.

When choosing a flooring for your home, office, or even outside porches and barns, be sure to take stained concrete into consideration. Whether you’re on a tight budget or have a few extra dollars to spend, want a stone texture or porcelain shine, stained concrete is an appealing variation over your standard flooring choices that can be molded to fit your exact expectations.

Other popular options are epoxy paint and concrete polishing, which are entirely different processes, yet still very durable and beautiful if done correctly.  Sometimes cracks will occur down the road with polishing, but don’t let this scare you away.  It is still easily fixable.

The easiest to clean and apply is the epoxy floor paint. This particular paint is mostly used in large industrial warehouses. When several coats are applied it gives the flooring a nice shiny look. Epoxy floor paint is odorless, oil resistant, water resistant and extremely durable. One let down for this type of paint is it is slippery when wet, which may not be ideal in car shops or other places where water may be spilled.

You can purchase epoxy coating with anti-skid properties. This is known as rough coat epoxy concrete floor paint. The rough coat paint is water based and very thin. Because it is so thin it can not protect against cracks in the flooring. However this paint is economical friendly and very simple to apply which makes it ideal for residential flooring.

If you are reapplying or applying epoxy floor coatings for the first time, it is very simple. Below are a few instructions and tips on getting your floor coating just right.

Make sure the floor is clean, don’t forget to dust out the corners.

Etch the floor – Mix solvent in a watering can and follow directions from the manufacturer. Always wear protective gear when mixing and using chemicals.

Begin mixing epoxy paint. Pour the hardener into the paint, it usually takes about 3 minutes of stirring to get the paint mix properly.

Start painting. The solution must be used within 2 hours of mixing. Remember to make sure the area is well ventilated.

Distribute color flakes evenly before applying the top coat. Apply as if you are laying grass seed, let the chips sift through your fingers until all flooring has even amounts. Allow to dry for 12-24 hours

Mix top coat and hardener for 3 minutes. Apply the same as the other coats were painted on. The top coat will look milky until it is dried. Allow 72 hours dry time before parking a car.

The concrete under the floor is protected and will last longer, and the epoxy provides a very durable, clean surface. The epoxy can be applied professionally or can be done by the homeowner without too much trouble. The main thing is to start with a well cleaned surface.

The applied epoxy will hide stains and imperfections in the existing garage floor, but, again the concrete needs to cleaned thoroughly before application. Also, the instructions for application need to be followed exactly. Choosing the color of epoxy is important. It can be clear so that the concrete under the flooring shows through, or it can be a color. A wide range of colors are available from muted hues to bright shades. Textures are also available.

The epoxy on all kinds of garage floors will dry smooth if a texture isn’t added and this is very easy to clean since it is a very flat, non-porous finish. A texture can be added, though, depending on your preference and the function of the garage. Garages are not only used to store cars, but as workshops or recreation areas, and the use of the area should be considered when choosing the finish of the flooring. Ease of cleaning the floor should be considered.

Overall, epoxy is durable no matter what the use of the garage. It is stain resistant and temperature changes have little effect on this surface. Oil or grease can be cleaned up more easily and most epoxy can be cleaned by simply sweeping or damp mopping. Epoxy garage floor coatings lengthen the life of the concrete and can increase the value of your home.

For about one hundred and fifty dollars you can get a kit that includes a base coat, a top coat and color chip flakes for a one car garage. The cost doubles for a two car garage and it triples for a three car garage (Keep in mind, these are just examples. The price of the epoxy coating you choose may cost more or less).

Applying the epoxy coating to the floor is relatively simple. Most people who sell this type of product have directions for how to do it posted on line. In case of problems, you might want to buy from someone who will let you call in for advice. One more thing: don’t just buy the epoxy floor coating for your garage. You should test your garage for moisture before you get started. The epoxy may not dry well if your garage is too moist. You can save a lot of time, money and hassle if you find out ahead of time that your garage floor is not well suited for an epoxy covering.

Ultimately, when you have an epoxy garage floor coating it will be protected from stains and wear and tear.  In addition, it will improve the sale value of your home by improving the look of your garage.

Slate can be found in a vast array of shades, both dark and light. There are slate tiles in brown, beige black, rust, gray, green and red, as well as blue or purple. The natural earth tones and texture are what make slate so appealing. It is an ideal flooring in that it is durable and easy to clean, and hides dirt well. Therefore, for those homeowners who are looking to refinish a floor surface, installing slate tile may be the perfect option.

Less expensive than granite or marble, but still costly, slate tile flooring is an investment that can enhance the value of any home. The tiles are available in a few different thicknesses but ¼ inch is the most commonly used. They are also cut in different shapes.

To install a slate tile floor, the existing flooring needs to be removed and the base must be in good repair and solid enough to support the weight of the tile. Wooden sub flooring needs to be at least 1 and ¼ inch thick. A floor plan should be sketched to determine how many slate tiles will be needed for any pattern the person may desire. It is best to purchase all of the necessary materials at the same time to ensure color and style consistency.

Adhesive may be needed to build up tiles that are less thick than others to avoid tripping hazards on the floor. The tiles should be laid out first for a dry run to ensure that the pattern will work and they are the right fit for the floor space. For grout joints, spacers need to be placed between tiles. Then the tiles need to be lifted away from the far corner of the room, about 6-12 at a time, and then slate tile adhesive can be applied to adhere the tiles to the flooring. The slate can then be sealed if the homeowner wishes to do so.

Installing a slate tile floor is an investment in a home, as this durable, beautiful flooring will enhance the looks and the value of any house.

Concrete finishing refers to any of several processes that are applied to concrete to help increase its durability, or create a change in its texture or appearance. Using special tools, concrete surfaces can be leveled, troweled, edged or textured to resemble materials other than concrete. Concrete on a driveway, for instance, can be finished to give it the appearance of more expensive stone construction.

There are three methods of concrete finishing fast gaining in popularity with homeowners today. The first of these is concrete stamping, a finishing technique that creates a new texture on the surface of the concrete designed to have it look like other material, such as stone, tile or brick. Stamping can also create the texture of leather when used on concrete walls and counter tops. Concrete stamping is best applied for new concrete applications.

Another concrete finishing technique making concrete more versatile than ever is concrete staining.

This technique provides a new refreshed look for concrete applications that are free from discoloration and signs of aging and offers a less expensive option to achieve that new concrete appearance without actually ripping out the old installation and pouring new concrete.

The third aspect of concrete finishing is concrete painting. This is the least expensive concrete finishing technique, but the results achieved are endless, left only to the imagination. Applying a quality grade epoxy concrete paint on garage or porch flooring, for example, can help to make the flooring waterproof, add new color to the concrete, improve the safety of the area by providing a non-slip surface when wet, and extending the lifespan of the concrete surfaces which are painted. Although this method of concrete finishing wears the least well of the three, it is still a viable way to upgrade the concrete’s appearance and durability without spending a great deal of money.

Concrete finishing allows concrete, a versatile and durable yet relatively inexpensive substance, to masquerade as many more high quality materials in a variety of applications, ranging from flooring and driveways to walkways, counter tops and fences. For any concrete surface that needs a make-over, concrete finishing transforms the old and boring into the new and exciting.

The application of concrete sealer will actually strengthen and add protection to any concrete surface. They serve to create a water-proof film over the surface of the concrete or act as an effective seal for the pores of the concrete to prevent them from absorbing any liquids spilled onto their surface.

But concrete sealers can also do a lot more than simply protect any exposed concrete surface. By applying concrete sealer to concrete driveways or garage and basement floors, you eliminate the problem of moisture seepage that tends to weaken the concrete and damage its appearance. Concrete sealers can also help prevent the appearance of white powder, flaking and scaling on the surface as well as reduce the occurrence of unsightly cracking and splitting of the concrete surface. Concrete sealers will also help to strengthen the concrete against pitting and crumbling and provides an effective barrier against the formation of molds and mildew within the concrete which often leads to odor problems particularly if the concrete is located in an enclosed space.

Driveways in particular are exposed to all sorts of liquids and chemicals such as oil drips and de-icing salts. Extremes in temperature can also create a freeze and thaw pattern that can weaken concrete that has not been treated with a sealer.

When shopping for a concrete sealer, there are several types to consider depending upon whether it will be applied outdoors or indoors and how much penetration protection you need. Water-based epoxy sealers, epoxy penetrating sealers and urethane sealers each have decided advantages depending upon your needs. Every exposed concrete surface can benefit from an application of concrete sealers.

The garage floor is subjected to a variety of substances which can stain it, including gasoline, oil, antifreeze , de-icing salt and other grime carried onto it by your car wheels. Because concrete floors are porous, these substances can not only discolor your floor, they can also cause it to crack, weather and deteriorate. A garage floor sealer not only protects the garage floor from damage, it also enables you to walk and park onto a smooth, attractive surface that resists slipping and staining.

Epoxy concrete sealers are among the most popular for the durable finish they offer. There are many garage floor sealers available that include a non-slip additive as one of their ingredients, and this makes your garage floor a safer environment especially when the floor gets wet.

Garage floor sealers are tailor-made for the do-it-yourselfer as they are easy to apply so long as your prepare the surface properly and follow certain directions. Garage floor sealers require a thoroughly clean surface so that they will adhere properly, so sweep over your garage floor with a heavy broom and then use a commercial oil degreaser to remove any existing grease stains.

After the garage floor has been washed and brushed, be sure it’s completely dry before applying garage floor sealer. Because garage floor sealer contains chemicals that can prove toxic if splashed onto the skin or inhaled, it’s important to wear protective gloves, eyeglasses and clothing, including a mask while applying the sealant. Also make sure the area is well ventilated. Keep the garage doors fully open or bring in a fan for ventilation. You can make your sealant more colorful by adding a little bit of acrylic paint to the mix prior to the application.

It’s important to apply the sealer evenly with a long-handled roller brush, working from the farthest corner of the room all the way to the exit door so that you don’t have to track over the freshly applied sealant while it is drying. Take care that there is no area of the floor where the sealer is too thickly or thinly applied.

Garage floor sealer takes as much as three to four days to completely dry, so plan your sealer application project over a long weekend or a time when you won’t need to use the garage for parking or workshop projects.