ᐅ Replacing a Garage Floor – Experiences and Recommendations?

Hello,

the garage floor in our house has clearly visible damage, cracks, and spalling, some of which appear to reach down to the underlying screed (I assume).

It needs to be renovated, and I am now considering which floor covering would be best suited for this.

Are tiles still commonly used in garages? Or is it better to just grind the surface and apply a new protective layer? Or is there a better alternative?

The decision naturally depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the intended use of the garage. Tiles can be a good option because they are durable, easy to clean, and long-lasting. They can also help protect the floor from further damage. However, you need to ensure that the subfloor is stable enough to support the tiles and that any cracks or unevenness in the screed are repaired before laying the tiles.

= basically applies to all types of flooring

Another option is sanding the floor and applying a new protective coating. This can be a more cost-effective solution that renews the floor without completely replacing it. However, it may not fully resolve issues such as deep cracks or chipping. At this point, you might also consider microcement. It sounds interesting so far, but I have no personal experience with it yet. I have read about this option in the forum. The advantage is that you can optimize the slip resistance classification and tailor it accordingly.

Another alternative could be using coatings like epoxy resin or polyurethane. These provide a strong and resilient surface that is easy to clean and offers good resistance to chemicals and wear. They are also available in various colors and patterns to reflect your personal style.

You could also lay PVC tiles on top, but this does not necessarily protect the subfloor!

Thank you very much for the suggestions!

Have you made any progress with your renovation?

Alfredlima schrieb:

Have you made any progress with your renovation?

Due to various other issues, the project was postponed somewhat, but it will still take place this summer.

Our garage floor looked similar. Here's how I proceeded:
(Note: The car is rarely actually driven into the garage)

- Swept
- Vacuumed
- Applied thinner or primer
- Applied plenty of Albrecht garage sealant (clearance sale at the hardware store) / 2 coats

Advantage: quick and inexpensive
Disadvantage: smells terrible for several days (warning: use respiratory protection if needed), not perfect—let’s say about an 80% solution.

Overall, considering cost, effort, and time, it worked for me. I might make some repairs beforehand next time.