Since you want an industrial look, you might try the vinyl diamond plate. It would be easy, and later when he's outgrown it, you can peel it off and finish it with something different.
http://www.stickercity.com/chrome-vinyl-sheets-and-brushed-metal-vinyl-sheets/
They seem like they are built like a tank. Even though I couldn't find much feedback on them, I ordered one anyway. I ordered the single phase model, but thanks for the tip.
Have you had any issues with the ones you use at work?
Does anyone here use Fostoria heaters to heat their garage? I've been looking at these ( http://www.everyspaceheater.com/Fostoria-YES-1520-3A-FRO1006.html ) as an option to heat my 1500 sq ft insulated garage. I have 14 ft ceilings.