Floored!

[nutmegct]

First post - wondering if there's any merit to garage floor tiles other than looks.

They sure improve the appearance, but aren't tiles a pain to clean and sweep? Isn't there a major risk of cutting or puncturing the tiles when using a jack or jack stand?

Wondered what your thoughts are. Maybe they're more useful for "display" floors, than garages where a guy does his own (minor) work - like oil/lube, changing suspension parts, brake work, etc.

Thanks.
Tom (who's planning a new garage ...)

 

[Paul1956]

When I consider freeflow tiles I find it to be an issue
with small parts landing under the tile.

Sure one can remove the tile, use pliers or a magnet
but I am sure that gets old after a while for those who
regularly work in their garages.

Also, when fluids spill such as oil, paint, etc it is not
just a matter of wiping the surface but also once again
removing the tile to clean underneath.

 

[nutmegct]

Thanks Paul. That's something I was wondering about.

And sweeping up dust etc. would be *really* tough.

By the way - is Earl Abel's Restaurant still operating? I used to eat there as often as possible when I drove between Fort Worth and Edinburg back in the 1970s.

 

[Jinks]

I have Garage Track tiles in the diamond plate style. While they will dent if you apply a heavy load on a small foot print it's easy to spread the load with a thin piece of protective material. If a tile is damaged it's a two minute job to snap it out & replace it if you need to. I don't have "free flow" because of spills, but spills on the solid pieces wipe up easily. So far mine have stood up to all automotive fluids spilled on them, solder, dropped tools, & about three years of wear. I use a motorcycle lift & a 5000 lb car lift on them without damaging them. I did put a dent in one with a jack stand, but it's not bad enough to bother replacing. The solder, dried paint, & most other materials won't stick. You just wipe, or scrape up. I sweep the floor clean, then use an old steam mop to finish cleaning. About an hour for two garages.

 

[nutmegct]

Jinks - sounds like you're having a good experience with tiles.

What's your actual garage floor (concrete, wood, etc.)? Why'd you decide to put tiles on top?

Thanks.
Tom

 

[Garage Flooring]

First post - wondering if there's any merit to garage floor tiles other than looks.

They sure improve the appearance, but aren't tiles a pain to clean and sweep? Isn't there a major risk of cutting or puncturing the tiles when using a jack or jack stand?

Wondered what your thoughts are. Maybe they're more useful for "display" floors, than garages where a guy does his own (minor) work - like oil/lube, changing suspension parts, brake work, etc.

Thanks.
Tom (who's planning a new garage ...)

First, predominantly, polypropylene tiles are decorative in nature. People put them down because they look nice and transform hundreds of square feet into usable space. They are generally not a necessity.

Ribbed tiles, are actually an exception. If you read thread after thread from people who have them, they create a clean garage with a floor that is dry, safe and functional. Then people start to think its only for northern climates. Stuart M, from FL did this job http://www.pinterest.com/pin/368873025700112636/ and it literally saved a ton of his possessions. They got a huge rainstorm while they were moving, but he had installed the floor first and put all his boxes and furniture on top of it. Despite 1/2" (I believe that was the number) of water in the garage, no damage.

PVC tiles are different. They create a seamless floor, typically one color. The protect the concrete, deaden noise and provide substantial anti-fatigue and other benefits.

For us, tiles is just a part of what we do. Every garage is different and everyone needs something different. We look at how are customer uses the garage and try and suggest a product that will fit their needs. We offer coatings, tiles, containment mats and roll out flooring.

 

[Paul1956]

By the way - is Earl Abel's Restaurant still operating? I used to eat there as often as possible when I drove between Fort Worth and Edinburg back in the 1970s.

Abel's Dinner near 3009 in Schertz?

Yes, it is still operating... just down the road from the office here.

 

[WanderingSol07]

I have a free flow tile floor. I use a vacuum sweeper to clean instead of a broom. Sweeper has a bag so less dust in the air than a broom. It usually ***** up whatever falls through the floor. I use steel plates or plywood under my jack stands and floor jack wheels to prevent crushing of the floor. Biggest plus is no longer walking in melt puddles during the winter!

 

[Jinks]

Jinks - sounds like you're having a good experience with tiles.

What's your actual garage floor (concrete, wood, etc.)? Why'd you decide to put tiles on top?

Thanks.
Tom

Both floors are concrete. The original 2 car was painted by the previous owner, but they didn't wait long enough before driving hot tires on it & lifted a couple of spots. I had the shop added during a remodel & the contractor used Rust-Oleum. It didn't hold up as well as I would have liked. When I considered the cost, time, & mess involved in removing what was there versus the tiles I decided to try tile in the easy garage. It went so well & cost so little I went ahead with the shop & a little better design.

Takes about a day to lay a two care space by the time you cut in the edges. As with all things there are positives & negatives. Tile is easy to lay & easy to cut. In large temperature changes it expands & contracts. Not a problem if you follow directions, but when you start putting heavy objects on it you may get some buckling. Usually easily cured, or not bad enough to bother with but you should be aware of the possibility. The tiles wear well & are easy to clean. If one becomes damaged it takes all of two minutes to pop another one in, but I haven't replaced any in three years. The other floors are nice too, but I've been happy with mine for a while now.

 

[nutmegct]

Thanks Jinks. Did you put the tile in just to cover up the old damaged floor paint? Or is there an added "plus" such as cushioning for your feet, etc.?

Tom

 

[Jinks]

Thanks Jinks. Did you put the tile in just to cover up the old damaged floor paint? Or is there an added "plus" such as cushioning for your feet, etc.?

Tom

Mostly to cover the old ugly floor. There is some cushioning but not much. My primary reasons for going with the tiles were cost, ease, & appearance. There are pictures of my shop area in post #28 in this thread http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=275641&page=2

 

[nutmegct]

Thanks for the link. That is a *very* helpful thread.

Tom

 

[nutmegct]

If the garage floor is wood construction, seems there'd be a issue with moisture rising from the ground underneath. I just found out that due to local code and property line issues, my new garage will likely be 3/4" p/t plywood (over 8" o.c. joists, resting on 4x4 p/ timbers sitting on crushed stone).

If that's the case, seems that *any* floor covering (epoxy, tile, linoleum, etc.) would "trap" the moisture, leading to moisture damage, mold, etc.

Sound right? If so, then only a temp cover like a cardboard sheet would be appropriate (oil drips, etc.).

- or am I just over-thinking again.

Garage will be used for storage of an old sedan (1962 Humber), where I'll do minor work such as oil change, tuneups, etc. year round.

Tom

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Nutmeg, what about putting a double layer of vapor barrier over and under the stone?
Might help with the moisture originating from the earth. I am guessing you will be using marine grade wood as there will be a propensity for moisture even with the vapor barriers in place due to air temp swings.

 

[nutmegct]

Scotty - that's an excellent idea. Would it be most effective to put the barrier directly on the ground, before the stone is put in?

Just wondering, as I've heard it's not a good idea to "trap" moisture between two levels of barrier.

Tom

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Tom, above the stone.


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