Temporary garage floor protection

[birdie2000]

I will be moving into a rental condo soon where I have 1 generous space in a 3 car garage. The cement is currently very nice and I would like to keep it that way while still being able to do legitimate work to my car/bike. My landlord knows how I plan to use my garage space and didn't bat an eye, but I still want to be respectful. Is there any sort of mat, tile, or carpet that is relatively cheap that will protect the floor from stray spills and overall grime and will preserve the floor's original condition? My only concern is that any of these products might trap moisture or something underneath and cause stains or other troubles as a result. Obviously I can't apply any sort of coating to the floor and whatever I put down must be removable when I leave.

My other option is just making liberal use of cardboard, but I was hoping for something a little more elegant since I'll be sharing the garage with others. Plus, obtaining and storing enough cardboard is kind of a pain.

 

[Jazz1]

I would lay down some sealed plywood. Duck tape the seams

 

[birdie2000]

That's a pretty good idea, didn't think of that. Thanks!

 

[James-W]

Another option is, go to an appliance store and get some large boxes, cut one side of each box so the box will lay flat, then spread the cardboard over the entire floor. If needed you can have two layers of cardboard covering the floor. If the cardboard gets oil on it, or gets ruined in some way, just take it up and replace it.

 

[Shiftless]

I was in a similar situation many years ago. I checked around a few Mom and Pop carpet stores and found that they often do tear outs of perfectly acceptable carpet when somebody buys a house and just doesn't like the color of the carpet. Avoid the obvious cat pee and threadbare worn out pieces and you should do fine. And it's FREE! (saves them dumpster fees) so it's a win-win!

 

[birdie2000]

Thanks, was thinking of doing that too. Did you have any issues with moisture being trapped under the carpet and causing any issues?

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[Shiftless]

Thanks, was thinking of doing that too. Did you have any issues with moisture being trapped under the carpet and causing any issues?



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I put the carpeting over rough plywood which had some airspace between it and the dirt below so I was OK.
If your garage floor is properly sealed against ground moisture, you should be OK. How is the grading around your garage? Are you at the bottom of a hill? Does it rain a lot there?
The standard test is to duct tape a few square feet of clear plastic down to the floor and watch for moisture forming under it.
If your carpet gets wet it will get moldy. That is bad!

 

[tony48]

If you're willing to spend around $150-200 you can get a roll of rubberized flooring. They make rolls specifically for parking spaces (usually 7.5' x 14-20') in a variety of colors and tread patterns (diamond/coin/etc). I'd imagine they would make a pretty nice work surface. This is the route I will likely be going in my apartment rental garage.

Here's a cheap one from Wally World

 

[Matt M PA]

When I did dirty work in my garage, I just put down landscape plastic. When the job is done...roll it up and throw it out...

 

[Garage Flooring]

Cardboard... RamBoard ... Or Even a Drymate Max mat under the vehicle

http://www.garageflooringllc.com/drymate-oil-absorbent-garage-floor-mat/

 

[birdie2000]

Thanks guys, the rubber mats are looking very appealing provided I'm not going to stain the cement underneath from contained moisture somehow. Does anyone know of any coin pattern sheets for $200 or less in the 7'4x17'ish size or is it just the ribbed stuff at that price?

I like the idea of not having to replace the stuff every time I use it. I will have cars and motorcycles in and out of this garage for regular parking too and want the protection there all the time but removable for when I leave the rental.

 

[silversilvia]

Costco has those rubber mats g-floor is the brand I think. It does trap moisture if u get water under it tho. I had to pull mine up and let it dry out every now and then



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