Thrifty Home Repair Tips » Garage

The Economical Solutions of Garage Flooring

CJ Eason — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:46:23 +0000

Most people do not think about garage flooring, until they have a really big problem. The floor is all stained and of no real use, except for parking the cars. Cracks and chunks are out of the concrete. It cannot be good for the tires. Of course, it will only get worse. Eventually, it can actually do damage to the undercarriage. It can be really expensive to replace a floor, and it would be nice if you could use the extra space for storage or other activities. So, you need to start thinking about protecting your investment. You have options to preserve your floor, without having to take out a home loan. You need to know the economical solutions of flooring for your garage and other areas of your home.

Do you have a few Minutes?

Okay. You want a nice garage. You like to work on cars, plus you need some extra pantry and refrigerator space. But, it looks like a total mess. Even after you clean it up, it will still feel lousy because the floor is so gross. It has cracks and chipped places all over, not to mention the oil spots that will never come out again. Unfortunately, you cannot afford to hire a contractor to replace the floor, so you will have to think of something else, if you want the garage of your dreams. Fortunately for you, there is a quick and affordable solution. If you have a few minutes, you can get a couple of garage floor mats to begin the transformation. If you can roll out a rug, you can cover up all of your floor imperfections with mats. The hardest part will be to cut out the notches to fit around doors, etc. Of course, the mats do not have to be wall-to-wall. They will look nice either way.

Economical Flooring Solution

If you want to save your garage floor from oil stains, cracks, and chips, you need to invest in garage floor covering products. In the end, it will be a lot cheaper than replacing your floor in a few years. Even if you plan on moving from this spot, before you are old and gray, it will definitely increase the resale value of your home. In addition, it just makes your garage look cool. It will not have to be just a place to park your car and store your lawn tools. It can be a place to store extra food stuffs, so you can save money by buying groceries in bulk. You can even put a desk or counter space out there, so you have a make-shift office. With the right kind of garage floor coating, the room may easily become you favorite place to hang out. You can choose from mats, epoxy flooring, or snap together tiles to create your own decorative masterpiece.

Shall you Dance

Garage flooring tiles are probably the most fun method of covering your cement and making your garage more livable. With about 15 different colors to choose from, you can plan out basically any design of your choice. Whether you simply want a checkered pattern or some sort of geometrical creation, you can have a beautiful garage floor in a matter of hours. If you like to dance, you can have a bunch of fun while laying the tiles. All you have to do is put them in place next to the last tile. Then, dance a few steps on top of the tile and click it into place. Before you know it, you will have danced your way to the last tile, and be amazed that you are already done.

The Tortoise or the Hare

If you are in a race against time, and need to get garage flooring mats down as soon as possible, you may want to select rubber garage flooring. Usually in the form of mats, you can pick the exact size you need to make your garage really nice. For example, you can buy a mat for your motorcycle and a mat for your car. Alternatively, you select rubber flooring to put from corner to corner. It comes in various sizes and colors to suit your needs and your tastes. You can overlap them or use adhesive to tape them down.

Your Choice

If you are considering garage floor coverings, you will have several choices, depending on your personal preferences. You can use an epoxy sealant, rubber mats, or flooring tiles. It depends on your decorating tastes, your pocketbook, or how much effort you are willing to put into this home improvement project. But, in the end, you will protect your property and probably have the coolest garage on the block.

Increase Property Value with Garage Floor Paint

CJ Eason — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 16:22:27 +0000

Have you seen some of those commercial buildings that are spruced up with garage floor paint? For the most part, the floor always looks clean and shiny. If something gets spilled or broken on the floor, it looks pretty easy to clean up. In no time at all, the floor looks like new again. Did you know that you can have the same for your own floor? You can have the protection from the sun and cold, the rain and snow, and the salt and rocks from the street. Plus, you can have an awesome looking garage that can easily become one of the favorite rooms in the house. Of course, it will still be a great place to park your car. But, it can also be an extended pantry, a craft room, an office, or for whatever reason you might need some extra space.

More than Meets the Eye

Naturally, garage flooring paints are more than simply adding awesome color to your garage floors. Even though the variety of colors and textures can really spruce up the room in which you park your car, the paint is part of a process to seal out the chemicals that will ultimately cause your floor to stain, crack or chip. If you live in a northern climate, you can imagine the crud that lands on your floor. The salt from the ice melt does a real job on the underside of your car and any cement floor. The little rocks in your tires will help to wear away the floor. Of course, there are always the chemicals in the oil and other fluids that leak out of the car. But, if you can prevent problems from occurring, and make your garage look like one of the nicest rooms in your house, it will also help to maintain the value of your home, if you should ever decide to sell.

Over the Rainbow

When you decide to get garage floor paints, you may have the opportunity to pick a color worthy of the rainbow. But, that is not all. You will need to use a garage floor sealer after you paint the floor. It will keep the paint from fading and it will further seal out all of the things that contribute to the ruin of your floor. It also will give your garage flooring an even more brilliant sheen. Have you ever seen how shiny the floors are in a big warehouse store? It may have one base color, and then have other colors that direct you to different parts or sections of the store. You can do the same for your garage, if you are the creative sort. You can have that same professional look for years to come, every time you open the garage door.

Get out the Paint Roller

You may think it takes a special talent to put garage floor coating on your property. In fact, the opposite is true. The kits are made to be user friendly. Some of them even come with a video to actually show the process step by step, in addition to the written instructions. If it still seems too daunting, you can probably hire a youth group or someone to help you get the job done. If you have teenagers, enlist their help, so you can get the entire garage done in half the time. Actually, you may find the experience a way to relax from the stress of the day. Then, when the job is done, you will have something to show for it. You can feel good that you were able to make a home improvement and ultimately save money in the bargain. So, get out your paint roller

Beyond the Doors

After you finish your garage floor painting, you can look on your handiwork and feel proud of your accomplishment. But, do you really want to stop there? Did you know that the same process can also improve your home elsewhere? Formulas are available to improve your basement. What about your sidewalk and entryway? How about that great patio in your garden? Anywhere you have cement flooring that needs protected from the elements and everyday use, you can probably use garage flooring paint and the sealant to protect you investment and brighten your world at the same time.

Garage Storage Cabinets and Storage Systems

CJ Eason — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:11:52 +0000

Installing garage storage cabinets can change the dynamics of the space. Most garages are used to store things that no longer fit inside of the home or to store outdoor items. Recreational and utility items definitely belong in a garage if there is enough room. Old furniture, obsolete items, and clutter need to go so the space can be used for its main purpose of storing and sheltering a vehicle. Many times clutter happens because people don’t have the time it takes to deal with the items they no longer need inside of the home. Sorting through the clutter will take much longer if you let the piles grow all year round. The key to reducing the amount of things your family is storing in the closets, storage cabinets, utility rooms, storage rooms, and garage is to go through the different spaces once every three months. If that is not possible, then twice a year will also work but it will take a little longer to work through the mess.

Part of creating organization in any part of your home is to provide a place of storage for every item in your home. A wood storage cabinet can be installed in just about any room of your home and it can be used to store the items you use most in that room. A metal storage cabinet system can be used in utility rooms and the garage to store the items that really don’t belong on the inside of your home. Installing a utility room or garage storage cabinet system is fairly simple if you recruit some extra hands. Most storage cabinet makers provide you with step by step instructions for assembly and installation of the system. If you still run into trouble with your assembly or installation, the internet is a great place to look for help. People are constantly writing and creating videos to help others figure out a problem. Your specific problem may be one that someone else has already figured out and is willing to help others do the same.

When deciding which cabinet unit or system will work best for your storage spaces, consider planning the space out on paper. Determine where and what type of storage is needed before you go out to the store. The internet is full of great organization sites that can help you figure that out and you can purchase what you need directly online.

Installing Garage Cabinets and Storage

CJ Eason — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:05:37 +0000

Organization in a garage can only be accomplished with the installation of good sturdy garage cabinets. The items you use most should remain easily accessible while seasonal items can be stored in harder to reach areas. Garage cabinets and storage should be made of strong plastic, wood, or metal rust-resistant materials. When trying to figure out where and how many garage cabinet systems you will need, you should definitely take into account the placed and whether or not the cabinets will be in the way of other garage functions like the access points for both cars and people. You can purchase garage storage cabinet systems that are already assembled and easy to install. Another alternative is to purchase a cabinet kit which must both be assembled and installed by you. Finally, you can opt to build the cabinets yourself with the many garage cabinet plans available both at home improvement stores and online.

Before heading out to the store, take some time to plan out the space and where storage is needed most. Some items can be stored in plastic bins on top of shelving. Other items like tools can be stored in a tool catty or on a pegboard with the help of well situated hooks. Chemical bottles, paint cans, car supplies, gardening supplies, and cleaning supplies should all be kept in cabinets that can be secured for the safety of children and animals. Accidents happen in garages all the time and most can easily be avoided with the installation of garage storage cabinets that can be locked when needed. You don’t have to get locks that are only accessible with a key but you do need to get child proof locks especially if there is a chance that small children can access the area.

When combining cabinets with shelves and other types of storage containers, keep in mind that heavy items should stay close to the ground to avoid a shelf or cabinet from toppling over. Make sure all cabinet doors can easily be opened without blocking access doors. You can utilize the space above the cabinets to store seasonal or less needed items that are not too heavy. Plastic bins with lockable lids are a great idea for garage storage because depending on which ones you purchase, you can even store liquid items in them. Clear bins are recommended because they allow you to easily see the contents so you don’t have to spend hours looking for what you need.

How to Use a Garage Floor Mat

CJ Eason — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:02:55 +0000

Do you know how to use a garage floor mat? Do you know how to install garage floor mats? Do you know how cost effective a mat can be, and how it can save you money in the long run? You might be surprised to discover how versatile a floor mat can be, without having to do any major alterations. If you know how to roll out a throw rug, you will be able to install a floor mat with little to no difficulty. The hardest part might possibly be the need to cut notches, so it will fit corners or around immovable objects-if you want it wall to wall. You do not have to do anything special once it is down, unless you want to make it a little more secure using an adhesive tape. Now that you know how easy it is to install, it will not be hard to answer the other questions. Simply use your imagination.

Out of Sight

Does your garage look like something that you wish you could walk away from, and just close the door for good? Has it turned into a messy storage area? Maybe you would clean it up, but it would still look like a total disaster. Big chunks of the cement are cracked, chipped, or covered with some kind of muck that came out of a car at one time or another. So why bother? If you clean it up, you would not get any more use out of it than you do now-unless you decide to invest in Garage floor covering. In no time at all, you can clean up your garage, lay down a mat, and have another useful room to your house. All the imperfections in of your garage flooring will be out of sight, out of mind.

More Wasted Space

Okay, you now have a garage that is a nice place to park your car. The garage is even clean enough to use for extra pantry space or a shelter from the weather, if you plan an outdoor gathering. It has truly become that extra room in your home. Now, what about the rest of your house and yard? Do you more wasted space that you might use, if it had rubber garage flooring? What about the basement? Is it just a cold, dark area with a cement floor, the water heater and furnace, and maybe the washer and dryer? What if you could transform it into a family room, an exercise area, a place to work on craft and art project, or something else? You can start by covering that floor with a garage mat. They come in different colors that would start to brighten up the place. Then, you could slowly go on from there, unit you had a really nice room that the whole family can enjoy.

Puddle Preventers

Garage flooring mats are great puddle preventers. When you pull into the garage, you do not have to worry about the mud and snow that is going to melt off of your car, if you have a rubber mat. The grooves will catch all of the excess, and you can exit the car without worrying about a nasty fall. When it is time to clean up the goop and debris, a wet/dry vacuum or a hose will do the trick. But, mats are also great puddle preventers for your pet as well. If you have a new puppy, you can imagine. To avoid destruction of your home, the cute and cuddly puddle maker is relegated to the garage. But, then you have to worry about stepping in a surprise, when you come to get the dog in the morning. No problem. With the aid of a large dog walk or kennel, you can use a garage flooring mat to cover the bottom of the enclosure. Not only will it keep you pooch more comfortable. But, it will catch any of those mistakes that can mess up the rest of the floor. So, mats can be puddle preventers, in more ways than one.

A Smart Move

You have recently bought a new home. It is a smart move, because it is closer to work, which means you can ultimately spend more time with the family and less time commuting. The house needs a little work, but it will feel like home in no time. But, then you go out to the garage. The cement is cracked and broken. Pieces of the floor are simply gone, having been chipped out long ago. It is also covered with fluid stains that no hose will wash away. Never fear! If you want the garage to look as nice and livable as the rest of the house, all you need is a garage floor cover. A mat is very easy to roll out. It will make your garage look nicer right away. While you’re at it, be sure to check out garage doors prices for a new look for the old, broken door. Then, you can spend your time on other worthy projects like shelves or cupboards to make it the best garage you ever had. What a smart move!

Improved Value with Garage Floor Coverings

CJ Eason — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:00:33 +0000

You can improve the value of your home and increase your living space with different garage floor coverings. The garage does not have to be limited to a place to park your car. It does not have to look like you are storing everything you do not really want, but have no place to keep. It does not have to always be dirty. It can be an extra room for sleepovers, a place for the kids to play, when it is too yucky to be outside, and a room to work on your crafting or automotive projects. It does not have to remain the grease-covered cement floor that is only worthy to be driven on, or a place to prop up the gardening tools. You can make it a nice place to be in with the right garage floor covering.

Service and Color

You can change the entire look of your parking space with garage floor tile. If you have the money to spare, you can even go online and design your own perfect garage flooring. If you are a race car fan, you may want to cross the checkered flag, so to speak, every time you park your car. Maybe you simply want to improve the surface of the garage with tiles, so it is easier to work on your vehicles. For whatever you desire, you can find the garage floor tiles with the durability and look that will make the garage an extension of your living space.

Clean Solution

Have you seen those driveways that are stained with oil leaks and more goop? It detracts from the entire look of your home. Inside the garage, it just makes the extra space seem nasty, if it is always a mess. But, with a garage floor mat, you can protect your cement floor, improve the look of the entire garage, and make it easy to clean. All you have to do is use a wet/dry vacuum or a hose. Then, you are good to go. The mats have grooves to collect the snow melt, mud, and crude. Simply wash it away to keep your garage and car clean.

Easy to Please

If you are tired of your drab, grease stained garage, you need to consider rubber garage flooring. Not only will it give you traction and prevent nasty falls when the floor is wet and slick, it will also improve the looks and cleanliness of a room you use more than you may even realize. It is easy to please, because the installation is consumer friendly. You can do it yourself. It is made to easily snap together, so you can have a great floor in no time at all. Once it is installed, it will provide odor control for those nasty spills or oil leaks. It will be easy to clean. Then, if you need to pull the car out and make extra space for a family gathering, the garage can protect you from the elements and not get you dirty in the process. In addition, it will just look great.

Not just for Garages

If you want the floor of your garage to last longer and be more serviceable, you may want to consider vinyl garage flooring. It is absolutely easy to install. It will be quick to clean, and it will improve the look of your garage-making it an extra room for the purposes of living. But, this type of flooring is not just to park your car over. It can also be used to improve the floor of your basement. It can help the cement last longer, give you traction, and make going down to do the laundry a little more pleasant. All you have to do is roll it out and trim the edges to fit around corners, the water heater, or whatever you cannot move. It also comes in assorted colors, so you can brighten up your garage or basement at the same time. Should you ever want to sell your home, it will increase the value. You will have a warrantee on your vinyl garage floor. The length depends on the quality you select. Now, you can make every room of your house more comfortable with vinyl flooring.

Garage Floor Coatings for a Professional Finish

CJ Eason — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:28:27 +0000

Do you have a nice car, but your garage floor looks like a greasy, chipped mess. Do you like to collect classic cars, rebuild them, and keep them on display? Do you simply want a garage that is an extension of your living space, with storage cupboards, office work area, an extra refrigerator, or a nice place for an outdoor family gathering? Your garage does not have to look like something you need to hide. Go ahead, show off those great cars or use if for other activities. With a nice garage floor coating, it can be one of your favorite rooms. Whether you are showcasing awesome vehicles or making it a room the entire family can enjoy, garage floor coatings are something you can apply yourself, and have it look totally professional when you are done.

Do it Yourself Garage Floor Kit

Did you know that you can have awesome garage flooring without spending an arm and a leg? You can do it all by yourself. You do not have to be a home improvement guru to have a nice garage. The floor kits come with instructions that almost anyone can follow. If you can implement a scraper and push a paint roller, you can do it. All you need is the patience and desire to have a really cool garage. With the last step, you can choose a paint to look like a traditional finish. Alternatively, you can select a color that will pop out at you every time you open the door. Whether you want a clean and protected place to park your car, or you want to use it for the buffet at the next family gathering, you garage can really become one of your favorite rooms in the house.

A Little Color

Who says a garage has to be the ugliest room in your house? In fact, it can easily be one of the favorite places to hang out. You can make it bright, pleasant and very serviceable, whether you like to work on cars, need some home office space, or some extra pantry and refrigerator resources, you can make it an extension of your home. You can get garage coating kits. As part of the process, right before you put on the sealant, you will pick the garage floor paint that suits your personality and decorative desire. Maybe you will like an eye popping red or bright blue. You may want to show off your car to company, but they will probably notice your awesome floor first.

Top it Off

If you are going to improve the looks of your floor, you need follow the instructions on the kit. But, thanks to garage floor epoxy, all of your hard work will not be in vain. The epoxy will seal out the oil drips that make a floor look so gross. With the proper paint and textured chips, the floor will have the needed traction, plus cover up any imperfection in the garage. You can make the floor shiny, skid resistant, and easy to clean away the dirt and debris that will make your garage look ill-kept.
Another Idea

Once you realize how easy it is to implement garage flooring ideas to make your garage a better place to store your car and a multitude of other uses, why stop there? Do you have a yucky basement with a cold concrete floor? Do you dread going down there to take care of laundry? What if you could make it nice enough to create added living space? You can take what you learned with epoxy garage floor and do the same for your basement. Why not make it a bright and pleasant place to be, so you can use it for a family room or a place for your teens to hang out when they have company? You can put some old furniture down there and create a cool place to go in the summer, when it is so hot. Plus, it will be a pleasant place to go during a tornado watch. In fact, you might be able to turn your basement into a favorite room in the house, and you can start with epoxy garage flooring.