A garage floor puts up with a lot. Whether you’re storing high-end motors, DIY gear or simply housing bins and bikes, this hardworking space deserves a surface to match. And with so many garage flooring ideas available – from sleek resin finishes to affordable concrete floor paints – it’s easier than ever to combine practicality with a little polish.
Garage conversions may get the design spotlight, but sometimes a garage should stay just that – a functional space for cars and DIY. With the right flooring, you can upgrade a plain concrete slab into a cleaner, tougher, and more usable surface. From budget-friendly floor paints to hard-wearing resin and tile finishes, we explore garage flooring ideas built for cars, tools and everything in between.
Garage flooring ideas – what you need to know
“Before installing a new garage floor, particularly in older properties, thorough surface preparation is essential,” explains John Foster, outdoor installation manager at Hillarys. “This involves cleaning the floor to remove oil, grease, old paint and debris, as well as repairing any cracks or holes with the appropriate concrete filler. The surface should be levelled by grinding down any high spots and filling in low areas to ensure a smooth, even base.”
“It’s also important to make sure the floor is completely dry, as moisture can cause floor coatings to fail,” John continues. “Proper preparation is crucial to achieving a long-lasting, durable garage floor, especially in properties that have seen years of use or neglect.”
John Foster
Joining Hillarys in 2018, John Foster oversees Hilarys installation team, ensuring every customer receives a high-quality expert installation. With a construction background and specialist product knowledge, John has a hands-on approach, dismantling each product down to component level and rebuilding it to truly understand how every part functions.
Painted concrete
Fortress Trade Floor Paint is available at screwfix.com(Image credit: Screwfix)
If your garage is more functional than flashy, a coat of paint might be all you need. Garage-specific floor paints are easy to apply and give instant results – brightening the space, protecting the surface and cutting down on dust.
For added grip, Luke Rowberry, technical manager at Mapei, advises: “You can mix quartz sand into paint or sealants to enhance grip. Coarse quartz can be mixed with the topcoat to create a textured surface; the size of aggregate can be selected to achieve the required slip resistance.” He adds that “some coatings, like Mapecoat TNS Fast, come pre-mixed with anti-slip additives, making them a convenient option for DIY projects.”
But before you commit to painting a concrete floor, you’ll need to make sure the concrete is sealed to avoid any moisture seeping through and you should also consider the fact that it will likely need to be topped up every few years.
Luke Rowberry
Luke Rowberry is Technical Manager for Building Products at Mapei, specialising in high-performance flooring systems and construction surface solutions.
3 of the best specialist garage floor paints
Trade Paints Heavy Duty Floor Paint
This durable, heavy-duty floor paint for garages and workshops is resistant to wear, oil and spills, and is available in a range of colours.
This hardwearing coating for indoor/outdoor surfaces is ideal for garage floors, tiles, concrete, brick and more. It’s high rated and available in a variety of shades.
Johnstone’s Garage Floor Paint Black – 750ml
With its superior durability and slip-resistant finish, Johnstone’s Garage Floor Paint is an excellent choice for any high-traffic areas.
Polished concrete
A simple polished floor can often be the best solution for your space. (Image credit: Hillarys)
For a finish that’s both contemporary and hard-wearing, polishing your concrete floor might be the perfect solution. This process enhances the natural character of the concrete and leaves it dust-free and easy to maintain. It costs more than paint but less than epoxy, making it a great middle-ground option for garages that need durability without leaning too heavily into that industrial, showroom-style finish.
If you’re tackling this project yourself, hire a concrete grinder and start with a coarse grit to smooth out any imperfections, gradually working your way up to finer grades for a sleeker finish. Once polished, apply a densifier and sealant to protect it from stains and moisture. For a flawless result that lasts, it’s worth calling in the professionals – especially if your floor is uneven or showing signs of age.
Top Tip: A polished concrete floor also pairs very nicely with underfloor heating – as long as you insulate properly beneath the slab.
Everbuild 403 Concrete Hardener and Dustproofer
This fast-acting silicate solution that hardens, dustproofs and protects concrete floors, inside or out, with easy water cleanup.
Interlocking tiles
If you’re after a flooring solution that’s quick to lay, easy to clean and designed to handle daily wear and tear, interlocking tiles are a brilliant option. Made from hard-wearing rubber, PVC or polypropylene, these modular tiles simply snap into place over your existing concrete floor – no adhesives or special tools required.
“We usually recommend our clients install either solid PVC tiles or vented PVC tiles. Both options are extremely durable, capable of withstanding the weight of vehicles, and are well-suited to wet conditions,” says Jamie Swales, owner and director at GarageLux Ltd.
Vented tiles, in particular, are ideal for spaces prone to moisture. “One of our customers experienced a full garage flood, and the vented tiles came through completely unscathed,” Jamie shares. It’s this ability to drain and dry quickly that makes them such a practical option – especially if you often bring in a wet car or use the space as a utility or workshop area.
Installation is straightforward, too. “In most cases, minimal surface preparation is required before installing garage tile flooring,” Jamie explains. “As long as the concrete subfloor is relatively smooth and level, the tiles can usually be laid directly on top.” But for newly built or unsealed garages, he recommends applying a concrete sealant first to help prevent dust and create a stable base.
Floor tiles also offer a more bespoke finish, allowing you to play with colour and pattern if you’re after a custom look. “Our tiles come in 12 colours, allowing you to mix and match to create unique patterns, borders, or zone areas for different uses,” Jamie adds.
Jamie Swales
Jamie is the owner of GarageLux Ltd, a family run company that specialises in everything related to garage transformations. From new flooring to a full makeover of your garage, unit or showroom, GarageLux Ltd has you covered.
Epoxy and resin finishes
The process of applying an epoxy resin coating on a newly levelled garage floor. (Image credit: vgajic on Getty Images)
If you’re looking for a garage floor that can truly stand the test of time – and look good doing it – epoxy and resin finishes are top of the list. These coatings form a seamless, high-performance layer that resists oil, moisture, and heavy impact.
“Epoxy coatings are tough, chemical-resistant and easy to clean,” explains Luke Rowberry at Mapei. “They create a seamless, polished surface that can handle heavy loads and spills. You can customise the finish with different colours, textures or decorative elements – even go glossy if you want something that really stands out.”
You’re not limited to epoxy, either. Polyurethane and acrylic resins each have their own advantages. “Polyurethane is more flexible than epoxy,” Luke Rowberry explains. “That makes it less likely to chip if tools are dropped, and it copes better with fluctuating temperatures – ideal for garages that aren’t heated year-round.” Acrylic resin, meanwhile, is a fast-curing option that minimises downtime – a bonus if you want your garage back in action quickly.
Be aware that the quality of the installation will impact the long-term performance of these floor coverings. “Epoxy needs a clean, dry, level surface to bond properly,” says Stuart Murray, founder of Retrovintage. “If you’re working on an older property, deal with any cracks or moisture issues first – skipping this step can cause the finish to fail before its time.”
While resin flooring comes at a higher upfront cost than paint or sealant, it’s a solid investment. It won’t flake, peel or stain, and a professionally applied resin floor could last for decades with minimal upkeep.
Stuart Murray
Stuart is the owner of Retrovintage and an expert in mid-century and Danish design. His focus on layout and function brings a practical eye to creating stylish, space-savvy homes, even in utility areas like the garage.
Self-levelling floors
If your garage floor has significant unevenness, cracks or damage, applying a self-levelling compound before your final finish is a smart move. “Self-levelling compounds create a smooth, uniform surface that’s essential for durable finishes like epoxy, resin or tiles,” explains Luke Rowberry at Mapei. “Properly applied, it helps the flooring adhere better and prevents future cracking or peeling.”
Application is straightforward – after thoroughly cleaning and priming the concrete, you simply pour the compound onto the floor, where it naturally settles to form an even surface. Once dried, usually within 24 hours, it’s ready for paint, resin coatings, or tiles. While DIY-friendly, larger garages or particularly uneven floors are best tackled by professionals.
Sika Sikafloor Flex Floor Levelling Compound, 20kg Bag
Highly fluid, fast-setting and easy to apply, this self-levelling compound offers excellent durability, freeze-thaw resistance, and is compatible with underfloor heating.
Underfloor heating in a garage
“Underfloor heating can be a great idea for a garage, especially if you already intend to use the space as a workshop, hobby area or even a home gym,” says Luke Rowberry at Mapei. “It provides consistent warmth, eliminates the need for bulky heaters and keeps the floor comfortable during colder months.”
If you’re upgrading your garage floor and want to make it more usable year-round, it makes sense to consider UFH at the same time – especially if you’re laying resin or polished concrete. These finishes are two of the best flooring for underfloor heating, thanks to their ability to conduct and retain warmth.
That said, getting the installation right matters. “Proper insulation is crucial to prevent heat loss,” Luke Rowberry adds. “Without it, the system may not be as efficient.” So it’s always a good idea to consult a professional before going ahead with installation.
FAQs
What is the cheapest type of garage flooring?
A sealed and painted concrete floor is your most affordable option. While not as long-lasting as resin, it offers a quick, budget-friendly refresh and helps control dust. For extra durability, a self-levelling compound followed by floor paint is a practical upgrade.
How long does garage floor paint last?
Typically, garage floor paint will last around 2–5 years before needing a refresh, depending on usage and surface preparation. Areas used for car storage or heavy footfall may show wear sooner and need more frequent touch-ups.
Can I tile over an existing concrete floor?
Yes – especially if you’re using interlocking garage tiles, which are designed to sit directly on top of a concrete base. However, if the surface has bumps or hasn’t been sealed, make sure you first smooth out any leftover lumps and apply a concrete sealant to help prevent dust and ensure a stable base.
Thinking beyond parking? Explore garage conversion ideas that turn underused space into something truly functional and surprisingly stylish
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