Question:
A few weeks back there was a thread that talked about floor coverings for
the garage floor, I had mentioned that I thought I would use black and white
tiles cause I thought it would look cool. Stone pointed out that this would
be a pain in the ass, and while it might look cool it wouldn't likely hold
up very well.
The original subject was an epoxy covering, some were good, some were bad,
but I don't think any name brands were thrown out as being the way to go.
So, here I am, 3 weeks away from the closing date on the house we're having
built and I'm starting to wonder what I should be using.
This will be a newly poured concrete floor. I've read that it should be
cleaned thoroughly before applying anything, I also read that it should be
etched. The cleaning I can handle, but I beleive the etching had to do with
pouring acid on the floor and then washing it out with a hose. My delema is
that I'll not only be doing the garage floor, but also a room off of the
garage that will be used to work on my bike, a little shop if you will. I
can hose down the garage easy enough but the other room doesn't drain
anywhere, so on a new floor is the etching necessary, and does it depend on
the epoxy you use.
Lately these guys have been advertising on TV (http://www.musclegloss.com),
does anyone know if they're any good, or can anyone recommend any other
brand. The good thing about these guys is it doesn't appear that any
etching is required, of course this might just mean that it can be done
without etching but won't last as long. Remember, I'll lazy as hell, so
the easiest stuff to apply would be best.
Answer:
Assuming this garage will be used for wrenching and parking a Harley...
Believe it or not - old carpeting - preferably deep pile. The idea is that
if you're going to stand around for hours wrenching or detailing, the carpet
will be much easier on the knees than any hard flooring. I grabbed old
carpet headed for the dumpster, had the edge bound, and just put it in the
middle of my work space. Yeah, the rest of the floor is bare concrete, but
who cares. In fact, you need a non-carpeted area in case you have to let
the bike drip dry.
I might be inclined to spend the money and energy on tile if I were using
the garage as a living space. If it's just a garage, buy the old lady some
new carpets for the house, and put the old carpets in the garage. Ten years
from now when the garage carpets are stained and ruined, treat the old lady
to new house carpets again.
