Drab to Fab: Transform Your Garage with These Tile Installation Tips
Although garages serve many more functions than parking cars and storing tools, most people view their garage as somewhere to put the vehicle and store tools. Just as in any room of your house, choosing the appropriate flooring materials will help your garage seem more organized and attractive. One great choice to transform it is tiles; not only are they stylish, but they're durable, low-maintenance solutions, too! Look at some advice below on how best to lay tiles to guarantee it looks its best from ground level up!
- Choose the Right Tiles for Your Garage
Before starting any installation process, choosing the suitable tiles for your garage floor installation is highly critical. Given that a garage environment can be harsh on its floors, your first focus should be choosing something durable enough to resist foot activity, oil spills, and temperature changes. Most garage floor tiles are available in several designs, including:
- PVC tiles are durable, simple to maintain, and reasonably priced. They come in a variety of hues and designs. PVC tiles are great if you want something that fits both looks and functional needs.
- Rubber tiles offer the ideal walking surface, since oil or liquid spills won't damage them.
- Polypropylene tiles, made of lightweight yet strong, chemical-resistant plastic, are a popular choice among DIY enthusiasts for flooring for DIY projects; for this particular use case, many prefer weather-resistant polypropylene, as its qualities make it more suitable than its competitors for withstanding harsh weather conditions.
- Prepare the Surface for Installation
The surface must first be adequately prepared to guarantee good tile work. An uneven, broken, or unclean garage floor could cause tiles to not stick as firmly, and installation will not last as long.
- Clean the Floor: Use vigorous scrubbing to remove dirt, debris, oil, or grease stains from your garage floor. If necessary, employ a cleaning service to guarantee its surface is immaculate.
- Repair Cracks: To cover any holes or cracks in the concrete floor, which allows tiles to attach directly, apply a patching solution for the best tile adhesion.
- Level the Surface: If your garage floor has low spots, leveling powder can help balance it out. Your tiles will need a level foundation, so this is crucial.
- Consider Tile Layout
The look of your garage depends much on how its tiles are placed; therefore, before laying them out using interlocking tiles, you should develop a design for how their arrangement will look.
- Starting in the middle will help your garage look more evenly. Putting tiles from the center outward will guarantee their appropriate dispersion on uneven walls.
- Garage floor tiles come in various hues and styles, so you may create checkerboard patterns or stripes for a fun impact. Alternatively, combine PVC and rubber among other types of tiles.
- Install the Tiles Carefully
Your tiles should be laid out once your area is ready and the design is chosen. Although this approach should be straightforward, give every stage close attention for the best outcomes.
- Setting up interlocking tiles in your garage is as simple as firmly connecting each one and snapping them together. Starting in one corner of your garage, join tiles as you move across.
- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions to properly fasten adhesive tiles on the floor. Leave some space between each tile so it may expand over time. While allowing certain spaces so the floor may breathe properly, press each one down into its place.
- Use a utility knife to trim your tiles back if they extend beyond the garage walls to fit. Ensure the edges are clean and straight to achieve the best professional look.
- Finishing Touches
When all your tiles are in place, it's time to finish your work of art by adding finishing touches.
- If the tiles are routable, use a grout float to grout them. Wipe off additional grout with a moist sponge to avoid disturbing the separation lines.
- Using a sealer might help prevent some tiles, especially plastic ones, from getting damaged or worn down over time. If the manufacturer directs it, using protective sealants is recommended.
