There are many different types of garage floors to choose from out there, and lots of different reasons why one might choose one over another. We'll take a look at some of the most popular choices, and their advantages and disadvantages. After all, the only person that is really qualified to make a decision regarding garage floors is the owner of the garage!
Using Epoxy Paint For Garage Floors
There are a couple of reasons as to why this is the most used flooring. It's permanent, for one thing. After the epoxy garage floor coating has been applied, it can only be fully removed by stripping. It's tough, durable, and leaves you with a shiny, professional look. If you can get down on your hands and knees and lay an epoxy garage floor coating on your own, then it is definitely the cheapest solution as well. Unfortunately, any money savings goes right out the window if you have to hire someone to apply your epoxy garage floor paint. This is because it is far more time consuming than any of the other options.
Using Tiles For Garage Floors
Garage floor tiles will give you about the same end result as paint from a utility standpoint, but that is about the only similarity. Although you do have to get on your hands and knees to install it, garage floor tiles could theoretically be installed throughout the garage over the course of a year and still come out just fine. To some, this is a huge advantage over paint, since paint has to be done all at once and in an exact order. Tiles are also very easy to swap if one or two get damaged without having to re-apply your entire garage floor. There are also more options for colors and designs than paint. The only downside is that tiles tend to be more expensive when everything is said and done.
Using Mats For Entire Garage Floors
By far the easiest and fastest way to cover an entire floor, garage floor mats are simply cut to fit then laid out. It's that simple. If a garage floor mat becomes badly damaged, it can be yanked out and thrown away or recycled with very little drama besides moving whatever shelves or tables happen to be sitting on it. This is probably not the best option, though, if you plan to use your garage mainly for parking cars, as the some mats are susceptible to bending and bunching underneath car tires. Garage floor mats tend to be more expensive than either tiles or paint.
Area Mats For Garage Floors
Used mainly temporarily, mats for single areas of garage floors are called compartment mats. Although they can be used on a more permanent basis they are not the most cost effective for it would take many mats to lay out one at a time for an entire garage floor covering. They can, however be easily removed to the outdoors for cleaning making them a great single area solution! Quickest and easiest by far to install, depending on the manufacturer, when stacked or snapped together they generally form a protective seal. There are, however, cheaper options if your goal is to cover the entire floor.
Check out Goddard's garage floor website for more information on garage floor coverings.
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November 26 2009 | Home Improvement | No Comments »
Do you think that shelling out a few precious bucks in this time of economic crisis reeks of a bad decision? The answer may be a resounding yes or no, depending on who you ask. It seems that the prevailing attitude nowadays of a majority of people is to save, save and save. Of course, this is only appropriate since almost all consumers are afraid of losing their purchasing power. It doesn't help that many Wall Street firms are on the brink of financial bankruptcy, causing a threatening atmosphere of mass layoffs.
Now, if you are one of the lucky few who are financially at ease because you have enough savings to last for a long time, congratulations! There is no need to act like a miser but you must also control the impulse to splurge. Try to create a harmonious balance between the two so that you can actually say that you have lived life to the fullest. This includes indulging in your wants, like having a garage built beside your house. Consider it as a reward for a job well done.
Building a garage is possible without loosing all your clothes or your properties. Just read the succeeding tips to know how to make it happen.
First, sit down and have a serious talk with your architect, contractor and engineer for the blueprint of the garage. It is a serious investment that entails spending a big amount so you must make sure that you are not being shortchanged. The design must fit your discerning needs. Make sure that the people you hired can explain in layman's terms what exactly they are going to do step by step. When you have your blueprint, make sure that it includes foundation plan, the exterior elevation blueprint, floor plans, a cross section view and the highly important specifications. Additional stipulations may be included according to your whims.
Next, you have to place your windows and doors in strategic locations so that it will complete the look of the garage. They must be just the right size to let the natural light in, either from the moon or the sun. Take note that the ultraviolet rays of the sun will kill the microorganisms trying live in a dark place like a garage. You will be able to save money if you heed this advice because you won't have to turn on the light bulb every time you enter the garage. Another reason for the construction of a window is to allow the air to ventilate in the entire garage. This will ensure that no musty odor will prevail. A main entrance must be established for the car to pass through. However, you must also construct a side door in case you don't want to do the heavy work of opening a big door. This will also serve as a discreet entrance for you and your family members.
If you plan to convert your garage into a multi-purpose area, constructing a loft will give you more storage options that are lifted off the ground. The ceiling height must also be decided on to maximize the storage area.
Furthermore, if you want to build a room above the garage, it could be rented out to a person in need of a bed space. Through this, you will supplement your salary with the money being paid for the rent. Doesn't that sound terrific?
Cut down on your expenses by acquiring the raw materials in bulk. If you can go directly to a wholesaler, why bother with a retailer? Wholesaler offers a cheaper price when you buy sacks of sand, cement and gravel, plywood, nails, piles of lumber, cans of paint and many more.
You may now commence building your garage after reading these great tips. Good luck!
For more info about planning, designing or constructing your own garage building kits be fast and visit our website. Be sure to read our latest article: Garage Floor Plans.
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November 05 2009 | Home Improvement | No Comments »