Picking the Correct Garage Floor Design for a Working Garage

from JNK Products

One of the questions we get asked most often is what type of pattern and what type of product people should use in a garage floor design that is used for more than just parking cars. Our customers want to know everything from what type of pattern they should use to if a garage floor mat or a garage floor tile or even an epoxy will best fit their needs.

We’ve used both garage floor mats and garage floor tiles without issues in workshop type environments. I think the choice between a mat and a tile is a matter of personal preference and I am hard pressed to find an absolute reason why someone should ALWAYS use one over the other.

I do believe picking the proper garage floor pattern when designing a garage floor, and the colors are important. First, the concept of white garage flooring is something that blows me away. Most people would not consider putting white carpet in their kids room yet they consider white garage flooring in the garage –probably not the best idea. Our experience shows that the silver and grey do the best job of hiding dirt and debris.

If you are going to be rolling a toolbox, a chair or sliding underneath a car I recommend the coin pattern as my first choice. You could go with a smooth tile or mat, but that would leave some questions as to traction. The diamond tile looks sharp and when it comes to appearance is by far my favorite. If, however, you are constantly rolling items with a small wheel base, the diamond pattern tends to be a little loud and provide a little more ‘friction’ then the coin pattern garage flooring products.

Garage Design Ideas

Dream It! Just Do It!

from Garage Design Plans 101

Most people hire the services of contractors to make a garage plan for them. But if you prefer to build your own, coming up with a garage design idea is really not difficult. While technical expertise is important, there are basic factors which should make things easy for you. When you are thinking of a good garage design idea, consider the following:

Location.
Where do you plan to build your garage? Most homes either have front or side garage. Either way, garage should be constructed where house and the driveway are most accessible. Location also plays an important role on the overall design of your garage. The space available determines how the garage interior should be constructed in respect on the functions you want your garage to have. Once you have determined the “where”, everything is easy.

Budget.
How much? The amount of money you should pour on the garage design is the next factor you need to be aware of. The cost of constructing a garage per square feet depends on where you live but it roughly goes from $40-$100. The materials you will use for the garage design also play a bit factor. But no matter how large or small you want your garage to be, coming up with a good and precise garage design idea will significantly reduce the amount you have to spend.

Function.
How will the garage be used? Before, the garage is used solely to keep the vehicle secured. But garage nowadays serves multiple purposes from storing house and gardening tools to working space for do-it-yourselfers. Come up with a garage design idea that includes how the garage will be used. Lay out your garage floor plan. Identify the areas where you will install storage cabinets, workstation, bench, wall storage, and car park. The garage design should not only have to look good in paper, it also has to look good and usable when built.

Utilize the spaces available on your floor, wall, and ceiling.
Your garage walls can accommodate most of your home tools and gardening equipment including your brooms, extension cords, hoses, garden tools, ladders, bicycles, balls and bats, golf bags and accessories, food coolers, coats, shoes, hats, and other workshop and general house tools and accessories. Install vertical storage on the wall for additional storage space.

Garage cabinets can store your insect, lawn, and garden chemicals, paint, other small tools used for car maintenance, and the rest of the items you want to keep hidden for safety reasons.

Overhead storage can be installed to maximize the unused space of your ceiling. Here, you can securely keep seasonal items such as sports equipment, holiday decorations, and other things that cannot be kept at the floor.

The key here is not to focus your attention so much on the floor; you have lots of spaces above it.

Aesthetics.
Functionality is your main concern when thinking of a garage design idea, should you be worried with the aesthetics? Yes. How your garage will look like is important. Colors of the wall, design of the cabinets, types of materials used, and even the theme of the garage should be carefully planned.

If you want to get garage design ideas, browse on some online sites that offer free template and downloadable garage designs.