Perhaps your garage has stone or concrete flooring, and you want to upgrade it to the next level for a smoother look. Will it be aesthetic tiles or the seamless epoxies? Let’s discuss.
For many of us, our garage is like a mini escape from our mundane life. After our daily chores, we love to spend some time in the garage. Many of us even set up DIY projects inside.
Now, you may want to improve its flooring, no matter whether you wish to make the place more welcoming or for your own satisfaction. Two of the best options for you are tiles and epoxy.
We must notify you that both have pros and cons, and you must decide based on your situation. In this article, let’s help you make the pick.
What Is Tile Flooring?
Tiles are installed somewhat like puzzle pieces as you lock them into places on the floor, leaving almost no gap in between. They come in various types, like soft PVC or diamond plate.
The durability and ease of installation of tiles often determine their costs. But no matter which one you get, it will come with a smooth surface.
Remember that not all types of tiles are suitable for garage flooring.
What Is Epoxy Flooring?
Epoxy is a resin system that stays liquid at first. After pouring it on the floor, it gradually solidifies to a high durability. But what exactly is epoxy?
They are different polymers together that stay separated when liquid. However, after you add them to the floor, the polymers bond with themselves, the floor beneath, and any wall around them.
It results in a very hard and glossy flooring. Unlike tiles, epoxy doesn’t have any interlocking system. Hence, you won’t have to worry about cutting them. Despite that, installing epoxy is trickier.
Epoxy vs Tiles: Factors You Must Consider
Next, let us list all the factors to account for before selecting between tiles and epoxy for your garage flooring project.
Installation Process
Tiles are much easier to install than epoxy in many regards. Let’s explain why-
- Installation Process: When installing epoxy, one must apply it twice for the two layers- base coat and topcoat. Now, it is much more challenging than it sounds. Most will tell you to leave it to professionals.
Tile floors are much more straightforward to install. After preparing the floor, you only need to apply some mixed cement on the back of the tile pieces and lock them properly on the spot.
It is easier to mess up with epoxy floor installation than tiles.
- Material Preparation: Even preparing the epoxy requires experience and instructions. As for preparation during tile flooring, you mainly need to cut the tiles if necessary.
- Floor Preparation: Preparing the floor is also necessary in both cases, and it is harder in the case of epoxy. You only need to add a layer of concrete and lock the tiles for tile flooring.
Meanwhile, sanding down the concrete underneath is mandatory before adding an epoxy base coat. It is very time-consuming.
Cost
Epoxy floors cost much lower than tiles in most cases. Epoxy flooring costs $3-$10 per square foot on average. DIYing (Is that a word?) it can lower that to $2-$5.
On the other hand, the average cost range for floor tile installation per square foot is $15-$20 (all expenses included in both cases).
We must mention that the maintenance and cleaning cost for epoxy floors is much higher than for tiles.
Material Choice
Best floor epoxy resin products are available in different types. However, they will mostly do the same for garage flooring. Tiles flooring requires you to think well before picking.
For a garage, diamond plates or other tiles with similarly high durability are a must. Soft PVC or such less durable options won’t do for vehicle parking.
Maintenance and Cleaning Factors
Which one of our two materials costs lower in the long run? The short answer is epoxy. However, their maintenance and cleaning costs are close enough.
Here are some information you need to know regarding this topic-
- Tiles are a lot more prone to chipping or cracking by heavy use compared to epoxy.
- Tiles may not go well with so many cleaning agents. They need specific ones. Epoxy is more open to cleaning solutions.
- The white cement, acrylic caulk, etc., you add in the gaps between the tiles can erode slowly over time if exposed to certain chemicals in the garage. That is not something you will face with epoxy.
- Repairing any damages to tiles need replacement tiles. As for epoxy, you only need to fix that area with more epoxy.
- When it comes to lifespan, tiles can outlast epoxy by a long shot. The low-cost epoxy can last only 10-20 years, depending on the product quality. Meanwhile, well-maintained tile floors can survive for nearly a hundred years.
- Despite looking smooth, tiles are less solid than epoxy. It lets dirt, grime, and other messes accumulate over time. They also get yellowish quick. Cleaning tiles is more challenging if you always want your floor to look the best.
Meanwhile, cleaning epoxy floors is easier since they are hydrophobic and lack ridges for dirt to gather.
Aesthetic
Aesthetics is one area where tiles best epoxy from various angles. From flexibility to appearance, tile floors are available for everyone’s liking.
- Certain patterns are easier to do with tiles. Let’s say you want a checkerboard pattern. You only need to get tiles with two colors. However, doing so for epoxy will require many steps.
- Tiles are available in various levels of rigidity. You can find softer epoxy resins. Meanwhile, there are soft tiles, which can give a comfortable and cushioned surface.
Soft tiles may not be suitable for vehicle tires, but you can always use separate tiles for different areas of your man cave. Mixing and matching is another place where tiles win.
- You can apply the same tile on the floor and the adjacent walls. Adding epoxy paint on walls is also possible, but the result is not similar to that matching vibe you can get from tiles. Meanwhile, the process will also be difficult with epoxy.
- If you want, you can get epoxy in various color gradients or glittering patterns. You can go for shades of gray like the early days or get a totally transparent look.
- You can make swirling patterns or similar designs on any part of the floor with epoxy since it is liquid during the application. Some professionals can do it skillfully. It is not possible with tiles.
Conclusion
If we have to give you a quick summary- Go for tile floors if you prefer aesthetics and ease of installation. Meanwhile, if you want a cost-friendly option (both short and long run) with nearly equal aesthetics, epoxy is for you.
Assess all the variables before you make your choice. Remember that both options are really flexible. Explore products from both categories and see if something catches your eye.
