Is Laminate Flooring Good for Garage? (Pros & Cons!)


Installing laminate flooring in a garage can be a great way to add some extra protection. You want to ensure you choose the right type of flooring that will stand up to the wear and tear of being a garage. Would laminate flooring be good for your garage? Let’s find out. 

Laminate flooring is the perfect choice for your garage as it has numerous benefits. It can withstand heavy traffic, is very easy to maintain, can enhance your garage’s aesthetic value, and is affordable compared to other flooring types.

Laminate flooring is an excellent option for garages because it’s durable and easy to install. Laminate flooring is also affordable, making it a perfect choice for budget-minded homeowners. So logically, it would be your first option to choose from.

Can You Install Laminate Flooring In Garage?

Laminate flooring can be installed in a garage. The flooring can handle all the regular activities usually conducted in the garage without complications. There is no need to worry because laminate flooring does possess the strength to bear the load of a car, which is the primary function of a garage. 

Why Should You Install Laminate Flooring In Garage?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that laminate flooring is a great option for the garage. Not only is laminate flooring easy to install, but it’s also very easy to maintain. In addition, laminate flooring can enhance the aesthetic value of your garage. The next time you look for an affordable and easy-to-maintain flooring option for your garage, consider laminate flooring. 

Pros of Installing Laminate Flooring In Garage

If you’re still on the fence and don’t know if you should go for it, here are some of the pros of having Laminate flooring in a Garage. 

  1. Appearance 

Homeowners are increasingly opting for laminate flooring in their garages for its attractive appearance. As garages have become extensions of living space, the overall aesthetic of your garage has a big impact on the look and feel of your home. 

Concrete floorings or other options can be very harsh and industrial-looking, affecting your garage’s overall aesthetic. On the other hand, laminate flooring imitates the look of wood or stone and can give your garage a warm and inviting feel. 

  1. Durability 

Laminate flooring is a great option for the garage because of its durability. It can handle the weight of vehicles without denting or scratching, and it doesn’t wear down easily. This makes it a good choice for busy families who need a floor that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. 

Additionally, laminate flooring is easy to clean and maintain, which is another important consideration for busy families. When choosing a floor for the garage, durability should be a top priority, and laminate flooring is a great option that will stand up to the rigors of daily use.

  1. Installation 

Another advantage of installing laminate flooring in the garage is that it’s quick and easy to install. In most cases, it only takes a couple of days to install laminate floors, and you don’t need a lot of special equipment. Laminate flooring planks come with a click-and-lock design, which makes things very straightforward. Just make sure that you let your laminate floor acclimate, which means storing them in your garage before starting the installation.

  1. Cost 

Probably one of the best reasons to consider laminate flooring in the garage is because it’s cheap. The flooring price can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but it’s budget-friendly compared to other kinds of flooring. 

  1. Easy maintenance

If you are looking for a type of floor for your garage that does not require much maintenance, there is no better option than laminate flooring. The top layer of laminate flooring is called wear, and it’s highly durable, as it’s meant to protect against stains and scuffs. 

To keep laminate flooring as beautiful as day one, you only need to sweep up the dirt and dust weekly and use a microfiber mop for cleaning. There is no other effort required on your part. Make sure to use the correct type of products to avoid having a white film after cleaning. 

Cons of Installing Laminate Flooring In Garage?

Unfortunately, there are also cons to having Laminate flooring installed in your garage.

  1. Repair issues

Even though the laminate floor is cheap and easy to install, the bad part is that repairing it might not be easy when your laminate gets damaged. Of course, this depends on the type of damage. 

The surface of the laminate flooring is synthetic, so refinishing or polishing is not always an option. Furthermore, in case of a crack, or warping, you may have to replace the laminate flooring planks. If you have some old Laminate that you can reuse and is similar to the current one, then that’s fine, but if not, you may have to buy it. 

The problem is that when you have to buy something similar and can’t find something, you may have to replace the whole thing or settle with partly different Laminate planks.

  1. Moisture 

One of the biggest reasons for not installing laminate flooring in the garage is because of moisture. It’s made up of high-density fiberboard (HDF) that absorbs water, and if your garage floods or is in a high moisture area, you should probably avoid laminate floors. 

This is because the planks will swell, peel, warp, and in some cases, mold. If it’s exposed to water for an extended period, your laminate flooring will break down. 

  1. Resale value 

Some types of flooring, such as hardwood, can boost the resale value of your home. Even though laminate flooring is durable and beautiful, it does not always help in increasing your home value.

The quality and style of the laminate flooring can make a difference, but while it does improve the value of your home, it does not deliver the same boost as other floorings like tile or hardwood. 

  1. Sustainability 

If you are environmentally conscious, laminate flooring is not a good option because it’s not biodegradable as it contains plastic. Burning Laminate flooring is also not an option because it releases fumes that are considered a health hazard.

In addition, some types of laminate flooring also contain formaldehyde, which is toxic. This means that laminate flooring is not eco-friendly, and recycling it’s also a complex and costly process.

  1. Installation issues

Even though installing laminate flooring is considered easy, If you don’t have any DIY experience or knowledge about laminate flooring installation, you may need an expert’s services. This can increase the cost of installing laminate flooring in the garage. 

How To Install Laminate Flooring In Garage?

If you’re ready to go for it, here is some guidance to help you install your Laminate flooring without hassle. 

  1. Preparation 

No matter what flooring you are installing, it’s understood that you first need to prepare the garage floor. This means you need to clean the floor properly, ensure there is no debris, and ensure it’s dry. 

You can use a mild detergent to get rid of all the debris and dirt. Since it’s a garage, oil spills may need to be cleaned. For this, you may need to have a detergent that is specially made for this purpose. 

  1. Leveling 

After your garage floor is thoroughly clean, it’s time to move on to the second step, which means you need to level the floor. Leveling is crucial because this may lead to an uneven floor, inevitably leading to peeling, cracks, or warping. 

Using a level bar in this step is definitely a must. Believe me; you don’t want to take any risks. The floor’s height should also be considered, as there should not be a big difference between the two points. If the difference is significant, you may have to fill it with a self-leveling compound. Lastly, if you have already installed baseboards, you may want to check if you need to remove them before installing anything. 

  1. Polythene Sheet Wrapping

Now that your garage floor is clean and level, the third step is to cover the entire floor with a 6mm polythene sheet. It’s essential to install this to help prevent moisture from seeping through the surface of your laminate floor and inevitably causing your laminate floors to grow mold. But you should ensure that it’s no longer than 8 inches, or else you’ll end up with overlapping areas.

  1. Foam Installation 

So, you’ve covered it with polythene sheet wrapping; now, you need to install a layer of foam. The purpose of installing the foam is to minimize the noise. An important note: during the foam installation process, you must make sure that it laps for at least 2 inches with the baseboard. Then, you can use masking tape to secure it with the wall. 

  1. Laminate Installation 

The fifth step is where you actually install the laminate flooring in your garage. The start location will differ depending on what pattern you wish to install, such as the H pattern or a Herringbone pattern. But, if it’s a standard installation, you’d have to start from the corner of the garage and move towards the center.

Leave space of ¼ inches between the corner wall and the laminate flooring. Begin with the first two rows, and do not glue them right away. This will allow you to figure out the best way to place your laminate flooring planks without the need for any cutting. It’s important to note that leaving enough space is critical. Not all Laminate flooring expands the same way

  1. Gluing 

If you’ve decided to glue your Laminate flooring, you’d need to ensure the glue you choose is adhesive enough and spread beneath the planks. 

However, gluing is not recommended because Laminate flooring is a floating floor and needs to be able to move so it can expand and contract freely.

Is It Worth It To Put Laminate Flooring In Garage?

Thanks to its low cost and easy installation system, and as long as you can get high-quality, waterproof, installing laminate flooring in the garage is definitely worth it. 

Best Laminate Flooring Alternative For Garage

The best laminate flooring alternative for the garage floor is polished concrete flooring. It’s resilient, does not wear and tear easily, and is not that expensive. It can look elegant and stain-resistant, making it great for a garage. Other options for garage flooring can also be explored, including epoxy flooring, rubber tile flooring, and vinyl and stone flooring.

FAQs

What Type of Flooring Is Best for a Garage?

Concrete flooring is considered best for the garage and is used widely because it’s hard and stain-resistant. Polished concrete flooring can also be suitable for low budgets and are easy to maintain. They can also look graceful and can bear heavy loads easily.

What Is the Most Durable Garage Floor?

Epoxy flooring is the most durable garage flooring option. It’s available in metallic, colorful, and natural stone finishes. Epoxy forms a thick and hardened coating when it dries, and this layer allows it to resist different types of damage. Your garage floor will remain safe from dents, scratches, chemical spills, and cracks. It can last for years, resist wear and tear, and also has a smooth finish. 

Can You Park a Car on Laminate Flooring?

Yes, you can park a car on laminate flooring. The flooring is very durable and can handle the weight of a car without breaking or any other damage.

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