Can You Use Laminate Flooring in a Garage

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Laminate flooring is a highly versatile type used in millions of homes worldwide. What many people want to know, however, is: “can I use it in my garage, too?”

Unsurprisingly, people would want a durable, affordable, and effective flooring option in their garages.

However, I do not recommend using laminate flooring in your garage, as it is typically not strong enough for the harsh conditions you will put it through in a garage.

If you want to install flooring in your garage the right way, follow along as we outline the options you have for your garage and explain why laminate flooring isn’t the best option for a garage.

Table of Contents

Why Can’t You Use Laminate Flooring in the Garage

If your climate is harsh, you shouldn’t put laminate flooring in your garage. Here are some reasons laminate flooring is not suitable for garages.

Won’t Stand Up To Harsh Conditions

The main reason that laminate flooring is not suitable for flooring in the garage is that it won’t stand up to harsh conditions properly.

Garages are much harsher environments than living spaces because they typically have more heat and moisture, which can break down the laminate over time, causing it to warp and discolor.

Laminate floors are strong but not made for these conditions and are for indoor use only.

Shouldn’t Be Exposed to Large Amounts of Moisture

Do not expose laminate flooring to large amounts of moisture. They constructed laminate floors with a top layer of plastic, which can get damaged by water.

Garages typically have higher moisture levels than other parts of the house, so it’s not recommended to put laminate flooring in the garage.

Not the Most Durable Option for Garage Floors

Laminate flooring is not the most durable option for garage floors and is used indoors so that it won’t stand up to the wear and tear of a typical garage and other flooring options.

Can’t Hold Weight

Laminate flooring cannot hold the weight of large vehicles and other items typically stored in a garage, and it will crack or break under pressure, so it’s not the best option for a garage floor.

Alternatives to Laminate Flooring

If you were considering laminate flooring for your garage and now know it’s not a good option, don’t worry. There are some great alternatives to laminate flooring that you can use for your garage, and here are a few that we would recommend instead.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is a superior option compared to laminate flooring. It offers many benefits, including long-term durability, low maintenance requirements, insulation, noise reduction, and safety features like slip resistance.

AdvertisementsOne of the primary advantages of polished concrete for garage flooring is its strong resistance to wear and tear. The surface gets treated with a chemical densifier that hardens the top layer, making it much more difficult to damage or dent. A top layer ensures your garage floor will last for years with minimal effort to keep it in good condition.

Another benefit of polished concrete is its non-slip properties. The surface has an attractive sheen but won’t be slippery when wet because of the indentations created during the polishing process, which help create traction. As a result, polished concrete is a safe choice for your garage, where you may carry heavy items or work with tools near wet surfaces.

Polished concrete also does not retain heat like other materials and can help lower energy costs associated with cooling your garage during warm months.

Polished concrete works well as an insulator against sound from outside sources and other rooms within your home – this is helpful if you have a workshop or game room in your garage.

Overall, polished concrete is an excellent investment for any garage; its durability and easy maintenance make it worth considering if you’re looking for new flooring solutions in your home.

Its long-term performance will ensure you get plenty of use out of this material without worrying about needing repairs or costly replacements soon.

Epoxy

Epoxy flooring is an excellent alternative to laminate for garage floors, and it is much more durable than laminate and provides superior protection to the underlying concrete foundation.

Epoxy flooring is also effortless to clean and maintain, making it ideal for high-traffic areas like garages. From a longevity perspective, epoxy flooring will last ten years without needing any maintenance or repairs, while laminate will not stand up against wear and tear nearly as well.

In terms of aesthetics, epoxy flooring is available in many colors and finishes, making it perfect for customizing the look of your garage. It also has anti-slip properties that provide additional safety benefits compared to laminate, making epoxy highly suitable for garages used as workshops or for recreational purposes such as basketball or hockey practices.

When appropriately installed, epoxy flooring resists damage from oil, grease, and other common contaminants in garages. Epoxy flooring is ideal for homeowners looking to keep their space looking nice despite its everyday use.

Epoxy has superior resistance to UV light and other environmental factors that can cause discoloration on some floor coverings. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to various garage floor coverings, such as tile or hardwood.

Overall, epoxy is an excellent option for garage floors because it’s easy to maintain, looks great, and provides the highest protection against wear because of its durability and resistance to various contaminants.

With its affordability and wide variety of color options, it’s no wonder many homeowners are choosing epoxy over laminate when it comes time to pick their new garage covering!

Rubber Tile

Rubber tile is an excellent alternative to laminate flooring for garage flooring, and it is reliable and durable and has several benefits for this type of space. Rubber tile is highly slip-resistant, making it great for garages where cars, tools, and other items get moved a lot.

Its non-porous surface is easy to clean and maintain, which means less effort in the long run. In addition, rubber tile provides sound absorption, making it much quieter than other types of flooring.

Another great advantage of rubber tile is its resilience to moisture. Unlike laminate flooring that can be damaged by water leakage or flooding, rubber tile holds up well in wet conditions, which makes it an ideal option for garages that may experience dampness from time to time. You can even use rubber tile outdoors to stand up against various weather conditions.

Rubber tile also offers insulation value; the thicker options reduce heat loss from the garage through the walls and ceilings. The tiles also provide thermal protection during extreme temperatures, keeping your garage comfortable during both hot and cold seasons. Rubber tiles are available in various colors, textures, and styles, so you can find something that matches your decor or style preferences.

Overall, rubber tile is a much better option than laminate flooring for garage flooring because of its durability, slip-resistance properties, and moisture resistance. With its many benefits, such as sound absorption, insulation value, and design flexibility, rubber tile will ensure your garage looks good and lasts for years.

Let’s Recap

I do not recommend using laminate flooring in your garage for several reasons. For some, this is disappointing news. However, with my information about the best alternatives and options for your garage floor, you are well-equipped to ensure your garage has a flooring option that is suitable for it.

Laminate flooring is a highly versatile type used in millions of homes worldwide. What many people want to know, however, is: “can I use it in my garage, too?”

Unsurprisingly, people would want a durable, affordable, and effective flooring option in their garages.

Again, I do not recommend using laminate flooring in your garage, and it is typically not strong enough for the harsh conditions you will put it through in a garage.

If you want to install flooring in your garage the right way, follow along as we outline the options you have for your garage and explain why laminate flooring isn’t the best option for a garage.