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Installing carpet on the garage floor is an idea that is not new. In fact, people have been doing it for years and are attracted to the thought of a garage flooring option that creates a warm atmosphere and insulates from the cold of winter. But before you jump at the idea of laying your favorite threads in the garage, take a moment to learn about the pros and cons of garage floor carpeting, safety concerns, and how to choose which carpet is best for a garage environment.
Precautions for installing garage floor carpet
I’m sure most of us remember that one house on the block that had the shag carpeted garage floor. It was a novel idea that looked nice for a while but soon fell victim to wear and abuse and started to look shabby after a year or so. Well, people are still carpeting their garage, but many are not aware of the problems that the wrong carpet can create.
Standard carpeting is not designed for the garage, nor is it safe. While it might seem like an inexpensive garage flooring idea to use standard carpet remnants from the home, it poses many problems. It can create mold and mildew issues, it is tough to clean properly, and it breaks down from automotive fluids.
Most of all, it is a fire hazard. There are more cases than you think of homes burning down because of a fire started in the garage due to petroleum soaked carpeting. All it takes is an ignition source such as a spark or flame. In fact, many local ordinances do not allow for the installation of indoor carpeting in the garage.
Garage floor carpeting options
So what are you to do? The answer is to use carpeting that is made for outdoor or automotive use. Commonly known as indoor outdoor carpet, it is made of polypropylene fibers or a material known as Olefin synthetic fibers. This material is resistant to staining, abrasion, U.V. fading, as well as mold and mildew.
Most importantly, it is much more fire resistant and has a tendency to melt when exposed to flame or intense heat instead of catch fire. Fabric garage floor mats are made of such material.
Most indoor outdoor carpet comes in 6’ and 12’ widths and is available in a variety of colors and textures. Pricing can be just under $1.00 per ft² for the bargain-basement carpet, while the higher quality options start around $1.5 per ft².
When choosing the right carpet for your garage, it’s ideal to find one with a rubber marine backing. This backing makes the carpet more resistant to moisture from concrete and wet environments. This is important if you live in an area that receives an abundance of rain or snow that can be carried in with your car.
Where can I buy carpet for my garage floor?
We have found that Amazon is a great resource to purchase indoor outdoor carpet for your garage or basement. They have a large selection of colors and they even ship it for free.
Check Pricing here from Amazon
Proper installation of the carpet requires that you glue it down to the concrete. You cannot just tape down the edges like some manufacturers suggest. The forces created from parking your vehicle or turning the wheels on the carpet will cause it to buckle and pull up the edges if you do not glue it down. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to do and can be accomplished as a DIY project in a weekend or less.
A vacuum is all that is required for standard cleaning maintenance. Tougher spills and stains such as oil needs to be cleaned with a warm household dish detergent and a soft brush. Do not use harsh chemicals because it can cause the backing of the carpet to deteriorate.
Because of their synthetic makeup, oils generally will not stain the carpet, but it can require more than one attempt to remove all the oil because of the wicking properties of the material. A previously cleaned oil stain can appear dirty again after it has dried because any remaining oil that was at the base of the carpet is wicked back up to the surface.
Pros and Cons of garage floor carpeting
While the idea of carpeting a garage floor has its merits, we do want to point out that it may not be the best garage flooring option depending on how you use your garage.
If it is mainly used to just park your cars, access storage, do laundry, or work on small projects at your work bench from time to time, then installing carpet may be a good choice for you. Plus it feels better on the feet than cold concrete.
If you like to tackle larger projects in the garage such as wood working, car repairs and maintenance, metal shop projects and etc., you most likely should look for a different flooring choice. Wood chips and metal shaving are much more difficult to remove from carpet as well. Also, repeated exposure to automotive chemicals can slowly cause deterioration of the backing of the carpet.
Pros
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- Soft on the feet
- Good anti-slip protection
- Good noise absorption
- Insulates floor from cold
- Comfortable to work on
- Looks nice
- Vacuum to clean
- Fairly easy DIY installation
Cons
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- Will not stand up to the abuse of larger garage projects
- Chemicals can cause the backing and glue to deteriorate
- Not good for below grade slabs with moisture issues
- Large fluid spills other than water not easy to clean up
- Creepers and tool boxes are harder to roll on carpet
- A section replaced due to damage is more noticeable
- Larger messes require more effort to clean
Admittedly, installing a garage floor carpet does have some nice benefits and can be a good choice when used in the right environment. If your garage sees light duty use without big projects and car repairs, then it just might be the right choice for you.
However, if you’re the type of person who seems to spend more time out in the garage with projects, cars, toys, and more, then you might want to consider a more appropriate garage flooring option that will stand up to the abuse and hazards of a high traffic garage.
*** Update ***
There is a new type of garage floor carpet available now that can withstand oils and a variety of automotive chemicals. It’s called Garage Grip™ and is constructed of the same materials used to contain spills at oil and gas well sites. We review it here.
gloria ayers says
I have laid regular commercial carpet in garage floor. I use this area in summer only for a den area. Winter it goes back to being my garage. Last year I brought a tarp and covered the carpet which was very rough to keep snow and rain off of carpet. I had to keep pulling on it etc It worked but does anyone have a better suggestion of keeping this tarp in place.
Shea says
Hi Gloria, you may want to try a containment mat instead of trying to cover the entire carpet. You can read about them here.
Dana says
I’ve had my garage carpeted with indoor carpet for 4 years. I use my garage as a painting studio with furniture. It worked great until the hot water heater busted and the carpet got soaking wet. It smelled terrible and was awlful trying to get it out of the garage damp. Black mold started to grow on the cement floor after carpet removal. Not fun to deal with. Moving all the furniture and wet carpet out was terrible. I have since had the garage treated for mold on the cement floor and this time placed an indoor/outdoor carpet in garage which would be easy to move if water damage occurred again. My garage is 24 x 24 and is one of my favorite rooms to sit back in watch a Lil TV, paint and invite guest in. Don’t have to worry about floors getting dirty.
Shea says
Thanks for reporting on your experience Dana. As you found out, there are pitfalls with using regular carpet. You shouldn’t have anymore issues like that with the carpet you have now, even if your heater busted again.
Bobbie Schaller says
We have several rolls of new carpet that needs to be stored in garage floor that gets quite damp in winter. We have rolled the carpet in plastic wrap and taped ends together with carpet tape and have laid the carpet on 1″ boards, will the carpet be safe, we are painting house and will then put carpet in house, but am concerned if this will protect it enough?
Shea says
It should be fine as long as the carpet is kept off the floor without moisture getting to it.
Charles says
I’ve had commercial carpet tiles in my garage for years. They will outlast the building.
I have four cars in there and work on cars in the garage too. For the one car that leaks a little I have a rubber mat on top of the carpet where the engine is. for a messy project I just put a few sheets of Masonite duck taped together under the project car.
In the back area where the bench, vise and drill press is, that area is vinyl tiled. Open the garage door and use a leaf blower to rid the small stuff, vacuum as well. Can’t beat it. Not good for wood working though, otherwise great.
Shea says
Those are great tips Charles. We know that when the proper carpet is used it has some good advantages.
Tony says
I can have access to astroturf that was used on my golf coarse practice range. They are 7 ‘ x 6’ strips. It is thick and looks great. I was planning on using it in my 2 car garage. Do you see and downsides to using it? I can always take pieces up to wash if necessary. It will not go around the 2 ft border around the perimeter of the inside where I have cabinets and shelving.
thanks in advance for your response!
Shea says
Hello Tony. The issue will be how you adhere it to the concrete. If you glue it down you will not be able to pull it up very easily to wash. Double sided tape would be better, but with the smaller strips you are working with you will need to be sure that you don’t turn the tires much on the turf or it will bunch and pull up from the tape.
Tami says
Difficult yo remove glued down I/O. Could a concrete surface be applied without removing carpet?
Shea says
Hi Tami. No, unless you are pouring a regular 4″ slab, the carpet needs to be removed first.
Cindy says
Trying to turn my garage into a bedroom? I have 3 bedroom upstairs, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it up at some point. I’m 57 and have health issue’s already. Trying to do this job as nice and cheap as possible. I haven’t done any DIY. So need all the help I can get? 2 car garage. Structural I would like a window? I have water already for poss. shower. I can’t figure out how to do the floor?
Shea says
Hi Cindy. Turning the garage into a bedroom is much different than just putting carpet in the garage. In most states permits as well as an inspection is required in addition to certain safety measures that have to met. We recommend visiting your local building permit and planning office to get more information.
Jim says
I have a plywood floor in my garage, an old stable with a basement. Should I use olefin or green indoor outdoor or what? No living space below. How about a linoleum or vinyl sheet?
Shea says
Hi Jim. We definitely recommend that you use carpet approved for automobiles. Such carpet has special polypropylene (Olefin fibers). Another option for a plywood floor would be vinyl roll out mats.
Joe says
Call you local carpet store. Their prices will be as good if not better than most amazon sellers, Lowe’s or Home Depot. And, you will get advice specific to your application and you might even find they will install it for you inexpensively with the right glue.
Shea says
Hello Joe and thanks for your input. We actually thought the same thing before we wrote this article. Our minds changed, however, when we checked with some of the big brand carpet companies in our area. To our surprise, they either didn’t sell outdoor carpet or their prices were out of line. However, that doesn’t mean that someone might find a local carpet store in their area that can accommodate their needs at a good price point for the appropriate carpet for garage use. It’s never a bad idea to check locally for something like that.
Amy W says
To this day, Big Box stores are more expensive than independent Flooring Stores.
For instance, the Big Box stores tend to tack on additional charges at the end. (Such as “padding” “transitions” “freight,” etc.
Also, Big Box uses some deceptive marketing such as $49/installs etc. (Big Box uses sub-contractors. I’ve never met one who would do a job for $49.)
I’m wondering if the flooring retailer priced a higher quality indoor/outdoor option that would explain the difference in price.
Consumers may buy with confidence from Flooring Retailers, knowing they will be billed what they were quoted, and knowing that they have someone to call in two years if their dishwasher leaks.
Flooring remains a specialty trade for good reason.
From my perspective… If I am spending thousands, I’m hiring a reputable and vested pro who will answer his phone.
Good luck.
Michael Young says
I will be turning my garage into a lounge area where I would watch tv, smoke cigars, and have some food and drinks with small number( <6) of friends, especially during football season. I do intend use the garage for parking cars or doing any type of projects.
Your recommendation on type of carpeting.
Thank You
Mike
Shea says
Hi Michael. Are you saying that you do or don’t plan on parking cars and doing projects in the garage? You state you do, but I get the feeling you meant that you don’t? If not, you can put any type of carpet in the garage that you like.
Michael Young says
Am sorry.
I will not be parking cars in the garage.
Mike
Shea says
OK, Mike. If the surface is sound, then you can apply any type of carpeting you like. It would be applied in the same manner as it would in the interior of the house.
Kait says
I have some leftover carpet from having two bedrooms recently carpeted. They’re just laying on the garage floor in an area where I have a carf table where I sit and do paperwork. I have a refrigerator sitting on top of that carpeted area. It’s a small amount, probably takes up 1/8 of the garage and it can be picked up and tossed out at any time. Will this be a problem? Yes we do park a car in the garage we don’t do any projects. But we do have a lawn mower and a pressure washer out there.
Shea says
Hello Kait. You ask a good question. With such a small section of carpet like that, as long as you don’t introduce any automotive fluids or solvents to the carpet, you should be fine with what you have.
Christina Lamb says
I have a 20×10 large indoor rug which I would like to put in the garage in Florida
I will not be parking cars there
Is it safe
I will have 2 refrigerators in the garage
It’s mainly for storage
Shea says
Hi Christina. It sounds like you are going to use the garage more as another interior room than someplace to park your cars and do projects. If that is the case, then using indoor carpet should not pose any hazards.
Christina says
Shea
Any problems with mold if it rains ? In the garage if I use the big rug?
I will store boxes only ,however have 2 refrigerators in the garage
Shea says
Mold would only be a concern if the concrete gets wet, Christina. If you have issues with moisture wicking up from under the slab, then you run a chance of mold developing under the carpet.
Christina says
Thanks Shea
I wouldn’t know about the water under the slab
It’s just concrete floor
Looks like shove all right even after a heavy rains?
Shea says
As long as the carpet does not get wet you will be OK.
Rebecca Williams says
Hello
I want to set a gym up in a part of my garage and I also will park my car in the garage. Can you recommend the best type of carpet for my garage?
Thank you
Rebbie
Shea says
Hi Rebbie. You want to use carpet made with Olefin synthetic fibers or equivalent. These type of carpets are not thick and will not offer much in terms of impact resistance for gym flooring if that is what you are thinking. The ones we link to Amazon in the article are fairly typical of the types of carpet that are safe to use in a garage.
James B says
I have a garage that seems to build some moisture on the concrete. I had some carpet tiles with the poly backing but they seems to be giving off a weird odor into the air even a few months later. What is an appropriate flooring situation for concrete that tends to need more breathing room?
Shea says
Hi James. We would recommend interlocking floor tiles. They are constructed to allow air flow under the tiles so that moisture can safely evaporate. RaceDeck and SwissTrax are brands that have carpeted tops as an option as well.
Vin says
Have had indoor/outdoor (marine carpet) installed in garage…. looks good !. Question : As previous garage flooring didn’t accept cars directly in off the road as warm/hot wheels melted the surface – now with this new marine carpet installed, I haven’t been taking cars directly into garage after driving home. I’ve been leaving them outside for the tyres to cool down – is it safe to drive straight in, or still need to wait for wheels to cool down ??
Shea says
Hello Vin. If the carpet is rated for automobiles, then you should not have any issues with hot tires. Most marine carpet will not have issues with this.
Vin says
Thank you, much apprrciated.
Dawn says
Hello. I put indoor outdoor carpet in my garage. It is just laying ontop of a cement floor. Sometimes some water or moister does come in from only one small area. Is it ok ,mold wise, ? Or should I lay down a moisture barrier under the carpet? Or is it ok since made for outdoor use… I will have it as a short term makeshift apartment. Thank you!
Shea says
Hi Dawn. Most indoor outdoor carpet is mold and mildew resistant, but it can still grow if there is enough moisture. Marine carpeting does better at resisting mold and mildew if this what you have. If the water does not dry out very quick, then you may want to create a moisture barrier.
Nancy says
Wow! I’ve really enjoyed all these questions and your thoughtful, well-informed answers.
My question is: What should I put on the floor of the garage in a rental FOR WARMTH if it is used as a temporary bedroom (6 months with winter night temps from 42F to 28F, little snow, lots of rain)? What would insulate the cold cement floor best and most economically, if warmth is the primary concern. The laundry is in the garage as well.
Thanks.
Shea says
Hi Nancy. If the space is being used as a living area, then there is not a traditional type of garage flooring that will provide any type of warmth. You would need to lay standard carpet with a good pad in order provide some warmth from a cold slab.
Eric says
Hi there, I may have overlooked this in the comments: I live in New England, so I deal with winter snow & rain. I have a 19×11’ slab concrete single bay garage. I want to put down appropriate carpeting, to help with insulation and noise reduction; and to be able to dual purpose the space (park car when needed / use as recreation or gym space). What is best option to ensure snow/water will sit on top to allow for cleaning, and not soak through and cause mold issues? Thanks!
Shea says
Hi Eric. The best option that would not allow moisture to soak through is a new product called Garage Grip. You can read about it here. It’s a bit pricey, but it provides much better protection than your standard indoor outdoor carpet that is rated for automotive use. You also have the option of having a custom one piece fit for your space. Something to note with carpet rated for automotive use is that it’s not going to do much for insulation from the cold. Carpet padding is what provides insulation and these type of carpets cannot be installed with padding.
Eric says
Def a bit pricey! Thanks for the insight, much appreciated.
Annabel Nucifora says
Hi Eric,
I’m trying to organise my husbands work area. It has cement floor. I have painted it and wanted to place a rubber mat on a section when dealing with paint etc. When I went to the hardware they warned me that these mats stick to the cement. Some type of reaction takes place over time and when removed take the cement with them. Should I put some cotton underlay to prevent this.
Shea says
Hi Annabel. We have never heard of a rubber mat sticking to concrete and then pulling bits of it up if removed after being there for a long while. Some real rubber mats can stick to paint on a floor and pull that up though. It sounds like you are looking for an anti-fatigue mat? If so, we have an article here with recommendations. None of these should cause paint or cement to be pulled up.
richard says
what rug tape to use in garage
Shea says
Hi Richard. Sugarman makes an excellent carpet tape that can be used on concrete garage floors. You can find it here on Amazon.