Interlocking garage floor tiles are fast becoming one of the more popular garage flooring options. You may have seen pictures of these tiled floors, but what do you actually know about them? After all, how durable can plastic garage tiles be? You may be surprised by the answer.
Available in either hard plastic or rubber-like PVC vinyl, interlocking tiles are extremely durable and easy to install. Installation can be done in less than a day by yourself and even quicker if you have a helper. Very little tools are required since the tiles are interlocking and snap in place. No experience is necessary.
However, what makes this type of garage floor tile so popular is the ability to create a custom garage floor look with a variety of colors, textures, and functions. Undoubtedly, the most fun is creating your own unique design that matches your style and requirements.
Many garage tile vendors have floor designer pages on their websites that allow you to enter the exact size and parameters of your garage floor. You can then pick and choose colors and styles to insert into the design to create a custom-looking garage floor just for you.
Despite how popular interlocking tiles have become, they do create quite a few questions and doubts among those interested in this type of garage flooring. Concerns range from durability, weight ratings, and slip resistance, to fluid spills, working on cars, and the use of floor jacks and jack stands.
As a result, we will discuss the two different types of tile materials, their construction, durability, and the pros and cons of each. It’s important to learn the facts about this popular garage flooring option before you make a purchase.
First published in 2015, we have since updated this article to reflect the latest technical information, styles, and trends for interlocking garage flooring.
What are Hard Plastic Garage Tiles?
Plastic garage tiles are constructed of high-impact polypropylene. And because polypropylene is a type of thermoplastic polymer, the raw material can be heated into molten form and then injected into a mold to create the tile.
Injection molding has allowed manufacturers to create extremely versatile garage tiles in terms of styles, colors, and options. As a result, they are by far the most popular tile option.
Standard sizing for most interlocking plastic garage tiles is 12”x12” by 1/2″ thick. However, some manufacturers offer sizing as large as 18”x18” and 3/4″ thick.
The undersides of these tiles have a hollow core construction with a reinforced grid system that is very strong. This grid system is developed for a few distinct purposes.
The first is that it reduces the material to keep down costs. In addition, the design of this grid system and the amount of material used is what determines how much static and rolling weight a tile can endure.
The second reason for the grid system is that it allows for the circulation of air and water drainage underneath the tile.
This helps to dry out the concrete if it gets wet and prevents mold or mildew from developing underneath the tile.
Lastly, the grid system provides for anti-fatigue properties. Compared to concrete, they are much more comfortable on the feet and legs when standing for long periods.
Each tile connects via a peg and loop system that snaps into place. They are easily assembled with the tap of a rubber mallet, foot, or even by hand. The design structure and resulting strength of the various peg and loop systems is one of the parameters that can help to determine the quality of one brand of tile over the other.
In addition, for the surface, you have a choice of either a solid top construction or a ribbed structure that allows for surface drainage. At last count, there were up to 18 different colors of the various tiles to choose from.
Popular surface patterns for the solid top construction are coined or diamonds. Some manufacturers even offer a levant-style surface pattern or a carpet top surface.
The latest addition is the use of vinyl inserts. These inserts can replicate various wood flooring patterns and colors as well as carbon fiber patterns.
Most of these tile textures and patterns do create some added slip resistance. As a result, they do not create a hazard when tracking in water or snow from your vehicle. However, like any garage flooring, you should still use caution with wet surfaces and slippery substances such as oil.
Of note, the self-draining tiles are popular for garages with floor drains. In fact, some people wash their cars in the garage when using this style of tile. Since water and snowmelt from wet cars can pass through and eliminate the issue of standing water, these can make for a good winter snow tile as well.
Read – Choosing Interlocking Floor Tiles for Snow and Winter
Lastly, all plastic interlocking tiles have ramp edges to finish off the tile at the garage door and door openings. This allows for a smooth transition of car tires and other items with wheels to make a smooth transition from the concrete up and onto the tile.
Now that we know the construction specifics of hard plastic garage tiles, let’s get to the first question that pops up in everyone’s mind when they first encounter them.
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How durable are plastic interlocking garage tiles?
Yes, this was our primary question when we first heard of them years ago. How tough are they?
As it turns out, plastic garage tiles are plenty strong enough to stand up to the rigors of an active garage. They can withstand the loads and pressures of heavy vehicles and equipment, jack stands, heavy rolling toolboxes, floor jacks (we’ll discuss in more detail), and whatever else you may foresee in a busy garage.
In fact, some of these tiles are rated for weights up to 5,000 pounds per square inch and a rolling weight rating for vehicles up to 80,000 pounds. The design of the substructure and locking mechanisms is what helps to determine these ratings.
The finish and characteristics of the high-impact polypropylene construction do a great job of repelling spills and dirt. Nothing sticks to the tile and therefore makes them very hard to stain. Subsequently, this also makes them very easy to clean.
Read – Our Review of TrueLock HD Extreme Garage Tiles – Are These Tiles the Best Value?
Either way, interlocking garage floor tiles will provide an abundance of protection for your garage floor for years to come. They will also make your neighbors envious, so be prepared for the comments. And don’t forget, with proper planning you can have your entire flooring project completed in less than a day.
Besides looking good, there are several other benefits as well. They are resistant to chemicals, oils, grease, hydraulic fluid, road salts, acids, and other automotive fluids. If your vehicle springs a leak or you make a mess while working on your latest project, you can just wipe it right up with a rag and some cleaner.
Most tiles are also UV resistant and will not fade in sunlight. In addition, they are mold and mildew-resistant. This is good for those who live in a wet climate or have moisture issues in the garage.
In addition, they will withstand sub-freezing temperatures and floor temperatures up to 250 degrees. Indirect or radiant floor heating is not an issue.
Floor lifts and car hoists can be bolted through the tile to the concrete below with no worries about deforming the tile. Storage racks and cabinets can sit on top of the tiles as long as they don’t have a very narrow or extremely small (less than 1 sq. inch) footprint.
Drawbacks to hard plastic garage tiles
As durable as these tiles can be, there are some drawbacks, considerations, and precautions that you need to be aware of.
Foremost of these is buckling or tenting of the tile floor when exposed to direct sunlight for a period of time. This is the one problem that gets the most attention, though occurrences are not very common. It is most conducive for solid top tiles in southward-facing garages when exposed to the sun at or near an open garage door.
The reason for this is that plastic garage tiles expand and contract with temperature. This is why manufacturers require leaving a 1/2” gap between the tile and any wall or permanent structure.
Solid top tiles exposed to direct sunlight for a period of time will absorb the heat quickly and can expand faster than the rest of the floor. If they do not have enough clearance or if they are in the sun long enough, they run out of room for expansion and will buckle up.
On the other hand, self-draining garage tiles are not nearly as susceptible to heat expansion as solid top tiles. This is due to much less surface area to absorb heat. In addition, the tops of the ribs are actually curved with most tiles of this style. As a result, only a small section of the curved rib is exposed to the most direct sunlight.
If you prefer the solid top tiles and are worried about buckling, we recommend installing a few rows of the self-draining tiles at the front of the garage.
If you weld or use cutting torches in your garage, it is recommended that you cover that part of the floor with a welding blanket to protect it. Sparks and slag from these kinds of projects can melt or permanently scar the tiles. Sharp metal objects that are dragged across the surface can gouge and scar the tiles as well.
When using floor jacks or jack stands, it’s important to take some precautions. Make sure to use jack stands with flat bottom plates. If you use stands with the “L” shaped angled legs, the high load on such a narrow surface can deform and damage the tile. It’s best to set them on a piece of plywood if that is the case.
For floor jacks, we highly recommend placing them on a section of plywood or similar material to spread the weight. This will prevent deforming the tile surface.
Though the tiles can withstand very heavy loads, the curved area of the wheel does not flex like a tire to create a flat footprint. Instead, it places an enormous amount of weight in terms of PSI on that very small curved area. Remember the Stiletto heel and elephant footprint lesson from high school physics class?
In the case that you do damage a tile or two, you can easily replace them one at a time. This is one of the great advantages of this type of garage flooring system.
Other considerations are chemical or petroleum-based fluid spills that may occur with the self-draining garage tile. If this happens, you can unsnap and pull up the section affected to clean up the spill.
Solid top tiles are not watertight and can allow fluids to pass between the joints. However, the surface tension created by many fluids (especially water) can dramatically reduce the amount of fluid that gets through the joints.
Lastly, solid top plastic garage tiles are sometimes known to create some noise while walking on them. The hollow core underside construction can capture the sound that bounces off the hard concrete underneath and causes a hollow click-clack effect.
It can be more pronounced with uneven floors. If the tile is not laying fairly flat with the concrete, it will flex under weight before contacting the concrete surface. When it does, it can make a sound. The remedy for this is to lay down inexpensive landscape fabric prior to installation to help absorb the sound.
NOTE – Plastic garage tiles made overseas are not up to the same standards as U.S.-made tiles. The thermoplastic polymers used are not as pure and may use recycled materials. Furthermore, the thickness of the tiles is less than 1/2″. A key giveaway is when the thickness is expressed in millimeters. The average thickness of tiles made overseas is typically close to 3/8”.
Such tiles will have a weaker substructure, weaker connections, and lower weight ratings. Some have been known to break at connection points when tires are turned under load. In addition, the surface of these tiles is not as resistant to some chemicals, including tire marks, due to not using 100% virgin polypropylene.
Many vendors sell interlocking garage floor tiles. Our top recommendations for high quality, pricing, and outstanding customer service are Garage Flooring LLC and SwissTrax.
Plastic Interlocking Garage Tiles – SHOP NOW
Flexible PVC garage tiles – SHOP NOW
Swisstrax Garage Tiles: Use code AGF24 to save 5% – SHOP NOW
What are Rubber PVC interlocking Garage Tiles?
The other material of choice for interlocking garage tiles is polyvinyl chloride, otherwise known as PVC. Combined with plasticizers, these tiles are a very dense and more pliable type of synthetic rubber. They are sometimes referred to as rubber garage tiles or vinyl garage tiles.
Sizes range from 12”x12” to 24”x24” and are 3/16” to 1/4” thick depending on the brand. The material and solid body construction make them heavier than the more rigid plastic tiles.
PVC tiles connect via a jigsaw-style pattern on the sides of the tile. Some manufacturers offer a locking system that hides the jigsaw pattern and creates a straight seam similar to their hard plastic cousins. The straight seam system is also known for being more watertight (not waterproof) and can be an advantage for keeping road salts and deicing fluids off of your concrete.
With few exceptions, most PVC garage tiles do not provide for air circulation under the tile. The reason is due to the very shallow grid structure on the underside. This shallow structure is required to avoid too much squirming and flexing when under load.
Unless you have serious issues with ground moisture coming up through the concrete in your garage floor, the lack of air circulation is not a concern. Little water gets past the puzzle lock connections and the tiles are highly resistant to mold or mildew.
Surface pattern options can be somewhat limited with PVC tile. Coined surfaces and the smoother levant style are the industry standard. Diamond and self-draining surface patterns are less common, but they are available.
The color selection used to be limited as well. However, in the last few years, some manufacturers have begun offering just as many color selections as their hard plastic cousins.
There are some advantages of PVC garage tiles over their rigid plastic counterparts. First, they are whisper quiet due to their rubber-like construction. They also do a great job of absorbing sound.
Another advantage is they provide a great flooring surface for garages that are used more for home gyms, play areas, and entertainment purposes. They are also a favored surface for woodworking shop floors and work areas.
Lastly, most PVC garage tile manufacturers offer an edge ramp to finish off the edges at the garage door and doorways. These ramps usually come as a long strip that is cut to fit and then glued to the edge of the tile.
How durable are vinyl PVC garage tiles?
PVC garage floor tiles are extremely durable – more so than hard plastic tiles in some cases.
Weight capacity for vinyl garage tile is usually not an issue. This is due to the very dense, rubber-like PVC material and shallow grid construction under the tile. The tile distorts very little before contacting the concrete under extreme weight.
Weight from toolboxes, floor jacks, heavy cabinets, car lifts, etc. will not damage the tile. Just like plastic garage tiles, the one exception is the thin, L-shaped metal legs that produce an extremely small contact patch.
PVC garage tiles are also resistant to many petroleum products, chemicals, salts, and acids. Though they can be very stain resistant, the surface does not have the glass-like surface feature of many hard plastic tiles. As a result, some petroleum chemicals, dirt, and road tar can impart a stain if allowed to sit.
It is not uncommon to see PVC tiles installed as industrial flooring for warehouses and firehouses. The thicker versions are known for performing well with forklifts, fire trucks, heavy equipment, and in high-traffic areas.
Drawbacks to Flexible PVC garage tiles
Price can be the first consideration. Entry-level PVC vinyl garage tiles can cost approximately 35% more per square foot than entry-level plastic polypropylene tiles. The price is close to the same as many premium hard plastic garage tile options.
The one big drawback to PVC garage tiles that can be a deal breaker for some people is stains from car tires.
The various polymers and anti-oxidants that leach from the tires onto the tile surface cause a chemical reaction with the material. After some time, the tires leave a dark brown to yellow tinted tire mark on the surface that will not come out – even with the best of cleaning.
Black and dark gray are the best colors to use where cars may be parked. The tiles can still stain, but it’s more difficult to notice with the darker colors.
It is also recommended not to let liquids that can stain or clay-based mud sit for long periods. It is best to clean them up as soon as possible. The surface of some PVC tiles has a texture that tends to hold onto the offending liquid substance and requires some scrubbing to get out if left to sit.
One answer to the staining issues with tires and rubber products is to apply an acrylic coating over the tiles. Most vendors will have a product they sell or recommend. Not only will it protect the tiles from car tire stains, but it will also give them a glossy finish.
Lastly, dragging sharp metal objects, welding, and heavy loads from extremely small surface areas can damage the tile.
How to install interlocking garage tiles
One big advantage of interlocking garage floor tiles over some flooring options is the free-floating design. This means that the tiles sit on top of the floor with nothing to affix them to. As a result, there is very little floor preparation required for installation other than possible cleaning of the garage floor.
Mildly pitted concrete, surface cracks, and other imperfections in the floor do not need to be repaired unless it is a structural issue that needs attention.
The only tools necessary are a tape measure and a proper cutting tool such as a saw or utility knife. A rubber mallet comes in handy for snapping in the tiles but is not required.
Read – Garage Floor Prep Tips for Interlocking Tiles
For cutting the hard plastic garage tiles, a circular saw, jig saw, or table saw with a fine-tooth blade works well. One tip we suggest is to cut the tiles with the underside facing up. This creates a cleaner edge on the surface in most cases. Regardless, a file will clean up the edges nicely.
For the PVC garage tiles, you can use the same type of saw as the plastic tiles or you can use a sharp utility knife.
All of the manufacturers provide easy installation instructions. Typically, the first row of tiles is assembled at the garage door entrance. A second attached row will go up one side of a wall to form an “L” shape. You then build your particular floor pattern out from there. You can save tiles that need to be cut or trimmed for last. This method allows for the least amount of trimming.
If you are installing plastic garage tiles and have a side door to the garage, sometimes it’s best to plan the layout with that door in mind. You want to be able to use the snap-in edge ramps for that entrance in most cases.
Remember, manufacturers require a minimum 1/2″ gap between the tile, walls, and permanent structures to allow for the expansion of the entire floor system.
Final thoughts
Still wondering which tile may be best for you?
If you are someone who frequently works on cars or other projects in your garage, then the hard plastic interlocking garage tiles may be best for you. They provide the greatest options and specific functions over PVC rubber garage tiles.
In addition, they are the easiest to keep clean, they rarely incur tire stains, and they are highly resistant to stains from automotive fluids and other chemicals.
If you are using your garage more for recreational activities, woodworking, a home gym, or light vehicle maintenance, then PVC garage tiles can have some nice advantages over rigid plastic tiles.
Lastly, don’t worry too much about damaging a tile or two. One of the greatest benefits is the ability to replace a tile anytime you need to with very little effort. It’s the easiest of all garage floor options to repair.
Preston Hartmann says
I am somewhat dismayed that your review does not mention the problems I had with PVC flooring from Race Deck. After installation, and leaving the recommended 1/4″ on the sides, the floor shifted when driving onto it, and the floor warped (bulged upward) from engine heat. To Race Deck’s credit, they sent a rep representative to my home who spent a lot of time on the problems and had many conversations on the phone with Race Deck engineers. They tried anchors to stop the sliding, but could never correct the warping problem. In the end, the told me to return the flooring at their expense, and they refunded my money. I still have not found a flooring that will work, but would welcome your suggestion.
Thank you,
Pres
Shea says
Hi Preston. I think the reason you didn’t read about the problem you encountered with tile expansion from engine heat is because it is extremely rare. We have only ever heard of one other case like that and it was with a lowered sports car with a big block V8. Do you have a similar type of car? The problem with tile shifting can happen on occasion but that is usually easily remedied. It sounds like RaceDeck lived up to their reputation of taking care of their customers however when they refunded your money.
It sounds to us like you may be better served with a quality epoxy coating or even a porcelain tiled floor if you still like the idea of tile.
Bob says
I have had a consistent problem with the Racedeck flooring. Whenever the sun hits it, an area of about 2′ x 4′ bulges upward about 3″ tall. There is an expansion area around the perimeter which does nothing to alleviate the problem. The room measures 26′ x 32′. Any suggestions? I’ve contacted Snaplock about the problem without any resolution.
Shea says
Hello Bob, we are guessing that you are using the solid top tiles and not the Free-Flow design. Is this area at the opening of the garage door? Do you have a south or southwestern facing garage? How much of the sun is hitting the tile? Also, how much of a gap did leave for the perimeters?
Carmelo says
I need to know where I can buy interlocking tiles from and D.I.Y brochures ?
Shea says
Hi Carmelo. Most garage floor interlocking tiles are purchased online, not in stores. Just do a google search and you will find many. Most of the sites do a good job of detailing the benefits of their tiles and how they work. Some even have fun-to-use online floor design tools that allow you to pick and choose the color of tiles you want and see what they look like on the floor dimensions you input.
Rick Haass says
Is TrueLock the best PVS tile on the market for a consumer garage? Does the acrylic sealer need to be reapplied regularly?
Any other manufactures that you recommend looking at, besides TrueLock?
Shea says
Hello Rick. TrueLock is probably one of the best values in PVC garage tiles today. It’s a premium quality product at a good price. Norsk would be another consideration as well. One the finest available would be Tuff Seal garage floor tiles, but they are considerably more expensive. They do offer a nice clean line edge however (similar to the polypropylene tiles) without the puzzle look. Plus, they create a good water tight seal as well.
The acrylic sealer will need to be reapplied from time to time, but it depends on how much abuse your floor gets. If you are just parking your cars in the garage, then it’s not required very often. We recommend giving Justin Krauss from Garage Flooring LLC a call if you have more questions. He actually sells quite a bit of these tiles and at a very good price. You can find the tiles here. He also has quite a bit of experience with the acrylic sealer as well. He uses it on his own PVC garage floor mats at home.
Joe says
Thanks for the article very informative. i am intrested in the drainage tiles. Trapping moister in with a solid tile would concern me. Although i do alot of woodworking in my garage would sawdust and mud from boots clog up the drainage holes ? Has anyone experinced this? Also would this drainage channel below the surface of the tile become a home for every moister seeking incect known to mankind?
Shea says
Hi Joe. The polypropylene tiles are ventilated on the underside to promote air flow. This allows for the concrete to air dry and not retain moisture. The drainage tiles even more so as they are obviously ventilated on the top as well. As far as saw dust goes, a good shop vac will suck it right up through the tile. The drainage or free flowing style tile is actually a great tile for sawdust because it allows much of the saw dust to fall through and not create a slip hazard.
Jim says
I live in Minnesota where we have a lot of ice and road salt falling off of the cars in the winter. How will these tiles hold up and any suggestions as to which ones are the best? I also have to consider how slippery they are.
Shea says
Hello Jim. We suggest you read this article here about choosing interlocking tiles for winter climates. It should answer most of your questions.
Tommy Fryman says
Considering these tiles to cover an aluminum deck on my pontoon boat. Any thoughts?
Shea says
If you do Tommy, it’s important that it is anchored down so that it does not move. Since these tiles can expand in direct sun, the free-flow style is best since it expands very little in direct sun.
Frank says
Hi Shea,
Can you offer an opinion on Supratile 4.5mm PVC tiles (20″x20″) for an attached 24 x 25 ft garage. Primary use is daily drivers with one car moved infrequently an the other in and out daily. Located in NJ so we do get a good deal of slush, salt, sand, etc caught up in the wheel wells during winter storms.
Thanks in advance.
Shea says
Hello Frank. Supratile is considered one of the top premium interlocking PVC floor tiles available and works very well in most garage environments. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that though the interlocking seams provide a tight seal, they are not water proof. Heavy snow melt and deicing fluids can work their way onto the concrete below if allowed to sit. You may want to treat the concrete to an easy to apply penetrating sealer before you install the tiles. Another consideration is that some PVC tiles can develop tire stains that are extremely hard to remove. This may be a concern with the car that will sit for long periods of time. It may not be an issue with Supratile, but we recommend contacting them to ask about it.
Frank says
Thank you for responding Shea. I will take your advice and seal before installation.
I just learned they also have 6.5mm tiles available but only in texture or coin, whereas 4.5mm is available in diamond. The difference in price is very small for the thicker product.
Any opinion on the style..,diamond, texture, or coin.
thanks again, your a great help
Shea says
You are welcome Frank. In terms of pattern styles, it’s really just a matter of cosmetics and does not provide much of an advantage either way.
Neil says
Hi Frank,
Curious to know if you have the tiles installed. I’m form NJ too and looking to get the free flow ones from RaceDeck.
If you have these installed, how are they holding up?
Neil
Brad says
I’m curious if anyone has had any experience with the manufacturer “armorgarage”?
I found them in a search for stout tiles with a solid surface and hidden joints. They make solid PVC tiles, which sounds better than hollow plastic to me. The one thing bugging me is that I can’t find reviews on them anywhere except their site and the BBB.
Their thickest tile goes for around $5.7 sq.ft.
Forgot to mention too that they offer a lifetime guarantee on their tiles.
brad says
Nevermind it. I just found out that Armorpoxy, Armorgarage, and some other companies all operate from the same distribution center in NJ. So it seems that Armorpoxy is the mfr and many others are reselling their product.
Phil says
Can these tiles be layed partially in a garage. I just want to cover an area big enough for my car to park on?
Will they move?
Shea says
Yes they can Phil. It’s not uncommon at all to make a parking pad out of interlocking tile and attach the ramp edges all around the perimeter. Unless you have a real slick floor, they do a good job of staying put.
Andrea Hopkins says
I have a new construction 2 story building/ADU where the garage is underneath a living quarters. We are in Oregon so we deal with rain but not a ton of snow nor freezing temps., nor do we have extreme heat. I would like to know what type of product you would recommend for the concrete. We have done nothing with it since it was poured, it does have paint on it or spray from the walls for the orange peel finish but that is it. No cars have been in and so there are no stains or cracks or anything. I don’t know if I should just seal it, use an epoxy or have floating tiles or sheets? I just don’t know what to do about it and want what will be the best for an area that is more storage than anything else.
Shea says
Hello Andrea. If the area is more storage than anything else, sealing it would be the least expensive and most logical option. Epoxy seals as well, but it’s also a decorative option. It doesn’t sound like that is what you are looking for. Interlocking tiles do not seal the concrete, but they will provide an easy to clean surface that is decorative in nature as well. You would need to remove any paint that is on the surface though in order to seal it properly. Take a look at siliconate sealers. It just might be what you are looking for.
Bill says
We are buying a home in Los Angeles with a finished 2 car garage that functions as a family room. The garage is insulated, hvac equipped and has a tile floor. I intend to use this space as a work shop for auto and home projects. However we want to preserve the finished surfaces so the space can be used as a family room or whatever in the future. I’ve begun researching options for covering/protecting the floor but I wonder if the tile floor presents some considerations that a concrete floor does not. Keeping it clean and unstained is a requirement. I’ve been assured by the home owner/contractor that the tile floor can be driven on.
Shea says
What type of tile is it Bill? If it’s porcelain then you are good to go. Take a look here at the benefits of a tiled garage floor.
James Du Pre says
How do Gladiator interlocking tiles compare to Racedeck and some of the others that you have discussed as premium brands? Gladiator is what I see sold most often in the brick and mortar stores as well as online. I was about to purchase their tiles but wanted to research about them first, but I’ve not read anything about them, so far, on this site.
Shea says
Gladiator interlocking tiles would qualify as a premium brand tile James. However, they typically tend to be more expensive than other premium brands and in our opinion are not worth the additional expense, unless you can find them for a good deal. We are not sure who actually manufactures their tiles, but the interlocking tabs look suspiciously like a product of SnapLock Industries. They are the same company that manufacture RaceDeck interlocking tiles as well as tiles for other major brand companies.
Abhishek says
Hi,
I have a hose in my garage and wash my car inside most of the time. I want to buy the plastic interlocking tiles but am concerned if the water seaping through the tiles to the floor would cause any damage to the floor or mold etc.? Also, is it recommended to lift these tiles up and clean the floor underneath for maintenance once in a while?
Shea says
Detailers and home owners use the self-draining tiles for that all the time Abhishek. Most interlocking tiles are designed with channels under the tile that allow for air movement. This prevents mold and mildew from forming and lets the concrete underneath dry.
Ruthie says
Hi,
My husband and I are thinking of doing something of this nature to our garage floor. Like the idea and ease of installation. We sometimes entertain in our garage when we have a large number of people. My question is will sitting up folding tables and chairs be an issue if using the ribbed flow type flooring? Are the holes big enough that a leg to the folding chair could fit through? Also, can you mix the two (solid top and ribbed flow) in your pattern? Thanks for your response to these questions.
Shea says
Hello Ruthie. The self-draining, ribbed style interlocking tiles will work great for entertaining in your garage. In fact, that exact style is popular for businesses to use at trade shows. Displays, folding chairs, card tables and variety of items can be set up on these tiles. High heels are not an issue either. Most brands do allow mixing the solid top and self-draining tiles together to fit your needs.
Tina Curran says
I’m looking into this product for the basement area of my townhouse )that connects to the garage) and found this article very helpful. As I plan to install it myself, my concern is cutting the tiles to fit. Should I consider renting a tile cutter from a hardware store? If so, what kind of tile cutter would you recommend?
Shea says
Great question Tina. An actual tile cutter is for porcelain, ceramic, and stone tiles. What you need is either a circular saw, jigsaw, or table saw. Just make sure to use a fine tooth blade. A jigsaw, such as these here, are not very expensive and real easy to use.
Randy Simpson says
I am in th process of redesigning my 2 car garage which has been used as a woodworking shop for 20 years with assorted and ugly storage and benches. The floor is cracked due to poor prep before the floor was poured. The concrete is settling to the sides and causing cracks. This type of tile seems to be the answer. My concern is the tools I have are very heavy with cast iron table and bench tops. I have wheels on the bottom of the tools. But I am concerned that they may sink into these tiles and be very hard to roll from a position they may have been sitting for sometimes months. I am partial to the PVC but after reading now, I am thinking the polyvinyl. Your thoughts? I do not like the zig zag edges though.
Shea says
The quality polypropylene (hard plastic) tiles will take a lot of weight, Randy, providing that the wheels of your tool carts and benches are not real small. People place large metal cabinets and heavy rolling tool boxes on these type of floors all the time. We’ve seen cars rolled around on casters and engines pulled with hoists. It’s all just a matter of square inches. Where PVC tile does not do well is with heavy objects that create a sharp or very narrow footprint. Angle iron legs are an example. You can install polyvinyl tile without the zipper edges, but they are the more expensive premium versions of that type of tile.
Scott says
Hello
I’m interested in doing just 2 strips of tile where the car tires lay and not my whole garage. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Scott
Shea says
Hello Scott. Two strips for just your tires will not work. Interlocking garage floor tiles are a floating floor system and designed to run from wall to wall. Your car will cause the strips to move after you drive up and off of them a few times since there will be very little weight to the strips. You can build a full size car mat with the tiles and it will stay in place much better.
Mark says
Hey Shea:
We are in the process of selecting garage floor tiles – and are leaning towards the PVC products, so we have a question: How long can you let a car sit (not moving) on a PVC tile floor (like tuff-seal, ie) without causing dents? If the car sits on the tiles for 3-4 months without moving, will it cause problems/dents/divots? If so – is there anything we can do to prevent this? Any help will be useful! Thank you!
Shea says
Hello Mark. To be honest, we have never heard of cars leaving dents in PVC tiles – even after sitting for long periods of time. We know of fire stations that use PVC tile and do not encounter that. Granted, the trucks are always moving, but they are much more heavy (35,000lbs on average).
The biggest concern you should have is preventing tire staining. Modern tires leach plasticizers that can create dark brown to black tire prints. As nice as PVC tiles are, they do not resist tire stains very well when a car is parked in the same spot repeatedly or sits in the same spot for long periods. It’s best to use black or dark grey tiles where the tires sit. Our recommendation would be to place small pieces of cardboard or plywood where the tires will sit in order to prevent staining.
Tony says
Good morning. I have a sloped attached garage. Could I use these tiles over the concrete while still maintaining the legality and purpose of a slope for the drainage of appliances like the gas boiler, hot water tank, washer, and dryer. Considering the water flows through this type of tile system, would this also enable us to throw some plywood over the tiles and use it to create a floating floor to convert garage space to living space.
Thx for your time.
Shea says
Hello Tony. As long as the floor does not have extreme slope changes, it works just fine for sloping garage floors. Many people like to use the self-draining tiles in garages that are equipped with drains. These type of garage floors have natural slopes that direct water to the drain.
The tile was not designed to used as an underlayment for a floating floor, though it might work just fine for that. The question though would be if it passes local codes for a garage that would be converted to a living space.
Dave says
I like the look of the tiles that have the wood Look to Him. Would I be able to put these on my outside deck that is 16 ft by 30 ft long. Yes it does get direct sunlight.
Shea says
Hello Dave. Vinyl generally is U.V. stable, but there are exceptions. SwissTrax was the first to come out with the vinyl inlay interlocking tiles and they also have the largest selection of wood grain types to choose from. They are listed in their patio and pool flooring section which you can find here. We suggest giving them a call to verify. You will also want to ask about expansion in direct sunlight.
ed bickham says
Can these tiles be used in an attached carport to my house? It is covered and actually part of my house in Louisiana?
Shea says
Hi Ed. Yes, as a matter of fact many of these tiles can be used for such a purpose. We suggest contacting the vendor for any of the tiles you may be interested in and discuss it with them.
Donna says
Hello,
Is it better to get 100% virgin PVC tiles as opposed to recycled PVC? Also Armor Garage has a tile that has anti-stain additive injected into the manufacturing process, would that be something worth considering?
Shea says
Hi Donna. The 100% virgin PVC tiles are always going to be the better quality tiles. Colors are more consistent as is the density and physical properties of the tile. As far as the anti-stain additive goes, we have never heard of a PVC tile that cannot stain. The additive may help resist certain types of stains. However, of all the nice benefits of using PVC, one of the main drawbacks is that tires will stain at some point. Armor Garage even takes the time to point this out, particularly with certain types of tires. This is why dark charcoal or black is a good choice where car tires may sit.
Ginny says
This is a great article. My husband is installing the diamond style hard plastic 12 x 12 tiles . There is some tenting in various areas even though the tiles are fitting smooth together. what is the problem and solution?
Shea says
Hello Ginny. Tenting can be due to a number or reasons. The most common is from not leaving a minimum gap of 1/2″ between the tile and wall or any other immovable objects. Interlocking tiles will expand when they get warm or encounter direct sunlight. If the minimum gap is not there, then the tiles will tent from not having enough room to expand. Occasionally tenting can happen even if the minimum gap was followed. The way to fix that is on a warm day when the tiles are experiencing tenting. Remove any heavy items on the floor that will allow it to expand and the tiles to relax. Once they do that, bring the heavy items back into the garage. This will allow large sections of the tile to stay expanded so that it will not tent when it gets warm again.
allan McDonald says
Can I install GarageTrac in an enclosed trailer floor? I plan to install e-track on top of the tiles.
Shea says
Hello Allan. Yes, you can install interlocking tiles in a trailer. Since they are a free floating floor system, most people secure them to the floor near the entrance. In your case, the E-Track would be securing the tile system to the trailer floor. You will just need to make sure your hardware accounts for the additional 1/2″ thick tile that it needs to pass through to the floor.