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.
Brian Smith says
I’m very interested in installing some pvc tiles in my 2car garage, my concern is I live in Houston Texans where humidity can be crippling, the garage stays dry inside since it’s all insulated, except when the door is open it can very quickly have condensation form on the cooler slab causing a slippery moist surface.
My question would be, would this moisture forming under the pvc tiles cause an issue? I would hate to have an odor or mold form. I’ve read about installing landscaping fabric under the tiles, I just don’t see how that helps eliminate the moisture.
Shea says
Hello Brian. It’s natural to assume mold might be an issue. I believe it’s a myth that is perpetuated by floor coating vendors who try and state the disadvantages of interlocking tiles over floor coatings. We’ve spoke with many floor vendors in the past who have been selling American made PVC tile for years. They have yet to experience a customer who has developed mold under the tiles. We haven’t had anyone report mold under their tiles in the 7 years that we’ve had our website up either. Mold does not like to grow on virgin PVC to begin with. Even manufacturers of the flat PVC mats rarely encounter mold. Remember, in order to get condensation on the concrete under the tiles, you would need to get all the air that is currently under the tiles to transfer out and be replaced by the warmer moist air. Though these tiles are designed to transfer air to keep them dry underneath, it would still take a while for that to happen. These type of tiles are a also a popular choice for basements. The reason is because basements can have moisture issues and the underside construction of the tiles allow them to breathe and moisture vapor escape. Landscape fabric is only used as a noise insulator for those who worry about the hollow sound that hard plastic polypropylene tiles can sometimes make when walking on them. It’s used because it dries quickly and will not develop mold.
Barbie James says
Can these tiles be placed directly onto a dirt floor?
Shea says
Hello Barbie. No, these tiles cannot be placed on dirt. They are designed to be supported by a hard surface that does not move. If placed on dirt, the weight of vehicles and foot traffic would cause the tiles to sink into the surface.
Doug says
Very informative article.
I use a two car garage as a woodworking workshop. I have some heavy equipment (table saw, jointer etc) but will not be rolling them around too much. I like the idea of the comfort and quietness of the PVC. My question is how resistant are they to stains? especially paint. I put drop cloths down but it is inevitable that some will go beyond. It seems like I might be able to just chip/scrape off the paint from the hard plastic tiles. How well does dried paint come off the PVC tiles? Thanks
Shea says
Hello Dough. PVC is actually quite resistant to paint as long as it is not allowed to sit for a long period. PVC is a non porous surface and does not accept paint well to begin with. If it does not wipe up easily, just use some mineral spirits and it should clean right up. The mineral spirits will have no affect on the tile or coloring since PVC is very resistant to many chemicals. The one product that does have some effect on PVC is car tires. Car tires can leach plasticizers that can be difficult to remove on PVC. That is why dark gray and black is popular where car tires sit.
doug says
thanks, you responses and website have been very helpful.
One last question.
You showed a picture of the hard plastic tiles buckling at the edge of the garage where they may be exposed to sunlight with the door left open. Is this a problems as well with the pvc tiles?
thanks
Shea says
Buckling of interlocking tiles is not a common issue, but it can happen. The hard plastic polypropylene tiles are more susceptible to it because they are so rigid. Once they butt up against each other from expansion, particularly if they were not installed with the proper spacing from walls, there is no room to go but up. It’s even less common for the PVC tiles, but it can happen. The reason it’s less common is because of the flexibility of PVC. PVC tiles will absorb some of the expansion once they get tight up against each other. If for some reason it became a problem, the first leading rows exposed can always be glued down, but that is rarely necessary.
One key to installation is to do it on a warm day when the tiles have already experienced some expansion. Some will even set them in the sun for a short while. Once the tile is installed in its expanded state at the appropriate distance from walls and immovable objects, it is hard for it to expand even more to cause buckling. You can then move in heavy objects that help to load the floor and keep some of it in the expanded state.
Stanley Rubin says
This is the most informative and even-handed article I have read on the subject. Many thanks. In response to Doug’s question, you suggested that buckling of a PVC tile, although unusual, might be handled by glueing down the first row. Assuming the tiles were floated on a concrete floor, what type of glue could be used?
Shea says
Hi Stanley. Loctite PL Premium Construction Adhesive is a good glue for that.
Linda Coker says
If one needs to be replaced in middle of floor, what is best way to do this?
Shea says
Hi Linda. It’s a great question and easier than you may think. This demonstration by RaceDeck shows how it is done.
Larry R Larson says
I have a breezeway for two cars that has a worn out epoxy job on a concrete floor. I would like to put down pvc tiles. There is a roof over it. However being a breezeway there are walls only on the two sides. The front and rear are open to drive thru. Is doing this feasable. There would be some moisture on the open ends during rain and a small amount of direct sun. Thank you
Shea says
Hi Larry. Most PVC (flexible) interlocking garage floor tiles are U.V. stable, plus they have channels underneath to allow for air circulation so water and moisture can evaporate or drain away. However, the bigger issue is possible floor creep. Since there are only walls on the sides, the flooring may slowly creep (despite the heavy weight of PVC) from starting and stopping vehicles on it. You would most likely need to anchor some tiles on both ends to prevent it. Additionally, we recommend using black tiles where the car tires sit. PVC tiles tend to stain from some car tires and the black shows tire staining the least.
Ray says
My hard plastic interlocking tiles are buckling after two days use. It appears the car tyres are ripping them up. They were installed professionally. I do have to steer my car in the garage and it appears to lift the tiles. Anyone had this problem?
Shea says
Hello Ray. What brand of interlocking tiles are they exactly? Car tires should not be pulling them apart from turning the tires. The only tiles we have ever seen this happen with are inferior knock off tiles made overseas.
Chris says
Hi and thanks for a great article. Just purchased some plastic interlocking tile and will put it down in the garage. Is this something I can paint? The floor was used as a hybrid outdoor court and still has some lines on it. Thanks again!
Shea says
Hello Chris. We do not recommend painting the tiles. It would require sanding prep and it would not provide the same wear and chemical resistance as the original surface. There are quite a few colors that are available today. I would suggest purchasing from a manufacturer or vendor that offers the color/s that you want.
Laurie Bunh says
Looking for the right fit. I would like some sample be for I make an investment.
Shea says
Hello Laurie. You need to contact a vendor of the particular type of tile you are interested in. All Garage Floors does not sell product. We are an informational website only.
Ron says
We have RaceDeck interlocking tiles and when we back cars into garage there is significant movement and buckling of the tiles – something is not right. Thoughts?
Shea says
Hello Ron. We need a bit more information that what you are providing. Has the concrete surface that the tiles are sitting on been treated to a coating? Is the driveway sloped to the garage floor? Are there any heavy items sitting on the tile? Where does it buckle?
Ron says
No treatment that I know of. We just purchased the home. Nothing sitting on floor at all. It begins buckling at the front as we back in and then just goes keeps doing so as we back further
Shea says
Hi Ron. Something is not right. RaceDeck interlocking tiles should not be doing that. We highly recommend that you contact RaceDeck customer service and explain the situation. Pics help as well. Their customer service is excellent and they will find a solution for you.
MIke Gatt says
HI there. I have an epoxy finished garage floor. Any issues with putting down the PVC flooring in the parking area for 3 cars on the epoxy? The PVC flooring would be “free floating” – not advanced to all the walls. Would that be an issue?
Shea says
Hi Mike. No, you will not have any issues at all with doing that.
Brett says
Hello, I have a drain in the middle of my garage as I assume many do. There is a very slight slope to the concrete for water drainage. Have you heard of any problems with tile not laying flat or having a gap near the drain that could “tap tap” the concrete each time you walk over it?
Thanks
Shea says
Hello Brett. Slight slopes usually are not a problem, however, there is not guarantee that it won’t make a hollow tapping noise when you walk over it. If you are using the self-draining free-flow style of tile, then those rarely make any noise at all.
Juan Alvarez says
Hi,
I’m planning to install PVC interlocking tiles on my garage. I live in Canada and during winters there is a lot of snow melting from the car. Will the water filter through the gaps in between tiles? There are spots in my garage where water could sit, so I’m afraid of tiles not being completely sealed.
Shea says
Hi Juan. Unlike the hard plastic polypropylene tiles, PVC tiles have a very tight fit that severely resists water from getting through. They are not water proof, but they do an excellent job of limiting any water getting through the joints.
Joe Secrest says
Can pvc flooring be used over cracked and uneven garage floors that have been epoxied?
Shea says
Hi Joe. PVC tiles will tend to conform to the concrete to some degree. As long as you don’t have a large crack where one side is higher than the other, then PVC flooring can be used.
Jennifer says
Hello,
Can the pvc tiles be installed on top of plywood in a basement storage room? What type of underlay should be used (if any)? Thank you
Shea says
Yes they can, Jennifer. You don’t need an underlay.
Michael Kane says
I live in upstate New York. We have a problem with road salt. What is the best type of tile to use.
Shea says
Hi Michael. We would first recommend treating the concrete to a densifier with siliconate sealer added first. PS104 is a product we highly recommend. It’s a relatively inexpensive and easy procedure that will help to protect the concrete from further damage. For interlocking tiles, we would recommend going with a solid top style from one of the premium brands such as RaceDeck, SwissTrax, or TrueLock. The solid top design will prevent the majority of liquids from getting through to the concrete.
Melany says
I have a 15x 20 room in an older shop, that I plan on using these tiles in. However, when they poured the cement it’s not completely level and has some slight waves to it, will I need to lay self leveler throughout the room before laying the tiles?
Shea says
Hi Melany. Typically it is not required. The tiles do a fairly good job of bridging gaps or following them if the seams line up. Just snap together a 6’x6′ square and test it before you do the actual install.
Melany says
Ok, already purchased 12”x12” squares think they will be ok instead of 6”x6”?
Shea says
I think you may have misunderstood, Melany. Snap together a 6 foot x 6 foot square section to lay on the floor where it is wavy. This will give you a better idea about how the floor will perform over these sections before you install it.
Muhammad Kashif says
I use my attached garage as a home office with a vent free heater for the winters (don’t park my car). I work on sit to stand desk with my computer all day. What would you recommend for garage tiles – hard plastic vs pvc ?
Shea says
Hi Muhammad. Both types of flooring will have anti-fatigue properties. However, PVC tiles would be the better performing of the two in that regards.
Boyd says
I have an extension to a question on PVC. I live in Dallas Texas. I have 1200 sq ft of garage. 6.5mm PVC tiles on that floor would weigh, give or take, 2,200 lbs. I already gather I should lay them when the temperature is warm, not cool or cold. I face south so have substantial sun exposure on about 1 to 3 ft.
My question concerns buckling. It does not seem to me that a ton of floor will be moving much with temperature swings.
So the question is, how concerned should I be about buckling on a 1200 foot floor?
Shea says
Hi Boyd. The only area you should have a concern with about the buckling would be the small strip that is exposed to the sun. If the door is left open long enough with the sun shining directly on the tiles, then it’s possible to get buckling where the sun is hitting it, but not throughout the floor. If it’s just a small area like that, many times the manufacturer will recommend that you glue down the front two rows of tiles to prevent it from happening.
John says
Hi,
We live in the Northeast (summer outdoor air max ~100F; winter min ~-5F). Our house as two floors that I would like to upgrade. One is a sheetrocked storage room in the attic above our house which is accessed from the unheated garage. It is unheated, unairconconditioned, no windows, gets considerably hotter than outdoor temps in the summer (maybe 150F) and currently has a plywood subfloor. The other is a storage alcove (built over the basement), which is also accessible from the garage. It sits about two feet above the garage floor and also has a plywood subfloor. Are garage floor tiles suitable for either of these areas? Is one type more suitable than the other? I am interested in knowing which type would be better able to withstand these temp extremes (both hot and cold) as well as which type would be best at not trapping moisture coming up from the house/basement and potentially causing the subfloor to delaminate and/or mold to grow?
Thanks
Shea says
Hello John. The hard plastic polypropylene tiles will not trap any moisture at all. The have channels under the tiles that allows air to circulate. These are a common choice for basements where moisture vapor is an issue. The cold temps are not a problem. Just make sure to provide a minimum 1/2″ gap between the tiles and wall edge or any other immovable object. This will allow for expansion when the weather warms up.
Mark says
Aloha Shea,
We are trying to decide on the optimal tile for our ~600 Sq Ft bare concrete garage & woodshop floor here in Honolulu, HI.
Based on your excellent article, PVC seems the better choice for us (see “Our Details” below). That said, we are not big fans of the exposed jigsaw puzzle joint look often associated with PVC. Thankfully, your article includes two photos of straight-seamed PVC tiles (one image shows a rubber hammer on a black levant-look tile, and the other shows black & white checkerboard tile with a stone-look finish and tire stains on the white squares). Please advise:
– Who manufacturers those two types of tiles?
– Would you consider them “premium” manufacturers?
– Are the edge connections as strong as the exposed jigsaw type?
– Which of these 2 tile surfaces (levant vs stone) offers better traction?
Our Details: Our 18′ wide aluminum and frosted-glass garage door faces south. In the winter, the floor gets almost exactly 4′ of sun. We don’t have any inherent moisture issues, so the floor only gets wet when we bring in a car from the rain. We are looking at a one-color (probably dark gray or black) solid top tile. The stone-look in your black and white tire-stained picture is our favorite so far.
Shea says
Aloha Mark. The tile in the image with the rubber mallet is Tuff Seal. It’s commercial quality, premium tile that performs very well. Tiles like these are more expensive compared to the standard puzzle lock type. Some in the industry state that the connections are stronger as well. You can find an example of them here from Garage Flooring LLC. SupraTile by ArmorPoxy is another example. They come in varying thicknesses and are commonly installed in fire stations. Buckling from sun exposure is not as big of an issue with PVC tiles since they are very heavy and can also absorb some expansion due to their flexibility. The hard plastic polypropylene tiles are much lighter and rigid so they have a tendency to buckle much easier. Most vendors sell an optional glue that can be used on edges and the first couple feet of tile if they think it might be an issue. Just talk to them about your project and they can advise. In terms of grip, they are all going to perform about the same (good grip) due to the rubber like texture.
john says
Hi Shea,
I came across some PVC tiles that have channels under them similar to polypropylene tiles. Husky (part # HDTRP6BK) and Norsk (part # NSMPRD6MP) are the brands. I like the fact that they are thinner and quieter than polypropylene. Are they as suitable as the hard plastic type for use over plywood subfloors, given my humidity and temperature concerns?
Shea says
Yes, those will work, John. Though PVC tiles are thinner than polypropylene, they are also much heavier. Just be sure to honor the 1/2 gap around all edges and they will work well.
John says
Thanks for your advice. I appreciate it.
Marvin says
I have a 20×20 carage I live greer sc some snow & salt . What is the best tile to use. Do i need some expansion tiles .
Shea says
Hello Marvin. As long as you are buying U.S. made interlocking tiles, they will all perform well. We have an article here that discusses how to choose the best tiles for winter use. It discusses the pros and cons of each.
Rowan says
Hi, can you lay these interlocking tiles on a block paving garage floor?
Shea says
Hi Rowan. Yes, you can as long as the pavers are relatively level with each other.
karyn says
I need to store my motorcycle in an outdoor garage, will these tiles insulate the floor any and are they meant to have motorcycle on them. Are they slippery?
Shea says
Hi Karyn. We are assuming that this garage is enclosed outside. If so, then interlocking garage floor tiles will work great. The surface of the tiles typically adopt what ever the air temperature is at that time. This is because the underside construction of the tiles create an air gap between the cold concrete and the tile surface. Most tiles will withstand a rolling weight of 40,000 lbs. and many up to 80,000 lbs., so a motorcycle will work fine. If it’s a heavy bike with a very small foot pad for the kick stand, then we recommend placing a kickstand puck or something similar under the foot. No, they are not slippery.