One of the more unique and retro looks for a garage is installing a vinyl composite tiled garage floor. This popular DIY installation is the same commercial grade tile that you have seen in grocery stores, schools, shopping malls, and businesses. It can be installed in your garage and for a price that may surprise you. Waxed and buffed, this garage tile option will give you a showroom shine that your neighbors will envy.
*** Update ***
We originally posted this article 6 years ago. Due to the continued popularity of VCT and people still asking if vinyl composite tile can be used in a garage, we have taken the time to update this article with the latest information.
Benefits of VCT garage floors
Vinyl composite tiles, otherwise known as VCT, are 12” square tiles created with vinyl colored chips combined with a filler of limestone that are heated and pressed into sheets. Glued to your floor, they are extremely durable, resilient to chips and impact, and fairly easy to keep clean.
Once the tiles are sealed and waxed properly, VCT will resist most automobile chemicals and other liquids that would otherwise stain a bare concrete floor. You need to be aware, however, that gasoline and strong solvents can soften or dull the wax fairly quickly if not wiped up right away.
In the event that a tile is stained, they can be lightly sanded to bring back the color. If damaged, they can easily be replaced and a new coat of wax applied.
Because the tiles are coated with multiple layers of wax after installation, they also do a good job of protecting the garage floor against road salts and deicing fluids if you live in a cold climate. Additionally, the glossy finish provides for a brighter garage due to the overhead lights reflecting off the surface.
VCT being installed in a workshop
The most common choice is the black and white checkered motif, but you can design your floor with a variety of color options to choose from. Mixed colors of greys, reds, and blues are popular as well.
One of the most attractive benefits of VCT for a garage floor is price. Starting out as little as .80 cents a square foot if you shop around, a vinyl composite floor can be one of the sharpest looking and more economical garage flooring options that you can install in your garage today.
Installing VCT tiles for the garage
Installation is somewhat labor intensive, but it can still be done in a long weekend (or longer if you like). Armstrong Flooring has good instructions for tile installation and layout as well.
This is a good overview of how VCT is installed in a garage
You need to start by thoroughly cleaning your floor with a good concrete floor cleaning solution. Make sure all oil stains are thoroughly cleaned or they will interfere with the adhesion of the glue.
Next, repair any larger cracks or small holes in the concrete with a good crack filling compound and fill your contraction joints with a polymer cement repair mix or crack filler. If you have any areas of large pitting you may have to use a premixed polymer based concrete topping or repair mix to fill in the pitted areas.
The reason for making these repairs and filling your contraction joints is that you can’t have any gaps or holes underneath the tile. If you do, it will cause the tile to crack or pull away from the seams of adjacent tiles as they try to fill the depression under pressure of foot or vehicle traffic.
If any of the floor’s contraction joints have small trowel ridges built up or if the troweled edge has curled up slightly from when it cured, you will need to grind these smooth. If not, it will telegraph through in the surface of the tiles and stand out. It you are not sure, just place a straight edge or level across the joint.
Though long, this video has great tips as well as examples of how to glue and make various types of cuts.
Next, you will want to snap a line down the center of your garage floor front to back for a reference to lay the first tiles. Make sure to measure out to the edges to insure that you end up close to an even amount of tile on either side when you need to cut for the edge. Move your line over the appropriate amount if necessary to insure that you do.
Visually it’s usually best to start the first row across the threshold of the garage door and then begin working up your centerline in a pyramid fashion. This will ensure that all your edges are square and you won’t have any misalignment issues. Any cuts to the tile can be made with a utility knife or heavy duty paper cutter.
Do not make the rookie mistake of starting in a corner and working your way out from there. Rooms are almost never square and your pattern will start getting misaligned and forming gaps if you do this.
When you are ready to start, spread the glue with a 1/32” notched trowel on a large area of the concrete. When the glue turns color it has dried enough and is ready to accept the tile.
A great tool to rent for around $20 is a vinyl floor roller. After the tile is laid, use this roller to press out any trapped air under the tile for the best adhesion as you build the tile out. Once you are done, you are now ready to seal and wax the tile.
Drawbacks of a VCT garage floor
Though a VCT tiled garage floor can be fairly durable for the price, it does have some drawbacks you should be aware of. VCT requires higher maintenance in order to keep the nice shine on the floor. You will have to mop the floor occasionally and scrub it at times with a floor maintainer to remove embedded dirt in order to apply another coat of wax.
Depending on how much use your garage gets, the build-up of wax may need to be stripped and reapplied again every year or so in order to maintain a nice finish.
VCT floors can also be somewhat slippery when wet. You will want to take this into consideration if you live in a wet climate. There are slip resistant floor cleaners available that can be buffed, however.
Something else to consider with vinyl composite tile is car tires. They can leave rubber marks on the surface occasionally which will need to be buffed out. On some rare occasions a tile can spin loose if you turn the front tires in place without moving. No worries though if this does happen. You can easily replace or re-glue a spun or damaged tile.
If using car jacks or jack stands, it’s best to place a spare tile or piece of wood down first to prevent any compression marks that may occur in the tile.
Additionally, solvents (such as gasoline) can soften the acrylic waxes fairly quick if it’s not wiped up right away. If any petroleum products do make it past the wax and onto the tile, it will stain the surface of the tile. This usually requires sanding the tile to remove the stain or replacing it.
Is VCT warrantied for use in a garage?
One last note we want to make is that despite the fact that vinyl composite tile has been used in garage environments for decades, manufacturers will not warranty it for use in a garage. Most people who install it in the garage are aware of this fact, but we want to point it out in the event it would influence your decision.
With all this in mind, you can’t beat the durability and looks of a vinyl composite tiled garage floor if you are on a budget or want a cool retro look for the garage. It can be installed for much less money when compared to other types of floor tiles and the best part is that it looks like a million bucks!
I use vinyl for upholstery because it is strong and lasts. These composite vinyl floor tiles (while less expensive) will be a good investment for someone.
I really like this kind of garage flooring. Does it require renting or owning a buffing machine to have a floor like this?
Hello Daryl and thanks for visiting our site. No, you do not have to rent a buffing machine but they do make things easier. Many of the aftermarket waxing and stripping products can be applied with a mop and and removed with a stiff brush. If you want an almost mirror like finish then you will need to use a floor buffer.
My garage floor has some paint on it, but most of it has peeled up from hot tires. Do i have to strip all the paint off to install tiles?
The Armstrong 750 adhesive can be used on painted concrete floors. Just remember, the bond of your tile is only as strong as the weakest link. So if you have paint that can still peel up and you tile over it, then the tiles will come up just as easy as the paint it is adhered to.
So if i make sure the areas that contact hot tires are paint-free, I should be in the clear?
No, what we are saying is that you need to make sure that the rest of the paint on the floor is not ready to peel as well. If the paint is adhered poorly then the glue from the tile will peel the paint right up.
Where are you finding VCT for just $.59/SF??? I’ve looked EVERYWHERE. Vinyl is just about as expensive 10 times more labor intensive as just buying interlocking tiles. where are you getting $.59 per sq ft??
Hello Rob and thanks for stopping by. I just checked online with my local Home Depot and they have the Armstrong vinyl tile in black for .69 cents per tile (square foot) and the white for .79 cents a tile. While it’s not at .59 cents right now, people who get them for less take their time looking for specials, sales, or use coupons to get even better deals. We know of many who have done that with success. Admittedly, this article was published a year ago and prices may have been less as well. We will make and edit to reflect that, thank you.
While I agree whole heartedly that interlocking tile is much less labor intensive than vinyl (thus one of the benefits of such tile), vinyl composite tile can be purchased for much less expense.
I just purchased 700 sq feet of VCT tile for .18 cents a sq foot. got a great deal no I have to remove the existing carpet and prep the concrete before install. any tips?
That’s a great deal indeed Terrance! Just make sure the concrete is clean and fill any voids or contraction joints that you may have before you start.
where in the hell did you get that kind of deal?
Hi Bizzle. It takes some shopping around and a bit of patience for the sales. Home improvement stores and other suppliers occasionally have sales. The last reader that checked in with us a few months ago found some for .89 cents per tile for the black and .95 cents for the white.
Great article. I almost gave up on the idea of vinyl tiles for my garage until I found your site. I shopped around for a while and sure enough I found some white and gray tiles on special at my local tile dealer. The white was 65 cents and the gray was 88 cents. I plan on installing it this weekend!
How does the VCT hold up in cold weather climates?
Brian
Hello Brian. VCT tile will hold up well in most cold climates. The key is to have a good multiple coat of wax on the floor to protect the tiles from deicing fluids, road salts, and etc. The wax acts as the sacrificial layer. When spring time comes, strip the wax down and apply a few new coats and the tile looks like new again.
Thank you for resonding. The garage does not see any of those items it is used to store my sports cars. The only other concern i have is when the concrete gets cold will it cause the adhesive any adverse effects causing the tiles to come up. Or is it once it is dry and down it is completely bonded
You’re welcome Brian. Armstrong makes their S-515 adhesive that is freeze/thaw stable down to 10 degrees F. There are others that manufacture low temp glues as well. It takes a lot of cold to reduce a slab down to those temperatures. Because most garages are attached to the home, it difficult for a slab to get to that low of a temp in most cases.
Wow thank you very helpful. I love this forum already
Minnesota cold? The edge at garage door, how do you seal or protect from snow/ice from seeping in?
Hi Gary, you can install a garage floor door seal. They will keep rain water and snow from getting into your garage.
The acrylic paint near the garage door is peeling and there is a white haze where the paint has chipped away. So, I guess I have some water vapor issue near the door, or its efflorescence. Either way, after I remove the loose paint and clean the area, do I need to apply any other treatment before I install tile?
Hello Richard. After you remove the paint and expose the concrete, do a moisture test with a sheet of plastic over the affected area. It wouldn’t hurt to test a spot or two further inside as well. We’ve seen this before with acrylic paints near the door. It could be something as simple as a scratched surface or worn area that allowed outside water to get under the coating. If you do have a moisture issue, you can seal the concrete with a deep penetrating sealer that doesn’t interfere with surface coatings. These aren’t expensive and a gallon usually will cover a standard 2-car garage.
I need a better understanding of peel-and-stick tiles. Is the composition different than VCT? What about durability of the surface? How good is the adhesive? Is there a potential shrinkage issue? Are there any other issues I should know about?
That’s a great question Richard. The peel and stick tile are of a solid polyvinyl construction which makes the tile flexible, similar to roll-out garage floor mats as an example. VCT is comprised of polyvinyl chips that are fused together under extreme heat and pressure. The main ingredient however is limestone. This limestone filler (it used to be asbestos) is what makes the VCT durable and more stiff. The surface of VCT is extremely durable, but cosmetically it is dependent on the multiple layers of acrylic sealer and polish (wax) that is applied to it after installation. Peel-and-stick tiles do have a fairly good adhesive but it’s not the same as that used for VCT. We have never heard of problems with shrinkage. Though they come with a factory finish ready to go, they are susceptible to tire staining depending on the color. To avoid this, there are acrylic sealers that can be applied to the surface.
For even more info on peel-and-stick tiles we suggest you contact Garage Flooring LLC and ask for Justin. He can update you with the latest info on that product.
I’m sorry. I was not clear as to the product I was referring to. Its not the garage tile that you covered in one of your articles. The DIY stores have peel-and-stick tile from Armstrong and other vendors. I’m not sure its the same as VCT.
Ahhh…. Well it was a good question anyway. The peel-and-stick tile from Armstrong and other vendors is a no wax tile that is designed for ease of maintenance in the home. It’s not as durable as VCT and is similar to vinyl sheeting. We would not recommend it for use in a garage.
My cement floor is painted and sealed. Will armstrong 750 adhesive work on this to adhere vct tiles? thanks judy
Hi Judy. The S750 adhesive will work if you rough up the paint first with 150 grit sandpaper. However, Armstrong’s position on this is the same as ours. The adhesion of the tile is only as good as the surface it is adhered to. Regular paint has a tendency of eventually peeling up when applied to concrete. If the paint peels your tile will come up with it because the tile is adhered to the paint, not the concrete.
Contradiction? Article states that you snap a line down the center of your floor front to back for a reference to lay the first tiles. Then the article says its best to start the first row across the threshold of the garage door. Which is correct?
Hi Mike. Not a contradiction necessarily, but maybe we could have explained better? Garage floors are never square, so you need the center line as a reference to keep the tile running true. You start at the center line at the front of the garage with your first tiles lined up on each side of the center line. You build out from there going across the front of the garage and up the center line.
We suggest doing a dry run first across the threshold first to see if it runs fairly true to the center line. If it doesn’t, you may want to adjust where you start the first two tiles in relation to the threshold in case you will have to do some trimming of the tiles.
Hi
My concrete garage floor is not perfectly level.I had ground down the best that it can be but there are still some waves in it:(
Will this still cause any issues with the tile lifting or separation?
Thanks
Hi Marty. No, it won’t cause any issues since the tiles do have some flex in them. No garage is perfect and it’s more common than you think for people to have waves. Just make sure you roll them after gluing down and you should be fine.
Great article and good info in the questions and responses. Rather than sealing and waxing the VCT floor, could a polyurethane or epoxy clear coat be applied for more durability?
Hi Andy. Yes, you can do that. We covered it in this article here.
I have just installed VCT tile on a garage floor and keep my sports car in it every night. It is heated just like the house. I pull the car straight in and straight out. One or two tiles are moving where the front wheel sits. Why is it doing this? I used the correct glue and rolled the floor with a 100 lb. roller and waited 24 hours before pulling the car in. The tile, when pulled up, has glue on the back of it and on the floor. Don’t see a problem there.
Hello William. There can be a few reasons as to why it is happening. Most have to do with how long you let the glue setup before tile install and humidity levels. Waiting 24 hours is usually the minimum time you wait before sealing and waxing the tile, not driving on it. Out of curiosity did you seal and protect the finish? If you did, that would mean you had to clean the tile and introduce the sealer before the 24 hours. That could have affected the adhesion of the tile as well.
What we suggest you do is pull up the offending tile and clean the glue off the concrete as well as the back of the tile. You can then do one of two things. The first is to reapply the glue, paying close attention to set times (glue should feel dry but tacky), and then reset the tile. The second is to use a commercial vinyl spray adhesive. The spray adhesive will allow you to return to service faster than the glue.
I have a painted garage floor which I want to cover with peel and stick tile. What is the correct prep for the painted floor? Please afvise. Thanks!
Hello Irene. You need to rough up the surface of the paint with #150 grit sandpaper. A pole sander works great for this. You will then need to apply a primer. Behr 880 works well. After that you can start the installation. Keep in mind that how well the tiles adhere to the surface is dependent on the surface it adheres to. In other words, the tiles will only stay down as well as the paint it is adhered to, not the concrete. So make sure the paint is down good and not peeling anywhere. It’s best to take a pressure washer to the paint first to remove any loose areas. We have an article on peel and stick tiles here that you can read for reference.
Can I lay the tile over old, probably asbestos tiles or do I need to remove them first?
Dealing with asbestos tile can be tricky Sheryl. Most asbestos tile are 9″x9″. The two general options are to have it removed by a professional certified to remove asbestos tile or to cover it up completely. Asbestos tile is not dangerous as long as it is not chipped or frayed, exposing the fiber within. To cover it with new VCT, you would need to chemically strip it first of all waxes and sealers in order for the glue to form a good bond. A light sanding of the surface with 150 grit sandpaper helps to give the glue bite. You are just trying to lighly rough up the surface only. Do not sand through it or you will expose the asbestos fibers. If you have any missing tiles, you can fill those areas with floor underlayment self leveling compound like this one.
Can a self level concrete be used to make the floor level before applying VCT ?
Is there a VCT solution for a drain as the amount of snowmelt in the garage leaves puddles?
Alan
Yes you can Alan. We are assuming that you don’t have a drain in the garage? If not, there isn’t much you can do about water. If you do have a drain, you can tile around it.
Hello. I’m thinking about installing vct tiles in my garage, but would like to apply a top coat with anti skid. I want to do this because I don’t want to deal with waxing and stripping. Are there any poly based clear coats you can recommend to go on top of vct tiles? Thanks.
Hello Oscar. It’s more involved than you may think to apply a coating to VCT. Unlike wax, coatings need the surface to be properly prepped. Also, most coating manufacturers will not warranty coatings on VCT and many do not recommend it, though it can be done. We suggest reading this article to get an idea of what is involved.
Thank you Shea. I have read that article and have reached out the companies you suggested on the article. Armor coatings has responded stating they don’t recommend a clear coat., but instead a full primer, base, and clear application, but this is not the route I’m aiming for. Still waiting on one response to see if I can go this route. If not, are there any vct coatings other than epoxy I can use to accomplish what I’m looking for? Thanks
Not that we are aware of, Oscar. The floors we have seen were done just as Armor Coatings recommends. The main issue is with the VCT material and the prep required to get a coating to adhere properly. That is why we haven’t seen anything brought to market yet that will do what you are looking for.
How do you handle the transition at the entry to the garage with VCT? It seems that the spot where the tires roll from the concrete onto the tile would get extra stress.
Hi Liston. You don’t need to have a transition since the tile is thin. It holds up very well. If you would like to have one, however, you can use something like this.
Can I lay VCT tile over a epoxy painted garage floor.?
darlene
Hi Darlene. In general it’s not a good idea. Most manufacturers of VCT and VCT adhesives do not recommend applying over painted or coated floors. The bond of the VCT is only as good as what it is adhered to. In this case, it will be adhered to paint and not concrete. Are you confident enough that the paint it will be glued to will not peel? Also, some adhesives will not bond well with certain paints. You would need to contact the manufacturer for guidance about that.
What are some options to address the slipping issue when the car comes in the garage from the rain?
Hello Jerry. There is not a lot you can do to drastically change the slip properties of waxed floors. However, there some companies that market waxes as being more slip resistant. Just google “slip resistant floor wax” and you will see quite a few.
I want to put VCT over my unsealed garage floor and make a game room. I have scrubbed and degreased and pressure washed, wash, rinse, repeat, repeat, repeat….The tire marks remain. Water beads over them as though the area was sealed. Armstrong tells me this is why they do not advise VCT in a garage and do not warranty. Are there any helpful tips? I know people install VCT in garages without issue. VCT is where my price point lives.
Hello Sue. You most likely have plasticizers that have leached from tires build up in the pores of the concrete. You can try scrubbing with some Goof Off. If that doesn’t do it, then we recommend purchasing a cheap 4″ angle grinder from Harbor Freight for $15 and a turbo cup concrete wheel from Amazon for less than $10. Use this setup to grind the areas where the tires have sat. This will remove the tire marks and allow the glue for the tiles to adhere properly. Be sure to wear the appropriate N95 dusk mask when you grind those areas as it will kick up a lot of concrete dust real fast.
Hey, so I had originally planned on going with these VCT tiles and then I had inquired with Armstrong directly and they said,
“In order for flooring materials to be installed in residential or commercial garages, the flooring material must meet the International Residential Code R 309 for Garages and Carports for one and two family residential buildings or the International Building Code 406.2 for all other buildings. The codes outline garage floor surfaces shall be of approved non-combustible material. Armstrong flooring products do not meet these standards and therefore should not be installed in parking garage areas where vehicles will be parked on the surface of the Armstrong floor.
In addition, Armstrong flooring should only be installed in temperature-controlled environments. Normally garages are not temperature-controlled areas. After installation, the temperature should be maintained at a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most garage floors have also had gas and oil dripped or spilled on them. This residue in the substrate will inhibit the new floor’s adhesive from working properly. Automobile fluids (such as brake and transmission fluids, and also oil) if leaked onto the resilient flooring can seep into the joints of the tile and break down the adhesive; this would create a bonding issue and a possible installation failure.
Additionally, the oils and antioxidants used in the manufacturing process of rubber tires will cause a permanent yellow discoloration to any vinyl flooring. Also, exposure to moisture from rain, snow, or sleet and varying temperatures will have a damaging affect on both tile and sheet flooring.
As you can see, we cannot recommend the installation of our floors in a garage. I hope this information is helpful.”
I really want to be able to go with something cost effective, but I don’t want to run into issues long term and I don’t want to have to worry about this floor every 5 years! I don’t mind yearly waxing, but I don’t want to have to replace the whole thing. I live in Canada and our temperature changes can be extreme from +35 (celcius) in summer to -35 in winter. How long do you think this will last?
Hello Brittany. We get the question about Armstrong not recommending their tile in a garage environment all the time. All we can say is that it is something that has been done for decades by home owners and will most likely continue for decades more. No one that we are aware of ever had to remove the tile on their garage floor because it did not meet code. As far as winter weather goes, you will need to lay the tile with Armstrong S-515 adhesive. The tile will do very well, but it will require maintenance, particularly during the winter months when tracking road salts and deicing fluids into the garage. We would suggest using a containment mat in the winter months to make maintenance much easier.