This could also go in the detailing thread as it will benefit my detailing endeavors but this thread seemed more appropriate. Just finalized an order to have my garage floor fitted with Swisstrax.
I'm going to state at the beginning that I spend a lot of time in my garage, both for pleasure and for business. An in that I mean both detailing and using it as base for my gardening business, so I'm either playing with cars or loading/unloading or servicing equipment. For a place I spend so much time, I want it to be a place to enjoy.
The concrete floor in my garage has been painted twice since the home was built in the mid 2000's. I hate painted concrete, it just does not last and I would have preferred to have never painted it in the first place. As it stands, the paint has been slowing peeling away, looking worse and worse each day and driving me nuts. Even a family member who doesn't really care about such things commented on the state it is in.
These pics are from late last year, it's worse now, especially in the places I work from.
I have looked into a number of options over a long time now. I want this to be a long term solution that can allow me work on and look great for years to come. A re-painted finish is not something I want to go through again and again. A polished or Epoxy finish was ruled out mainly due to mess and work involved, not to mention finding someone who could do that work in my area. I have also read a lot about failed Epoxy being expensive to fix, if it can be fixed at all.
So that lead me to floor tiles. I'm not a big fan of checker plate or the dot matrix designs, ruling out a large amount of possible options. I also did not want felt or rubberized tiles. As is customary, I always seem to land on the more expensive option. And also as usual, the amount of options and places to purchase from here in Australia is limited, so that of course means everyone just names their price.
I chose Swisstrax due to it's durability, ability to hide dirt, it's ease of cleaning when required, easy install with minimal preparation and most importantly, for the look. The local distributor has been most helpful, and although I had a plan drawn by a family member, they have supplied me with drawings and the amount I should need. This is not a typical home garage, the left hand walls are actually the boundary fence meaning the total width is generous and allows for storage and work areas. This space houses four cars with the two spaces closest to the garage door being where I detail. I also have my sink and cabinets located on the front right. That all means a huge space to cover and more tiles to buy.
Those above drawings have since been modified but the finished result of grey tiles with a black boarder will remain. Similar to below -
This is a very large investment for me. With the amount of time I spend in the garage, the amount of time I spend working on the floor, I feel the investment is worth it. People will question the choice of spending so much on a garage floor, to that I say how much dose that person spend on alcohol or cigarettes in a year? How much was that overseas holiday? How much was that backyard pool? To me, I will get so much enjoyment from it and feel proud of the way it will look.
So what was drawing the look of the whole garage down will soon be a visual feast. Now, the waiting game for it to arrive in stock. So excited!
. I have a couple areas I need to touch up with stain. It was a fun idea that I wanted to try. 
. I have a couple areas I need to touch up with stain. It was a fun idea that I wanted to try.
