Author Archives: Custom Garage Works

What is the Best Depth for Garage Cabinets?

The depth of your garage cabinets significantly impacts their usability and storage capacity. Typically, the ideal depth for garage cabinets is between 16 to 24 inches. Here’s why:

• Optimal Storage: A depth of 16 to 24 inches provides ample space to store a wide range of items, from small hand tools to larger power tools and even bulkier items like gardening equipment.
• Accessibility: Cabinets within this depth range allow easy access to stored items. You won’t have to reach too far back to find what you need, which is especially important for frequently used tools.
• Space Efficiency: This depth ensures that the cabinets do not protrude too far into the garage, leaving sufficient space for vehicles and other activities.

Choosing the right depth for your Bulldog garage cabinets ensures that you maximize storage without sacrificing accessibility or space.

What is the Best Height for a Garage Cabinet?

The height of your garage cabinets is another crucial factor to consider. Ideally, garage cabinets should be installed at a height that allows for easy access and maximizes storage space. Here are some guidelines:

• Base Cabinets: These should typically be around 34 to 36 inches high. This height is standard for workbenches and allows for comfortable use when working on projects.
• Wall Cabinets: These can vary depending on the height of your garage walls and your storage needs. Generally, wall cabinets are placed about 54 inches above the floor, leaving enough space between the base cabinets and the wall cabinets for a workspace or backsplash.
• Tall Cabinets: If you need additional storage for larger items, tall cabinets can be a great addition. These can be 72 inches or taller, providing ample vertical storage space without cluttering the floor area.

Adjusting the height of your Bulldog garage cabinets to fit your specific needs ensures that your garage remains functional and organized.

Should the Garage Cabinet be Off the Floor?

Mounting garage cabinets off the floor is a popular practice for several reasons:

• Easy Cleaning: Cabinets that are off the floor make it easier to clean the garage floor. You can sweep or hose down the floor without having to move the cabinets.
• Protection from Moisture: Keeping cabinets off the floor protects them from moisture and potential water damage, especially if your garage is prone to flooding or dampness.
• Aesthetics: Floating cabinets give your garage a sleek, modern look. They create a sense of space and make the garage appear more organized and less cluttered.

When installing Bulldog garage cabinets, consider mounting them off the floor to enjoy these benefits and maintain a neat and clean garage environment.

Is Plywood Good for Garage Cabinets?

The material of your garage cabinets plays a significant role in their durability and functionality. Plywood is an excellent choice for several reasons:

• Strength and Durability: Plywood is known for its strength and resistance to warping and cracking. It can support heavy tools and equipment, making it ideal for garage cabinets.
• Versatility: Plywood can be easily cut and customized to fit your specific needs. It can also be finished with a variety of coatings and paints to match the aesthetic of your garage.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to solid wood, plywood is more affordable while still offering high durability and strength.
• Environmental Impact: Plywood is made from layers of wood veneer, which makes better use of the tree than solid wood boards. This can make it a more environmentally friendly choice.

For Bulldog garage cabinets, plywood provides a reliable, cost-effective, and customizable material option that ensures your cabinets will stand the test of time.

Enhance Your Garage with Bulldog Garage Cabinets

In conclusion, the best garage cabinets are those that are thoughtfully designed to meet your storage needs while enhancing the functionality and appearance of your space. By considering the optimal depth, height, mounting options, and material, you can ensure that your Bulldog garage cabinets offer the perfect solution for your garage organization.

Ready to transform your garage into a well-organized, efficient space? Contact us today at 214-494-9068 to learn more about our custom Bulldog garage cabinets in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX  and how we can help you create the garage of your dreams.

Many homeowners use their attic for storage for some things, but some attics aren’t accessible, or maybe you’ve run out of space there too?!  And sometimes, the attic isn’t the best place to store certain things, like the stuff you use regularly. So, how do you decide what is better to store in the attic or the garage?

Well, first you want to consider the frequency of use for items you’re going to be storing.  The attic and the basement are excellent places for storing items that are specific to a time of year, such as holiday decorations. The garage should be storage for things you use more frequently, such as: 

• Sports equipment
• Automotive tools
• Gardening equipment
• Bikes 

… and outdoor furniture, like patio umbrellas, that may not hold up to certain weather conditions and elements.

Okay, with all of that stored in the garage, you can run out of space pretty quickly. Especially if you have work benches installed for hobbies or everyday usage. So, let’s consider going upward, your garage has potential obvious storage in plain sight that you’re not utilizing.  

Of course, you need to make sure the construction of the garage will hold storage safely, and then determine which type of garage storage racks are going to work the best for you. Some of the more common types of garage storage racks for the ceiling include: 

1. Heavy-duty racks: When you have heavy items, choose heavy-duty garage storage racks that have a capacity of 600 pounds. These types of garage storage racks typically have a wire mesh platform and are installed on the ceiling joists and for extra support, are anchored to the wall. 
2. Moveable storage racks: This type of garage storage racks has a solid metal platform with a pulley system that allows you to lower and raise to remove or add stuff. 
3. Storage hoist system: Similar to the above-described moveable storage garage storage racks, but without the platform. These types of garage storage racks are used for storing specific items like canoes, kayaks, ladders, wheelbarrows, etc. 
4. Ceiling storage bins: These types of garage storage racks are a system of rails mounted on the garage ceiling where plastic storage bins are installed to slide in and out as needed.
5. Ceiling storage hooks: These types of garage storage racks are the most common because they are inexpensive and simple to install, the large screw-in hooks are installed into the ceiling joists and are most commonly used to store bikes. 

What is the maximum weight for overhead garage storage?

Before you invest in garage storage racks or other types of ceiling storage, you need to know how much weight can be safely stored from the garage ceiling. You don’t need things falling on your vehicles, or you!  One option to find out is having an engineering inspection done, or hiring a storage expert who is experienced and familiar with what type and size of garage storage racks are acceptable and safe. 

Depending on the age of your home, it either has rafters or trusses, with trusses being found in most residential garages today.  This creates a pyramid-shaped roof. Unless you have a room directly over your garage, a combination of ceiling-to-floor truss systems will usually support up to 40 pounds per square foot.  

Never attach anything, including garage storage racks, to the lower support beams if the garage has only ceiling trusses. This type of garage construction is designed to support the garage drywall, lighting, and roof ONLY! 

When You’re Taking It Upward: 

Of course, there is a cost associated with anything you do in the way of adding to your home, including garage storage racks. So, just how much can this cost? Well, if you doing it yourself, you could spend as little as $100 (or less) on those large screw-in hooks, or you could spend hundreds of dollars on the systems we’ve mentioned.  

Then there is the option of hiring a storage specialist. Yes, that will cost more, but they will discuss what your garage is used for, what you plan to store, and suggest the different methods of garage storage racks that are available. Some companies will do only the sketch and sell you those sketched plans for a DIY project, or they will do the work and supply the materials too. 

The costs, like the options, are endless.  But is it all worthwhile?  Yes, if you’re in your forever home and you’re raising children and/or living a busy lifestyle, garage storage racks and other types of storage are worth the convenience provided. And if you ever decide to sell, this can be a great feature to spotlight for future potential buyers.

More Ways to Revamp Your Garage

6. Improve Flooring: Upgrade your garage floor with durable and easy-to-maintain flooring options such as epoxy coatings, interlocking tiles, or rubber mats. Choose a finish that complements your home’s aesthetic and enhances the overall look of the space.

7. Add Insulation: Increase comfort and energy efficiency by adding insulation to the garage walls and ceiling. Insulated garage doors and walls help regulate temperature, reduce noise transmission, and prevent moisture buildup.

8. Incorporate Design Elements: Inject personality and style into your garage space with decorative touches such as wall murals, custom signage, or themed decor. Choose colors, textures, and finishes that complement your home’s interior design for a cohesive look.

9. Upgrade Security Features: Enhance security measures in your garage with features like security cameras, motion-activated lights, and smart locks. Make sure that all entry points are properly secured to deter unauthorized access and protect valuable belongings.

10. Create Multi-Functional Space: Transform your garage into a versatile space that serves multiple purposes, such as a home gym, entertainment area, or additional living space. Flexibility in design and furniture arrangement lets you adapt the space to your evolving needs.

By implementing these garage repair and upgrade solutions, you can revitalize your space to be both functional and stylish, adding value and enjoyment to your home. If you’re ready to start on your garage improvement project, look no further than the experts at Custom Garage Works. Call us at 214-494-9068 to learn how we can help.

Can a garage car lift be installed in a residential garage?

If your residential garage has standard garage doors, they are typically designed to accommodate the majority of garage car lifts on the market today. You can choose a 2-post car lift or a 4-post lift,  however, it may require some modifications to be done on the garage doors for the garage car lift to fit easily.

The average height of a 2-post garage car lift is approximately 9 feet tall. This will fit inside a residential garage with a 9’ 6” ceiling height. The downside to this low of a garage car lift is there are often issues when it comes to opening the car doors of cars parked underneath or next to the garage car lift. 

What is the recommended height for a garage car lift?

While you can get a garage car lift installed in a garage with a maximum ceiling height of 9’6”, the recommended height to assure an easy fit and usability is between 11’ and 12’ height. Things that should be considered in the height restrictions when purchasing a garage car lift include any overhead objects like installed lighting, existing storage, and attic access. 

Also, consider the weight of the vehicles you’ll be storing in the garage car lift. Cars are heavy, and if you’re storing two cars, that weight can make a difference on the flooring. Many homes are built with an attached garage on a cement foundation. An engineering inspection may be recommended before purchasing a garage car lift. 

How thick does concrete need to be for a car lift?

Twelve-inch thick concrete slab is ideal, but not required for most garage car lifts for a home garage. A garage with a four-inch thick reinforced concrete is an acceptable standard. 

Are there any disadvantages of a garage car lift? 

There are several factors to consider when choosing a garage car lift. Here, we have listed three different styles with a brief explanation as well as the advantages and disadvantages: 

• A Commercial Grade 2-Post Garage Car Lift: 

The 2 most popular garage car lift in use today because of several benefits that include:

• Excellent usability for almost any vehicle with excellent access to the underbody of most modern and older cars. 
• Excellent reliability for multiple uses a day.

The disadvantages of a 2-post garage car lift include:

• Height and width may not fit a standard-sized residential garage. 
• Concrete slab requirement of no less than 4″ thick of 3,000 PSI concrete. 
• A Commercial Grade 4-Post Garage Car Lift

The advantages of a 4-post garage car lift include:

• Great storage space created by lifting your project car up and can park a second car underneath. 
• Great for a serious project allowing more underneath access. 
• Great low ground clearance required. 
• Safety and stable with the weight of the car supported by 4 posts. 
• Higher weight capacity with a 4 post garage car lift distributing the weight. 

The disadvantages of a 4-post garage car lift are: 

• Height requirement of 12’ or higher. 
• Width of a typical 4-post garage car requires a minimum 10’ of width. 
• Tire and wheel work is more difficult because the 4 wheels are on the 4 posts. 
• Scissor-Style Hydraulic Garage Car Lift 

An entry-level hydraulic garage car lift will typically lift a car between the wheels. The advantages to this type of garage car lift are: 

• Ideal for light maintenance like rotating tires, replacing brakes, or changing the oil. 
• Ideal where the ceiling is the standard low in residential builds. 

The disadvantage of Scissor-Style Hydraulic Garage Car Lift include: 

• The hydraulic system is typically cheap for cost-cutting purposes. 
• Requires a minimal height. 
• Tendency to tip front to back. 
• Uneven raising and lower possibility due to the hydraulics. 
• Underbody access is restricted because this garage car lift works by picking the vehicle by the frame. , they restrict access to the underside of the vehicle.

In Closing

Is it worth having a garage car lift installed in your home garage?  Yes, if you are a car enthusiast, or even the average homeowner who prefers to do your own brake jobs and oil changes, a garage car lift is worthwhile!  

Or perhaps you have a soon-to-be-teen who will be driving, you can get to work on their future vehicle while keeping your garage open for a family vehicle and other activities in the garage. Keep the bicycles handy on one side of the garage and the garage car lift installed on the other side, you can keep that second vehicle at easy access to come and go when you’re not working on the lifted car. Now is the time to call us at 214-494-9068 if you want a garage car lift in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX. We are here to help!

What is a garage floor coating? 

Garage floor coatings are a protective layer that is durable and tough, holding up to heavy foot traffic and more. A floor coating makes the flooring corrosion-resistant, making it a popular choice for more than residential garages. You can also find floor coatings at: 

• Chemical plants
• Manufacturing plants
• Warehouses
• New Car Dealerships

…and more!

Though people don’t usually think about the importance of protecting their garage floors, there are many advantages to having a garage floor coating installed. Though this may sound like a luxury, there are several benefits to this process: 

1. Protection: Most driveways and garages have concrete, which is a durable and rigid material. However, it is porous and can harbor dirt, grease, oil, other fluids, and even bacteria. Not only will these stain the garage floor, but they can weaken the surface over time, starting with cracking and pitting. With a professionally installed epoxy garage floor coating over the concrete, it is easier to clean up drips and spills while repairing any cracking or pitting that has started. 

2. Easy Clean: Speaking of clean-up, epoxy, polyaspartic, and polyuria garage floor coatings make cleaning easy. A properly installed garage floor coating is non-absorptive and keeps fluids like gasoline, grease, oils, and other fluids from seeping in. Sweep or vacuum it and, if necessary, mop it with plain water to remove dirt or fluids.

3. Safe, Slip Resistant: Concrete floor coatings with a textured surface are anti-slip and safer, with a reduced chance of falls and slips.

4. Improved Appearance: If you plan on selling your home, a professionally installed garage floor coating will make your garage look cleaner and more attractive. They are also available in various colors and styles for greater customization! 

5. Value Add: While you won’t get a massive ROI from installing a garage floor coating, it can make your home stand out among prospective buyers. According to real estate experts, garage floor coating has become a ‘want’ on more home buyers’ lists, up to over 80%! That’s a big part of the market to disregard. 

Are there different types of garage floor coatings?

Yes, there are different types of garage floor coatings, including tiles. However, the three most popular options are: 

• Epoxy Garage Floor Coating is the most common choice for a concrete floor cover. It is the least expensive option and comes in many applications. Manufacturers install it by rolling it across the floor, allowing it to dry, and then applying another layer. This type of garage floor coating requires the original surface to be 100% clean of debris for the best bonding possible. It has a slippery surface when wet and may not be the best choice for some homeowners. 
• MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) Garage Floor Coating: This garage floor coating is made from a variety of plastics. It is ideal for commercial garage floors because of its extreme durability and high tolerance to cold and hot temperatures. It is a perfect floor coating if your garage has a lot of traffic, which is often the case for families. However, it is an expensive option, so it is less popular for residential homes.
• Polyaspartic Garage Floor Coating: Many homeowners will tell you this is the best of the first two floor coatings. It provides most of the benefits of epoxy minus the drawbacks. Like MMA garage floor coatings, it is a durable, rugged surface resistant to abrasion and chemical spills and UV stable. 

 What is the life expectancy of a garage floor coating?

Several factors will determine the lifespan of a garage floor coating, including the installation, maintenance, and upkeep. Other factors include additives used in the floor coating, the amount of foot traffic it receives, and drops and vehicle wear. The average lifespan of an epoxy garage floor coating can be as short as two years and up to 10 years. 

To Summarize

A garage floor coating is an excellent investment for the homeowner who is a car, craft, or hobby enthusiast. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time, it is worth the investment, and if you are considering selling it in the not-too-distant future, a garage floor coating could be what puts your home up over the competition. If you’re interested in a garage floor coating in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX or any nearby cities, we can be there to help. Call us at 214-494-9068 today to learn more.

Why are garage storage solutions so important?

Go to your garage now and assess it as if you’ve never been in it before. Do you know where to find garden hand tools or automotive supplies like grease and oil? Are there bicycles in the way of getting the lawn mower out? Can you park your car in the garage, safely? 

Garage storage solutions have cabinets, drawers, and shelves, and when they are installed correctly, they can provide an excellent way to create more space and keep your various items in order. 

Bikes and vehicles can co-habitat when you have garage storage solutions in place. And most garage storage solution systems can be expanded as your tool collection grows! 

Are there other benefits of garage storage solutions? 

1. Clutter Eliminator

Garage storage solutions are excellent clutter eliminators! They free up floor space and maximize the space you have on the walls and ceilings. A garage storage system will have zones and any family member can find what they need or want. 

2. Appearance Booster

Customized garage storage solutions allow you to create and design garage storage to fit your needs, making it more functional for you.

3. Safety First

When you leave your tools leaning or stacked in a corner, they can easily be knocked over, on top of you or your car!  With garage storage solutions, this 

4. Value Add

Here is the answer to your initial question, “Just what do these houses have that that mine doesn’t?”. With everything in its place using garage storage solutions, your garage will look clean and open, even larger to a prospective buyer

5. Secured Valuables

Automotive and yard tools can be expensive.  When they are left on the floor, it’s too easy for them to be taken if the garage door is open.  With garage storage systems, you can have cabinets that lock to store expensive items like air compressors, a power generator, and power hand tools. 

6. Create a Workshop

Whether you’re a gearhead or a hobbyist, garage storage solutions can benefit you by making everything easily accessible and providing you with counter space to work on. 

How can I organize my garage without spending money? 

Yes, garage storage solutions can be expensive, but there are ways to get your garage organized without spending a lot of money. Start by prepping the garage by completely emptying it, and sorting everything in piles. This will allow you to see what you need to store, and what kind of storage you need to get the most out of your garage space. Sort the items you’re taking out in three piles: 

• Keep
• Donate
• Trash

Within the keep pile, break the items down into “like stuff”, meaning a hammer and screwdriver are
“like stuff” while a hoe and shovel are “like stuff” that will go together in one area of the garage.

• A PLAN: Now that you know what is going back in the garage in groups, create a plan for how you’re going to store them in the garage. When money is tight, you can get creative with garage storage solutions. 

• CANVAS BAG: Those bulky holiday decorations can be stored in canvas bags that will keep the dust off. Adding a dryer sheet in the bag will critters and insects out. 

• IN PLACE: At this point, you should have a place to put everything in the keep pile. Start bringing those things in and put them away where they will be kept going forward. Tools go in the toolbox or drawers, gardening tools are hung on the wall, and cleaning supplies and liquids go in cabinets or on shelves, high up to keep small children and pets out of them. 
• RACK ‘EM: Vertical storage racks for bikes makes great garage storage solutions and the hooks are relatively inexpensive. 
• WALL SPACE: Don’t let those empty walls go to waste! This is a great place to create garage storage solutions using three-quarter-inch plywood attached to the bare studs or drywall. Then you can purchase inexpensive hardware that can work for storing items. 

Other suggestions for garage storage solutions is to use old desks, dressers, and file cabinets for storage and work surfaces with peg boards behind them for hanging small hand tools. Corner cabinets and storage shelves can be used in a garage to get things off the floor, and don’t forget to label bins and boxes! 

In Closing 

Whether you’re planning on living in your home for the unforeseen future, or you’re considering placing it on the market, finding garage storage solutions to unclutter your garage will be a big attention grabber. Do you need garage storage solutions in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX? If so, give our team a call at 214-494-9068!

The following are common materials used for garage storage cabinets:

• Aluminum Garage Storage Cabinets

Aluminum is lightweight, making DIY installation easier. Yet, it is a durable, sturdy material that is corrosion-resistant and rust-resistant. And to keep your garage looking good, they are available in a wide choice of colors. 

• Plastic Garage Storage Cabinets

Another option to go with is plastic garage storage cabinets. They are lightweight also, making DIY installation easier, rustproof, and a less expensive option than aluminum or other types of materials.  A downside to plastic is that its lifespan is shorter and it can’t hold as much weight as other material types. 

• Metal Garage Storage Cabinets

Another option of durable and lightweight garage storage cabinets. Metal cabinets made with military-grade aluminum will maintain their durability with heavy-duty items without bending or breaking. Metal is corrosion and rust-resistant and can withstand the swing in humidity and temperatures in the garage. These are available in various design options, including colors and powder-coated finishes. 

• Stainless Steel Garage Storage Cabinets

Stainless steel garage storage cabinets are a great long-term material for the garage. However, it is a heavier material, a DIY installation may be challenging, and they are more expensive than the other options we’ve listed. Stainless steel cabinetry offers a stylish appeal and a robust structure that will give you a long lifespan.

• Wooden Garage Storage Cabinets

Using wood for garage storage cabinets will provide aesthetics that are cozy and timeless with the many different options you can choose in colors and styles. But they aren’t going to be as long-lasting with durability and strength as the other materials we’ve mentioned. While engineered woods are more resilient than solid timber, they are easy to warp in humid weather.

Is it cheaper to build your garage cabinets instead of ready-to-use?

Yes, it can be cheaper, but you need to consider the logistics, starting with these questions: 

• Do you have the tools needed to build your garage storage cabinets? 
• Do you have the skill set it takes to build aesthetically pleasing, durable, and sturdy cabinetry?  
• Do you have the space to build them? 
• Do you have the space to let the project sit during downtimes? 

If you need garage storage cabinets and worksurfaces now, as well as non-cabinet storage items, you probably don’t have the work and storage space for the interim of construction. 

Should garage storage cabinets be off the floor?

Depending on what you’re storing in your garage storage cabinets can be the determining factor to answer this question. If you’ll be storing any of the following, it is recommended to install the storage cabinets a minimum of 4-1/2 inches off the floor. This will protect things like boxes, documents, photos, and metal tools from getting damaged or destroyed. Other reasons you should install your garage storage cabinets off the floor include: 

• Frees floor space which can save you from tripping over stuff. 
• Saves the back and knees not having to bend over to pick up things.
• Keeps the garage clean and organized.
• Makes cleaning easier.
• Avoids possible water damage.

Why are garage storage cabinets so expensive?

You want your garage storage cabinets for the long run, not a temporary setup.  This requires using durable materials that will last, such as metal or plastic. These materials are more expensive than using cardboard boxes. Garage storage cabinets are an investment. 

What is the best depth for garage storage cabinets?

The industry standard depth for garage storage cabinets base unit is 24” deep and for the upper cabinets, the standard depth is 12”. This prevents banging your head on the cabinet while standing at the counter or work surface. Most garage storage cabinets are 48” wide to maintain stability.

Closing Notes

Okay, not everyone has a budget to purchase new metal or plastic garage storage cabinets.  So, can any type of cabinets be used for garage storage cabinets? That would be the least expensive way to set up a garage storage cabinet system, but you need to make sure they are durable. 

This would be using cabinets that are made of the same types of materials we’ve covered in this article such as metal or heavy-duty plastic. Again, you want a material that is resistant to corrosion or rust and can be secured with a locking system.

Options to Choose From

There are homeowners that choose to have their garage closed in to create an additional room. That room may be for a bedroom, den, game room, or even an office. In those instances, the garage floor options include flooring like the home in most cases, either carpeting, tile, or wood flooring. 

But today, when it comes to garage floor options for actual garage use, they become more plentiful with side selections. Those options include: 

• Acrylic Epoxy
• Concrete resurfacing
• Epoxy resin
• Floor paint
• Floor patching
• Floor sealer
• Floor stain
• Garage floor coverings
• Garage floor tiles
• Polyaspartic

Of garage floor options, what are the benefits of epoxy paint?

There are 5 benefits that can make epoxy garage floor coatings ideal for your garage. Those benefits include: 

• Resistance to chemicals, heat, heavy shock, and water. If your garage has exposure to corrosive chemicals, this is the best of all garage floor options.
• Cost-effectiveness as epoxy paint is added to the existing flooring, making the floor coating process less expensive and fast. 
• Long lifespan once the installation is complete. This is a durable material that is hard-wearing, ideal for a garage with a lot of traffic.
• Protective by creating a shield over the flooring, protecting it from cracking, staining, and extensive wear and tear.
• Maintenance is minimized with this garage floor option because it is dust-resistant, keeping dust from circulating and settling while providing a flat smooth surface that is easy to clean using a broom, mop, or vacuum.

What are some of the drawbacks of an epoxy paint garage floor option? 

There are pros and cons to any of the garage floor options available today. Where the flooring will be installed is one consideration, so choosing a flooring material that will meet the needs and space where it will be installed. The drawback to epoxy garage flooring options include: 

• It Is Temporary

Epoxy flooring is durable, yet temporary. The daily wear & tear can take a toll on this flooring, requiring it to be replaced sooner than you may care. 

• It is Slippery

Most epoxy floors provide a skid-resistant surface, but when it gets oil or water on it, it becomes slippery and stays slippery until thoroughly dry. If your garage is susceptible to spills, oil, water, etc., then epoxy garage floor options are not for you. 

• The Preparation

Before an epoxy garage floor coating can be installed, the original concrete must be thoroughly cleaned and any cracked areas must be filled. 

• The Application

In addition to the time-consuming preparation, the application process is just as time-consuming. After a thorough cleaning, the first coat of epoxy is applied. The contractor must wait for that to thoroughly dry before the next coat can be applied. The drying process can take 2 to 3 days, maybe longer depending on the humidity in the air. 

• The Smell

Epoxy is one of the smelly garage floor options. The darker the color, the stronger the odor. 

• Sensitive

Epoxy is a sensitive coating and following directions to the final letter is a must. This should only be installed by a flooring professional. 

• The Adherence

Epoxy garage floor coating is not a good choice for a moist environment, like a basement. The dampness will cause the epoxy to peel, and you’ll need to have it recoated a lot sooner than you desire. 

• The Removal

After epoxy flooring is applied, if you decide to change the purpose of the garage or whatever area you have the coating applied, the removal is labor intensive.

Laying It All Out

Shop the different garage floor options before choosing anything, and work with a flooring professional. They can visit your home or business, talk to you about the use, and help you choose the best of all the options for your needs.

Custom Garage Works provides different selections with garage floor options in Haslet and Fort Worth, TX. Call our team at 214-494-9068 to learn more.

What is Garage Floor Epoxy? 

Garage floor epoxy is a coating system that not only makes the garage floor attractive, but it protects a concrete garage floor. Garage floor epoxy is a two-part system that consists of a hardener and a resin. When these two things are combined, they form a coating that is attractive, durable, and protective, adding and extending the life of concrete flooring. 

How Long Does it Take for Garage Floor Epoxy to Cure? 

When appropriately installed, garage floor epoxy will cure between 24 and 48 hours. The climate and weather can affect the curing time. Once it has cured, how long will a garage floor epoxy coating last?  Well, that depends on a few things, starting with the quality of the installation. 

In a residential garage, floor epoxy coating that is properly cared for will give you a lifespan of 10 years or longer. Garage floor epoxy coating in a commercial environment will vary based on foot traffic and other traffic on the flooring. In most cases, a factory, garage, or restaurant will get up to three years of lifespan. 

Are There Advantages of a Garage Floor Epoxy Coating? 

The main attraction of a garage floor epoxy coating is the durability it provides. The chemical and stain resistance is another big attraction, especially in settings with customer traffic, like a showroom. Other benefits of a garage floor epoxy coating include: 

• The Attractive Appearance

A garage floor epoxy coating provides a flooring color and style choices available. This coating can be installed in a color and style that matches any décor and architecture. Epoxy flakes are available in different sizes ranging from 1/32” to 1”  and larger, making a significant impact on the area. 

• Safe, Slip-Resistant

Garage floor epoxy coating creates a slip-resistant surface. This is a big plus for big box stores where customer foot traffic is heavy, especially in areas where the flooring is often wet. 

• Finish Choices 

Garage floor epis coating is available in polyurethane topcoats over poly aspartic, the most recommended option by flooring experts. The topcoat provides a faster cure time but is still viscous in reducing slipping. 

• Fast Installation

A garage floor epoxy installation is typically completed within two days. For companies offering a faster installation time, you should research the company and its product. 

What Types of Surfaces Can Garage Floor Epoxy be Applied To? 

A garage floor epoxy coating can be applied on almost any hard floor surface. The most popular uses are on concrete, but it has become popular on metal and wood flooring. 

What Preparation is Needed to Apply a Garage Floor Epoxy Coating? 

Garage floor epoxy coatings should be applied to flooring that is in good condition. Such as a concrete floor should be thoroughly cleaned and any chips, cracks, or spalls repaired. The following steps should be followed in the preparation of having a garage floor epoxy coating applied: 

1. Clean and degrease the flooring using a broom and shop vac, making sure all debris is removed from the floor. 
2. Then use a degreaser and stiff wire brush to remove any grease and rinse thoroughly with clear water. 
3. Prepare the area using wide painter’s tape where the walls meet the floor, and protect any baseboards with plastic. 

Can I Apply My Own Garage Floor Epoxy Coating? 

Yes, but you must take the preparation steps we just listed and follow the following steps to get the best results: 

1. Mix the two-part epoxy of the catalyst and the resin after the preparation is completed and the flooring has completely dried. 
2. Stir the resin and then add the catalyst while stirring. 
3. Apply the garage floor epoxy as soon as it is ready and be able to complete it within 2 hours using a 3” paintbrush along the edges. 
4. Allow the garage floor to thoroughly dry before allowing any foot traffic. 

Enjoy Your Epoxy Flooring Today

Start walking …. on your new garage floor epoxy coating! If this is your business, now it is time to get your furniture and merchandise placed. Enjoy this finished product with pride, and if you’re selling your business or home, you want to point out the recent upgrade of your garage floor epoxy coating! 

In case you may sell your business or home in the near future, choose a color and style that is open to match any décor. Working with a professional to install your garage floor epoxy coating will allow you their experience and knowledge in choosing the right color and style, and you’ll have their warranty too! 

Why should I update my garage?

This is likely your first question. The garage is often a forgotten space. It’s there, we utilize it, but most of us aren’t getting as much usable space as we could. That’s a shame, because getting more space is something that doesn’t require adding more square footage! Read on for a few ways to gain usable space in the same space you already have with garage updates: 

Extra Storage

Adding storage is most functional garage updates that you can do. It is helpful and productive to store away things we only use on holidays, or things we just save simply because. And the storage of our every day or weekly things is important too, and organization is key. 

Garage storage upgrades should start with creating a structured storage section by installing shelving for storage bins and tubs. From the floor to the ceiling, this vertical storage space will make it easy to find things because labeling these bins and tubs should be part of all garage updates! 

Safety Precautions

There are probably very few garages that don’t have dangerous things in them. Automotive fluids, lawn and garden chemicals, and tools. Garage updates should include installing specialized ways to put these things out of reach for children, whether it is a locking cabinet or high upon a shelf, or a combination of both is better. 

Versatile Space

A garage is more than just a place to park our vehicles, and garage updates should take that into consideration. A double or triple-car garage can be divided up into a specific space for the car(s), and another area for an art studio, woodworking hobby, or party area complete with a bar, counter, refrigerator, and comfy seating. 

Higher Resale Value

Organized garage updates increase home value. Plain and simple! Take your garage from a dull area of your home and make it functional – something a potential buyer could picture themselves using. 

Energy Efficiency

Spend a little money on garage updates can save you money when you use energy-efficient ideas and materials. Garage door upgrades and window upgrades can bring your home more value. Insulate the walls and attic space, then make it temperature controlled is even more value. 

Neighborhood Envy

When you open your garage door now, it may be embarrassing as the neighbors drive or walk by. Garage updates can give you more organized space and that can give you a garage to be proud of when the doors open! A Garage floor upgrade is one of the most eye-catching things you can do that will make your neighbors envious! 

Technology Upgrade

There is so much technology that can make our lives easier, even in the garage. Adding technology is a big part of garage updates today. Start with new garage doors that can be opened and closed remotely from your cell phone.  If you’re a car buff, add a car lift made especially for residential garages. 

Self-Sufficient Kids

As a parent, it can be frustrating when the kids don’t put their stuff away or can’t get to the stuff they need or want. Garage updates should include a way for their sports equipment to be easily stored so that they’ll utilize it every time. 

What can I update my garage with?

Professional organizers suggest the following as some of the best Garage Remodel Ideas you can do: 

1. Install and upgrade garage door(s)
2. Insulate and ventilate the garage space
3. Create a purposeful storage strategy
4. Gain adequate, ample lighting
5. Include flooring that is easy to clean
6. Add more electrical outlets
7. Add a walk-in door

What are the most cost-effective garage updates?

With garage updates, like any home update, you want to get the most bang for the buck, and these are what real estate professionals recommend: 

• STORAGE: From vehicles and crates to lawnmowers and sports equipment, a garage can get crowded fast. But with a well-planned storage system, you have more footage available than you realize. Go vertical and don’t forget the ceiling has ample storage with hooks. 
• INSULATION: Garage updates that include insulation are not overkilling! There are many benefits that you aren’t realizing, but not only will your car be protected, but all the stuff you’re storing will be safer too. 
• ELECTRICAL: In a garage, updates with more electrical outlets is never going to be a waste.  
• FLOORING: If your garage concrete flooring is cracked, crumbling, and stained, fix it up! Clean it, patch cracks and holes, and consider applying paint or sealer. Waterproofing the garage floor is a huge improvement that will bring a good ROI.
• DOOR: An updated garage door is the most effective improvement to the curb appeal of your home, and it doesn’t have to be the most expensive door!