Finishing your garage can elevate it from a basic storage space to a functional, polished extension of your home. Whether you want to create a workshop, a home gym, or simply increase the value and comfort of your home, focusing on your garage flooring, drywall, and painting is essential to this often overlooked space. Here’s Tomms guide to transforming your garage into a space you can feel good about using!
1. The Right Garage Flooring Options
Garage flooring takes a lot of abuse from cars, tools, and temperature fluctuations in the Midwest. Choosing the right material ensures durability and an attractive finish for years to come.
- Epoxy Garage Flooring: This is one of the more popular choices for garage flooring. It’s durable, chemical-resistant, and provides a sleek, polished look. Epoxy comes in various colors and can even be finished with decorative flakes to create an attractive floor.
- Interlocking Garage Tiles: These are easy to install and come in various patterns and colors. They’re great for DIYers and allow for future adjustments if you change your mind at any point where Epoxy is harder to change.
- Concrete Sealer or Stain: If you prefer to maintain the natural look of concrete, sealing or staining it can offer protection while giving the floor a subtle sheen or color for years to come.
Tomms Tip: Before applying any garage floor finish, make sure the surface is clean and free of cracks or oil stains.
2. Installing Drywall for a Cleaner Garage Look
Bare studs and insulation doesn’t give your garage that “finished.” Adding drywall is an important step for a cleaner, more organized garage look.
- Choosing the Right Drywall for Garages: Use moisture-resistant drywall, especially if your garage is prone to humidity (we recommend this to all our customers as it’s the most durable). For added durability, consider impact-resistant drywall.
- Drywall Installation Tips: If you’re not experienced with drywall, it’s worth hiring a professional to ensure proper seams, taping, and mudding. This will result in a smoother, cleaner surface ready for painting so you can complete your garage.
Tip: Don’t forget to install insulation behind the drywall to help regulate the temperature and improve energy efficiency. This is important if you live anywhere in the Twin Cities and are used to the fluctuations in temperature. As cold as it gets in the Midwest, adding insulation will help improve your garage temperature greatly.
3. Picking High Quality Paint for Your Garage
Paint is the finishing touch that can make your garage feel like a part of your home rather than an ugly storage space.
- Wall Color: Light colors can make the space feel larger and more inviting. However, darker colors can hide dirt and scuffs better, especially in high-traffic areas. This is totally up to the customer as everyone has a different feel they’re going for in this space.
- Garage Paint Type: Make sure to use an interior/exterior-grade paint with a semi-gloss or satin finish. These finishes are easier to clean and more resistant to moisture and stains. After all garage walls tend to get more wear and tear throughout the years as opposed to other spaces in the home.
- Ceiling Paint: Don’t forget your ceiling! A bright white ceiling can reflect light and make the space feel brighter.
Tip: Consider adding an accent wall or stripes for a personalized touch. This is especially effective if you plan to use the garage as a home gym or workshop.
4. Final Touches to Finishing Your Garage
Once you’ve completed the flooring, drywall, and painting, it’s time to add the final details:
- Baseboards or Trim: These can give the garage a more finished look and help protect walls from scuff marks.
- Garage Lighting: The right lighting here can dramatically improve visibility and give the garage a modern feel.
- Garage Storage Solutions: Wall-mounted shelves, cabinets, or pegboards can help you keep the space organized and clutter-free.
- Adding Windows: Some of our customers like to add windows to invite natural light into the garage. This is another great way to make this space feel more like your home and less like a garage!
Finishing your garage with the right flooring, drywall, and paint can transform it into a versatile, polished space. With careful planning and attention to detail, you’ll create a garage that’s functional, stylish, and ready to handle anything you throw its way. If you’re in the Minneapolis or Twin Cities area and need help with your garage project, contact the realiable pros with Tomms at 952-900-3465 or visit us at www.calltomms.com to get started today!
