Maker

A SOLID FLOOR

The first order of business after the workshop shell was complete was to install the floor. There are three general options: coatings, mats, and tile. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Most common and least expensive are coatings. There are several types of coating available for concrete floors, including epoxy, polyurethane, and latex.

Epoxy paint is probably the most widely applied form of floor coating. Epoxy forms a hard, durable surface and bonds solidly to a correctly prepared surface. Because floor coating provides no cushioning, it can be hard on feet and legs. Also, it doesn’t last forever: expect to recoat the floor every five years or so.

Polyurethane coatings are also very durable, and they resist chemical spills better than epoxy. But urethanes do not bond directly to concrete, so an epoxy primer coat is required.

Latex garage paint is widely available and inexpensive. It goes on easily and doesn’t require the prep work associated with epoxies and urethanes. However, it is less durable.

PVC floor protection mats are another option.

They protect the porous concrete floor from staining or corrosive chemicals such as oil, paint, or acid. Mats are typically simple to install, requiring only scissors. Importantly, they add a cushioning layer above the hard concrete.

Special-purpose vinyl tile is the premier flooring option for workshops and garages, and that’s what I installed in the Barrage Garage. These floor tiles, from Swisstrax ( swisstrax.com), snapped together firmly and were easily installed without special tools.

Tile handles heavy loads and high traffic. It resists damage caused by chemicals, and it’s far more comfortable to stand on than concrete. But best of all is tile’s ability to transform a humdrum workshop into a great-looking space.

Tiles come in a wide variety of colors, which allowed me to create my own floor design and inspired me to echo the floor colors on the walls and window trim, and in a cool wall-mounted atomic ball clock and coat rack inspired by George Nelson (see CRAFT magazine, Volume 01, page 135). Now that’s a workspace designed to inspire a maker!

William Gurstelle is a MAKE contributing editor.

36 Make: Volume 12