Get matched with top epoxy flooring pros in Fremont, NC

Whether it's better to stain or paint concrete depends on your budget, desired aesthetic, and DIY skill level. Generally, staining is a more durable option because the stain soaks into the concrete's surface and won't wear away like a topical paint coating. Painting concrete can trap moisture underneath the paint layer, which may cause the concrete to deteriorate over time. However, concrete paint offers a wider variety of colors, is typically easier and less expensive to apply, and is effective at covering up existing stains or blemishes on the surface.

When you are laying hardwood flooring—or any other material that does not flex well with humidity—you will want to check the moisture level of your subfloor before proceeding. Flooring like luxury vinyl tile and bamboo performs better than more rigid materials in environments where moisture might be present. However, thorough testing is always an excellent preventative measure to control and monitor water in your home.

Most garage floor paints are epoxy-based and available in DIY kits. One-part epoxies are simpler to apply than two-part epoxies, which have a more involved process. Sometimes, people also use latex-based paint because it’s easier to clean up mistakes with soap and water. Either way, make sure your paint is specifically designed for concrete garage floors. It should say so on the label.

Other garage floor concrete sealers besides epoxy include solvent-based acrylic and polyacrylic sealers, quick-drying polymer or polyurethane sealers, and scratch-resistant polyurea floor coatings that are ideal for exterior applications. These sealants come in basic clear forms and more decorative options, varying in price accordingly.