Garage Floor Protection/Mats

[Asbjorn]

We are preparing to move and the rental we are going into is a brand new build. As such, the garage floor is spotless, and any stains, damage, etc. will obviously be my fault. So…I’m looking into non-permanent garage floor protection. So far, I’m just thinking about some rubber mats. Home Depot sells some that are 10’ wide, sold by the linear foot.

Anyone use anything like this, or have suggestions?

 

[SLC97SR5]

That would work or carpet remnants may be less expensive.

Is painting the floor with floor paint an option and then re-paint when you leave?

 

[Mouse]

In all my years renting while stationed everywhere for the military (even in some new rental homes) the garages were never inspected. With that said, I always cleaned them, especially grinding dust etc. When I welded, I was careful to put something over the floor to prevent burn marks. Still, no inspections, but I left them clean.

 

[Asbjorn]

That would work or carpet remnants may be less expensive.

Is painting the floor with floor paint an option and then re-paint when you leave?

Painting is out, I believe. It’s currently bare concrete.

I’m worried that an oil spill/leak would make its way through the carpet and onto the concrete. I’m planning to park the buggy in the garage, and it’ll undoubtedly drop one or more fluids.

 

[Asbjorn]

In all my years renting while stationed everywhere for the military (even in some new rental homes) the garages were never inspected. With that said, I always cleaned them, especially grinding dust etc. When I welded, I was careful to put something over the floor to prevent burn marks. Still, no inspections, but I left them clean.

I would hope that oil drips, etc. would be expected in the garage, but I’d rather play it safe. Yes, I plan to leave it clean when we move out, and take precaution in the meantime to keep it as close to new as it was when we move in.

 

[Greg]

How about a couple large drip pans placed under the buggy? You could add some oil absorbent pads in them to contain any fluids and make cleanup simple.

 

[Asbjorn]

How about a couple large drip pans placed under the buggy? You could add some oil absorbent pads in them to contain any fluids and make cleanup simple.

Drip pans are definitely going to be under the buggy. But I want some larger protection under and around for all of the other work I’m doing where oil tends to drip (i.e. cutting oil under the drill press, misc greasy jobs, etc.)

 

[ID Bronco]

Maybe stall mats for horses?

 

[Hickey]

I'd treat it with concrete sealer and get those mats. They won't really notice the sealer, and it will give you a little time to mop up a spill.

 

[Asbjorn]

Maybe stall mats for horses?

I had to go to Tractor Supply this evening and was looking at them while I was there. Their size is a deterrent - I’d need a bunch of them and I’d be worried about spills getting in between and underneath.

 

[Asbjorn]

I'd treat it with concrete sealer and get those mats. They won't really notice the sealer, and it will give you a little time to mop up a spill.

The sealer is a good idea. Maybe I can sell it to the owner as an improvement and get a little bit of credit towards rent one month!

 

[Kiel]

Sealer, cover with plastic

 

[Hickey]

Sealer, cover with plastic, call Dexter

Fify

 

[Tonkaman]

I use pipe machines over brand new concrete in buildings all the time. We lay down a layer of plastic sheeting, Then lay down layers of ram board and tape the seams. Super simple, cheap, and effective

 

[Asbjorn]

Case in point - just spilled 2 gallons of coolant all over the garage floor out of sheer stupidity.