The garage is just a place for parking your car; it also doubles up as a workshop where you can handle all your DIY projects. That means that the floor can get extremely dirty from oil spills, moisture, and debris.
Now, all that dirt and oil is an eyesore, but above all, it can be a safety hazard. That is why you may want to get yourself the best garage mats to take care of all that as well as keep your space aesthetically pleasing.
The thing though is that these mats do not mix and match well so you need to be extra careful when shopping. Of course, choosing the perfect mats for your garage floor may be confusing and overwhelming, and this is where this guide comes in handy.
If you need some help with your purchase, read on. There is a wealth of information here for you.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table of Best Garage Mats
Before we get into it, perhaps you would like to know that this guide is going to be quite comprehensive and that translates to a lot of text for you to read. If that doesn’t sound like something you would be interested to do, here is a comparison table for you that summarizes our top picks.
Rank | Product Name | Types | Country of Origin |
1 | Armor All Garage Floor Mat | Absorbent Fabric & Waterproof Backing Mat (carpet-like look) | USA |
2 | G-Floor Pure Polyvinyl Ribbed Garage Floor Mat | 100% Polyvinyl Mat | USA |
3 | LINLA Premium Washable Reusable Absorbent Garage Floor Mat | Absorbent Fabric Mat | – |
4 | TruContain Garage Containment Mat | Polyvinyl Chloride Mat | USA |
5 | GarageTrac Durable Interlocking Modular Garage Flooring Tile | – | USA |
6 | IncStores Standard-Grade Nitro Roll Garage Floor Mat | 100% Polyvinyl Mat | USA |
7 | Drymate Waterproof Garage Floor Protector | Polyester Fiber Mat (80% Recycled Fibers) | USA |
8 | Auto Care Products Heavy Duty Vinyl Garage Mat | Vinyl Mat | USA |
9 | Rubber-Cal Diamond Plate Rubber Flooring Rolls | Rubber Mat | – |
10 | Guardian Golden Series Chevron Wiper Floor Mat | Vinyl and Polypropylene Mat | USA |
Benefits of Using Garage Floor Mats
What do you stand to gain when using garage floor mats? Here are some of the benefits you can expect.
Durability
Garage floor mats can considerably add to the longevity of your flooring. This is particularly beneficial since garages are more prone to wear than any of the other surfaces in your home. Your garage floor has to bear the weight of your vehicles as well as oil spills from the same vehicle.
By using garage floor covering, you increase the longevity of your floor.
Stain Resistance
As a car owner, you know that it is common for different substances and chemicals to find their way to your garage’s floor and this can cause staining which is an eyesore. Garage containment mats protect your floor from such stains and maintain the appearance of your garage.
Increased Safety
Injuries are common in garages and that’s mainly because of oil spillages that can cause falls, trips, and slips. Garage floor mats help in evening out uneven floor surfaces as well to prevent tripping and they can even considerably improve the general comfort of your garage.
Cost-Effectiveness
Having garage floor covering is a cost-effective project and it can help in improving the value of your garage as well as extend its life. Since it can also prevent damage, it also eliminates repair expenses.
Cleaning Ease
It becomes easier to clean your garage floor when you have covering installed. That is because you will find it easier to remove grime and spills from the floor. Again, this reduces the amount of time that you need to put in when it comes to maintaining your garage’s floor.
Easy Installation
Most of the coverings available for garage flooring are easy to install. As such, you won’t have an excuse not to enjoy all the benefits that come with garage floor mats simply because of a difficult installation process.
The Best Garage Floor Mats in Review:
Here are some of the top choices when it comes to the perfect garage floor mats. It should be easier for you to pick after going through them.
1. Armor All AAGFMC17 Garage Floor Mat
This product is from the Armor stable and it features first on our list because it is a sturdy, all-weather, full-garage mat. This means that it can withstand extreme weather conditions and all the foot traffic and weight of your car or cars.
Aside from that, it comes with a non-skid base to guarantee your safety while in the garage. You never have to worry about slipping with this mat. The mat also does a good job of wicking fluids and moisture away.
What we loved most about it though is that it is aesthetically appealing and is easy to clean making it the perfect choice for the busy individual.
Pros
- It is aesthetically appealing
- Built for longevity
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The mat wrinkles during shipping
2. G-Floor Ribbed Garage Floor Mat
If you are looking for garage floor covering that can be installed over wood sub-floors or concrete with or without adhesive to help safeguard your garage floor as well as hide stains and cracks, this mat makes a perfect choice.
It comes in a parallel channel design that covers the length of the mat to contain debris and moisture for easy cleanup with a damp mop or broom. You will also realize that that the mat is easy to install since all you have to do is roll it out and trim to get a custom fit.
Just like the previous mat, this one is also waterproof, but what we loved most about it is that it is versatile and can be used in other applications.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Great traction
- Multifunctional
Cons
- The surface becomes slippery when wet
3. LINLA Premium Garage Floor Mat
This particular mat is crafted from absorbent non-woven fabric that is absorbent and damp-proof. Therefore, whether there are oil or water spills in your garage, they will not seep through to your garage’s floor.
Another thing about this mat is that it is versatile and can therefore be used in a workshop, parking floor, or even driveway. It also has an anti-slip backing that helps keep it securely in place and that guarantees your safety while in the garage.
We love that it is multi-functional as well seeing as it can be used for putting under lawnmowers, gardening tools, and garbage cans.
Pros
- Versatile
- Comes with a waterproof layer
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- The product description could be clearer
4. TruContain Garage Floor Containment Mat
Having slush, ice, and snow on the floor of your garage is not just messy, it is also a safety hazard. You will love this garage containment mat from TruContain can collect and contain all of that just as its name suggests. This is because it comes with a textured surface with thick raised edges.
Now, this one may not have as much traction as the others that we have covered, but it makes up for that by coming with a squeegee for eliminating any moisture that may be on the surface.
Moving away from that, this mat is built with durability in mind so you can be sure that it can withstand all the abuse likely to happen in your garage to give you years of service. We love that about it.
However, the surface of this mat tends to get slippery on the surface so it may not be the best choice for covering your garage’s entire floor. Some users have also complained that the mat bunches up when parking the car.
Pros
- Built for longevity
- It comes with a squeegee for easy cleanup
- Effectively contains liquids
Cons
- The surface tends to get slippery
5. GarageTrac Diamond Interlocking Garage Flooring Tile
If you are in the market for garage flooring that looks appealing, then you have to consider this option from GarageTrac. It is also easy to install and clean hence giving you a hassle-free time when you need to do those tasks.
Apart from that, these tiles come in different colors making it easy to achieve custom results just by alternating them.
That said; this kind of floor covering is not designed to withstand heavy-duty use as some users have complained that heavier vehicles tend to leave tracks and dents on the tiles so if you are looking for something that will deliver heavy-duty performance, this will not be it.
Pros
- Can easily be cleaned
- Has an appealing and customizable appearance,
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Can be quite expensive for larger garages
6. IncStores Standard-Grade Garage Floor Mat
You certainly want to give this product a chance if what you want is a conventional garage floor mat that you will simply roll out and be ready to go. What’s more, this one comes in various colors and sizes meaning you get to personalize your garage as much as you want to.
The other thing about this mat is that it is slip-resistant and waterproof thus you won’t have to worry about shifting or spills seeping through to your floor.
It comes in a textured pattern that provides a smooth surface for cabinets or chairs on wheels and we believe you will love that about it.
Pros
- Slip-resistant
- Waterproof
- Comes in different colors
Cons
- Doesn’t come with user instructions
7. Drymate Maintenance Garage Floor Protector
If your only concern is vehicle fluids getting to the floor of your garage, then all you need is a mat placed under the vehicle. This mat from DryMate saps moisture effectively while absorbing oil and any other fluids that may find their way to your floor.
It is made from polyester hence durable and can be cleaned simply by scrubbing with soapy water and hosing it off. The mat also comes with an anti-slip backing that keeps it from shifting thus making your garage visits safer.
Nevertheless, the mat doesn’t come with enough cushioning so your knees may suffer from the hardness that is your floor’s surface as you do repair work.
Pros
- Reasonably-priced
- Great absorbency
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Could use more cushioning
8. Auto Care Products 70718 Heavy Duty Garage Mat
With this unit, you get to catch every drop of grime, slush, or mud. You, therefore, get to keep your home and garage safe and clean. It also features sturdy snap-on edges that are quick and easy to install.
You can also rest assured that there will be no slips or falls in your garage when you have this mat installed in your garage since it has anti-slip backing.
We love that it comes with a three-year warranty as well but that’s probably because it is not as durable judging from user reviews.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Non-slip
- Value for money
Cons
- Not as durable
9. Rubber-Cal Rubber Flooring Rolls
From Rubber-Cal’s stable, we have this unit that not only comes with great traction but is easy to clean as well. Looking at it, it also features a bit of cushioning which will come in handy when you need to lie or kneel down.
You also cannot fail to notice that it is aesthetically appealing and that it comes at a reasonable price thus giving you value for money. What we are concerned about though is that the product comes in weak packaging such that some users have complained about receiving open packages.
Pros
- Offers value for money
- Comes in a stylish look
- Has cushioning to protect against breakage and shock
Cons
- The packaging could be better
10. Guardian Vinyl and Polypropylene Floor Mat for Garage
This floor mat will absorb spillages effectively and as if that is not enough, it dries up quite fast. It also traps moisture and dirt from your shoes thus keeping your garage cleaner.
It also features a heavy-duty vinyl base that offers great traction to prevent slipping. We love that it can be used on both hard surface and low pile carpet floors as well.
However, its edges do not lie flat which can be a safety hazard as it can cause tripping.
Pros
- Built for durability
- Traps dirt effectively
- Quick-drying
Cons
- Edges do not lie flat
Buying Guide: What to Consider When Buying Garage Floor Mats
We assume you want to get value for your money when you buy garage floor mats. In that regard, you want to ensure that you pick carefully. You can do that by considering some factors before making your purchase. These include:
Durability
For anyone purchasing anything, durability is a major factor to consider. Your garage floor mats are no exception. The last thing you want is to buy garage floor matting that will fall apart right under your feet within a few days or weeks.
You want to keep in mind that cars are heavy and so are tools. There are also harsh substances like automotive fluid that will often get on your garage’s floor. When that happens, you want to have a durable mat in place that can bear your car’s weight as well as withstand the harshness of such substances.
Texture
Conventional garage tiles are quite noisy when walked on. Although this is sort of a personal preference, it is a deal-breaker for some people. Of course, there are some things you can do to tone down the noise like underlayment but they cannot match the quietness that comes with garage floor mats.
Even flooring options like epoxy come with a certain level of loudness. The thing is that when you drop things on harder surfaces, a lot of noise is produced. Therefore, the softer your floor mat, the quieter it will be.
Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want their garage looking its best? Some people will claim that they only care about functionality but the truth is that a good-looking garage facilitates productivity and increases the value of your property in case you want to sell.
Maintenance
We bet you don’t want to spend more time than you should cleaning your garage floor. With all the mud, dirt, grime, and ice that is likely to be on your floor, scrubbing your mat can take a lot of time and effort.
In that regard, you want to get a mat that comes with an easy cleaning process so that you do not spend too much time on maintenance or exert too much effort.
Top 6 Garage Floor Covering Options
Now that you know what garage floor mat options are available and a buying guide at hand, why don’t we introduce you to some of the most popular garage floor covering options in the market?
1. Garage Floor Mats
These are some of the most affordable flooring options that are simply purchased and rolled out on the floor therefore extremely easy to install. You may also want to note that they do not need to be fixed using adhesive.
The main downside when it comes to garage floor mats is that they allow imperfections on your garage floor to show.
2. Garage Floor Tiles
These can be compared to the regular tiles used in houses and commercial establishments. They are simple to work with and come in an array of options that allow you to get creative with your garage floor. Some tiling options like the interlocking ones do not need to be installed using adhesive.
However, this flooring option can turn out to be costly especially if you are looking to cover a large space.
3. Garage Floor Paint
This flooring option is applied to your garage’s floor just as paint is applied on walls. It is a cost-effective option and it can prevent oil spills and automotive fluids from damaging your garage floor. However, garage floor paint can come off when cleaning and it does tend to peel off on its own over time.
4. Epoxy Garage Floor Coatings
When it comes to epoxy coating, it is a reasonably-priced option but only when installed correctly. It is also quite durable, waterproof, and easy to clean. That said, this kind of covering does not perform well in damp areas simply because the coating will not adhere.
5. Concrete Stain
This is one of the most budget-friendly options when it comes to garage flooring options. It comes in different colors and is easy to apply. What’s more, the stain sinks into concrete hence less floor prep is required.
The main concern with this option is that installation can be time-consuming.
6. Concrete Sealers
This kind of floor cover is worthwhile and necessary and you will be doing yourself a huge favor by using it. This additional layer of protection prevents concrete from absorbing moisture that can ultimately destroy your garage floor.
However, it is prone to breaking and cracking so you may want to consider that before settling for concrete sealers.
FAQs About Garage Floor Mats
Here are some commonly asked questions about garage floor mats that we thought could be of help.
Are Garage Floor Mats Worth It?
Yes, they are. This is because they protect your garage’s floor from damage and staining that may be caused by oil spills and automotive fluids, as well as mud and dirt from outside.
What’s the best covering for a garage floor?
There are many great options but that depends on what you want. For instance, if you want less noise, go for a soft covering, and if you prefer durability and ease of cleaning go for a rubber one.
Is a rubber floor good for a garage?
Yes, it is. That is because the material is easy to clean, non-slip, and durable.
What Is the Best Color for Garage Floors?
This depends on what you prefer, but you want to keep in mind that darker colors tend to conceal skid marks and oils stains better while lighter colors make your space appear bigger.
How much do garage floor mats cost?
This depends on the quality and brand. Generally, if the quality is not as high or from a renowned brand, the price tends to be cheaper. High-end brands typically produce high-quality mats that they sell at a higher price.
Our Top Pick
Having analyzed all the products on our list, we have chosen the Armor All AAGFMC17 Garage Floor Mat as our top pick.
We arrived at that decision because this piece is not only durable but waterproof as well, meaning that it will not fall apart easily due to your car’s weight or any harsh substances that may spill on it. It also comes with an anti-slip base that keeps it in place and prevents accidents.
We love that it is easy to clean as well thus saving you time and effort. Ultimately, this is one of the best floor mats for cars.
Conclusion
Garage floor mats offer a great way of protecting your garage’s floor from damage and staining. They make a great option if you are looking to cover parts of your floor rather than the entire thing. They are also easy to install and remove.
Mats are also affordable compared to other flooring options hence making a great temporary solution for those who want to protect their floors before major renovations or house sales. The best garage floor mat for cars will certainly help keep your floor in good condition and clean without breaking the bank.
With this guide at your disposal, picking the perfect one should not be a problem.