OT garage floor...

[Young Ed]

The concrete must be "fully" cured, about 4-6 months. Concrete does not fully cure for many years.

I think I read somewhere that concrete never fully cures.

[busycoupe]

When I had a garage built in 2004 I lucked out on letting the floor "cure". The contractor put in the foundation and floor in the fall, then waited until spring to build the garage. By the time I painted the floor with epoxy paint the concrete had been setting for 6 months. I etched the floor with muriatic acid then painted it with 2 part epoxy. ( I think it was made by California paints ) The paint held up great, it did not lift or scratch for the six years I owned the garage. The only thing that I wish I had done was that I should have used some anti-skid chips in the finish. The gloss epoxy paint would get treacherously slippery when it was wet.

Good luck with your garage floor.

Dave

[knighthawk]

I 've had garage floors done in Wisc and Kansas, in both places they 'cut' the expansion cracks. Once, I used the fiberglass stuff, was real fuzzy for a long time....but here in Texas, they poured it a little thicker, gravel base ( to level the ground ), plastic and re-bar, a 'harder mix, and no cuts ! They don't beleive in that here ! They just add a 12'' X 12'' beam, or strip of concrete across under the center of the floor, from left to right , and garrantee it will not not crack. Mine is a 30 x 30 , and its only been about 6 months now, but no cracks yet

[John Reddie]

Don Jordan,

This will be a really nice garage. You will be pleased with for sure:).

John R

[Don Jordan]

Thank you very much. I'm told by the contractor that it should be finished in February. I believe I will wait some time before painting anything. Then my big present will be a four post lift. Then I can die a happy man.

[Plymouthy Adams]

mention me in your will if you plan on kicking off early...lol a man needs a shop for certain..glad you finally getting your dream..

[Bingster]

I'm looking at putting in a garage floor as well. Pretty near your size area. I'd be curious to know how many bids you got and how much this cost. What was the spread between lowest and highest?

[Dennis_MN]

I had a contractor pour on a Rustoleam epoxy floor coating in my garage about 6 years ago. I looked at the kits that Home Depot carried and this was a two part epoxy that you rolled on and it came with a small bag of colored chips. I decided that I didn't want to do it my self so I hired a contractor through Home Depot.

Their first step was to grind off my old coating with a diamond scrubbing wheel.

Next they added a coating of epoxy then they let that dry and then came back the next day and added a new coat, then they added the color chips. I think they added a five gallon pail of chips and spread them evenly across the entire floor. Then they came back the next day and vacuumed up the loose chips. I think they got about a gallon of chips. Then they poured a thick coating of epoxy over the top of the chips and left that sit for two or three days before driving on it.

I tore the front end of my truck off on this surface and created an gosh awlfull mess of 60 years worth of grease and dirt on the floor. We even welded frame ends on while it was jacked up in the air. After I put the truck back together and got it out of the garage, the floor cleaned up with dish soap. My neighbor couldn't believe it. Last year I changed the rear end and created another mess and it cleaned right up again.

I can add pictures later if needed, anyway, I'd recommend a properly installed Rustoleam any time.

dennis

[Don Jordan]

I originally went to a place called Tuff Shed. I don't know if they are national. They gave me a quote of $25,000 for a 24' x 24' garage. They stalled around and after about 6 months of no progress I went to the Ace hardware in town and asked the owner if he could recommend a contractor.

Called the guy and got a bid for $45,000. Yikes!!! But he was going to so much more. He put in a retaining wall, a good foundation, and he is going to do all the wiring. It's a little expensive but I like his work so I guess it's worth it for peace of mind. Like he told me if there is ever an earthquake run into the garage - it will last longer than the house.

It's supposed to be complete in February then I will put down what ever floor covering I think I can do by myself.

It's only money - I've got no kids - might as well enjoy it while I can.

[John Reddie]

Don,

I remember back in the early "80's a two car garage was built near my home (MA) and the cost was $25,000 so with the rising rates of everything over the past 30 years and the work that you are having done, I'd say you are getting a good deal. I am sure you won't regret it when it is finished. Best of luck.

John R