Modular Tiles vs. One-Piece Mats - Which Fits Your Needs?
Related Product: G-Floor Coin Tread Garage Floor Roll 1.9 mm x 8.6x24 Ft.
The Difference Between Garage Floor Tiles and Mats
In this garage flooring comparison, we’ll look at the pros and cons of one-piece mats and modular tiles to help you make a well-informed choice when you’re ready to buy your flooring. Here’s how these flooring types compare when it comes to essential features and common installations.Modular Interlocking Tiles
Many homeowners choose modular interlocking tiles for their garage flooring, since the tiles offer many benefits.
Ease of Installation
Modular tiles are a great choice for spaces like garages because of how easily you can transport and install them. Most of our tiles measure 1x1 or 2x2 feet, so a single person can handle the entire installation. For example, the TurboTile Perforated Garage Floor Tile measures 1x1 feet, and each tile weighs just 1 pound, so you can easily maneuver and install them in a smaller space like a garage.
Modular tiles interlock together easily, creating a secure connection that won’t pull apart during use. The Smooth Top PVC Interlocking Tile features puzzle-style edges that easily fit together, so the installation process is quick and simple. Other tiles feature hook and loop edges that are equally easy to work with. Installing these tiles is as simple as aligning the tiles, connecting the edges, and laying them in place.
Design Options
Working with tiles has other advantages, too. If you order tiles in multiple colors, you can create eye-catching patterns or use the tile colors to delineate certain areas in your garage. The Warehouse Floor Coin PVC Tile is available in black or grey, which makes for a professional-looking and beautiful finish in your garage.
When you’re working with tiles, you have the added benefit of being able to remove and replace those tiles if needed. If your garage floods, you can uninstall the tiles to let the floor dry out. If a single tile becomes worn or damaged, you can replace that one tile without having to replace a larger section of your floor, which helps to keep your costs down.
Durability
Many of our modular tiles are highly durable. The Interlocking Rubber Tile Gmats is crafted of rubber that can withstand significant impacts. It’s also strong enough to support the weight of exercise equipment, ideal if you’re converting your garage into a home gym. This tile is backed by a five-year manufacturer's warranty, a testament to its durability.
Safety
Modular tiles designed for use in a garage also help maximize your safety when you use the space. Many tiles have surface textures designed to help maximize traction, preventing slips and falls. Some tiles, like the TurboTile Perforated Garage Floor, have perforations to channel liquids away, contributing to a safer surface.
Pros:
- Easy to transport and install
- Available in several materials, such as plastic, PVC, and rubber
- Suitable for wall-to-wall and large installations
- Can replace just one tile if it becomes worn or stained
- Border ramps are available for finished installations
- Can be easily removed if needed
Cons:
- Tend to cost more per square foot than mats
Garage Mats
In certain situations, using garage mats may make more sense than tiles.
Installation
Roll out mats are often very easy to install, and they can be dry-laid in many situations. When you dry lay a mat, the DIY installation is as simple as unrolling the mat and placing it into its location. In some situations, such as when you’re going to be placing significant amounts of weight on mats, a glue-down installation is recommended, which gives you less flexibility in terms of removing the mats in the future.
While modular tiles are very easy to transport, roll out mats are larger and heavier, so you may need a second person to help you get the mats into place. Once they’re in place, though, that weight can help keep them from shifting.
Design Options
You’ll have fewer design options with roll out mats than with modular tiles. Most mats are available in black, but some options, like the G-Floor Coin Tread Garage Floor Roll, are available in three color options, giving you more choices.
Durability
Many flooring rolls are highly durable. For example, the Rolled Rubber Pacific flooring is a rubber roll that’s strong enough to support the weight of gym and athletic equipment. This roll is backed by a five-year manufacturer's warranty. It’s also one of the more economical options available.
Safety
Many of these products are waterproof and designed to contribute extra safety to your garage. For example, the G-Floor Lite Diamond Tread Garage Floor Roll features a slip-resistant diamond top surface to maximize traction. It’s also resistant to corrosive spills, making it a durable choice.
Similarly, the G-Floor Ribbed Tread Vinyl Multipurpose Roll is waterproof and slip-resistant, thanks to the ribbed texture. It’s also easy to clean and can withstand exposure to mud, salt, antifreeze, oils, and battery acid.
Pros:
- Tends to cost less per square foot than modular tiles
- Available in rubber and vinyl
- Available with desirable features, like waterproof designs and extra traction
- Easy to cut to fit your space
- Can be easily removed if needed
Cons:
- Larger rolls are heavy and are more difficult to transport
- Needs to be glued down in certain instances
Choosing Between Garage Floor Tiles and Mats
Whether garage floor tiles or mats make the most sense will depend on the project you’re planning, your budget, the type of installation you’re planning, and any other flooring features that are most important to you. When comparing tiles vs mats, consider the common traits of each, as well as the unique features you’ll find in individual flooring products.Contact Greatmats with any questions. Our customer service team is happy to help you evaluate your flooring ideas as you plan to upgrade your garage or other space.