The Garage Flooring Choice That Can Hurt Your Home's Resale Value

Installing the right flooring throughout your home is important in terms of both aesthetics and practicality. For example, while carpeting might be more comfortable in bedrooms, it's not ideal in high-traffic areas such as hallways or entryways. When it comes to a garage, you might assume that the right flooring options don't matter as much as those inside of your home so long as the material is safe and functional. This is why some people might install laminate in a garage. But while laminate might seem functional in a garage, it should be avoided due to potential damage as well as problems with your home's resale value.

Laminate flooring is a synthetic material composed of multiple layers of fiberboard and resin. Modern-day laminate is said to be more durable compared to those from previous decades, and some styles can mimic the appearance of hardwood without the high cost. As such, it can make for an affordable addition to areas that sustain a lot of wear-and-tear, such as playrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. 

A garage isn't the ideal place to install laminate flooring, though. What's more, if you plan to sell your home at any point in the near future, know that prospective buyers aren't as keen on laminate flooring in homes more generally. If a buyer is interested in your home but doesn't like your garage flooring, they might consider replacement costs when making you an offer. These are all important considerations before installing laminate flooring, or if you're prepping your home for a potential sale and want to consider upgrading your garage floor beforehand.

Laminate flooring isn't a good choice for garages because exposure to moisture can make the material warp and peel over time. The exact return on investment (ROI) of laminate garage flooring is unclear, and it can depend on a variety of factors such as where you live. Overall, though, laminate doesn't have as high an ROI as more expensive and higher quality flooring. 

Another consideration is the current state of the material, as the resale value of your home may look even less favorable if your old laminate floors are already damaged due to water and overall wear and tear in a garage setting. Some flooring professionals estimate a 65% maximum ROI of laminate flooring, but it must be in great condition. Given the harsh environment of the average garage, such an ROI may be unlikely.

Overall, hardwood flooring is still the most popular option for inside the home. It also has the best return on investment (ROI), which the National Association of Realtors estimates as between 70% and 80%. Higher-quality laminate may be desirable in rental homes due to its low cost, but people who are looking to buy a family home are more likely to prefer one with a luxurious flooring material. While the data concerning garage flooring isn't as clear, we do know that laminate isn't as popular for homes in general and isn't the most practical option for a garage.

As an alternative to laminate, polished concrete stands out as one of the best flooring options to consider for your garage. In fact, concrete is the most popular garage flooring material because it can hold up against the weight of vehicles and other heavy items you store in this space. The polishing process adds another layer of protection against stains from dirt, oil, grass, and other common garage messes. It's safe to assume that a clean-looking garage floor will impress prospective buyers more than worn laminate flooring.

While prospective homebuyers might prefer polished concrete garage flooring, some people still want to add an extra layer of protection and comfort. Rather than covering the concrete with laminate, though, consider removable rubber mats or tiles as an alternative. These can further protect your floors and be more comfortable to move around on while you work in your garage, while not being permanent fixtures you have to worry about when it comes time to sell your home. As a bonus, mats and interlocking tiles come in a variety of different styles if you're looking to add some character to your garage.