Tom Porter
10-28-2017, 9:36 AM
This isn't actually a workshop question but it seemed the best forum for it nevertheless. I'm building a mudroom in my garage and in a few weeks, I'll be installing whatever flooring I decide to use. I could use some advice on what I should consider. It's a small area, about 60 square feet, and the subfloor is a concrete ramp. I need something that will handle a fair amount of abuse and it needs to be as low profile as possible. The ramp was installed when the house was built to facilitate my wife's electric wheelchair. I need to keep the profile down so it is not more difficult for the wheelchair, so the underlayment requirements need to be considered. For instance, I can't put in something that requires a 1/2" OSB subfloor that would raise the height of the complete floor an inch or more as it will create quite a lip at the entry point. If I have to, I could probably install a transition to deal with this but that's plan B if I have a choice.
I haven't given a great deal of thought to what would be best. Just a little investigation on the web. It needs to be something I can install myself with little experience (though I have done tile, which is an option). Durability and ease of care are important. Looks and cost are areas where I can compromise a bit; we may end up with a rug to cover much of it to cut down on rainwater and mud in the house from the wheelchair and while cost is a factor, it's a small area, so there's wiggle room there.
Any advice on what I should be looking at would be appreciated, as would comments about installation or anything else you think relevant. I'll likely talk to someone at one of the big stores but am always a little wary of those who may be more interested in selling me what's best for them and not me.
I haven't given a great deal of thought to what would be best. Just a little investigation on the web. It needs to be something I can install myself with little experience (though I have done tile, which is an option). Durability and ease of care are important. Looks and cost are areas where I can compromise a bit; we may end up with a rug to cover much of it to cut down on rainwater and mud in the house from the wheelchair and while cost is a factor, it's a small area, so there's wiggle room there.
Any advice on what I should be looking at would be appreciated, as would comments about installation or anything else you think relevant. I'll likely talk to someone at one of the big stores but am always a little wary of those who may be more interested in selling me what's best for them and not me.