Race Deck vs the other guys

[Topdwnz]

Hi. I have read numerous posts concerning RD flooring. RD seems to be very customer service oriented which is very appealing. I am planning on purchasing a new garage floor, about 420 sq.ft. I have been on both the Race Deck and Big Floors website. Both are excellent.

Can anyone fron Race Deck tell me a few things?

What is the GJ discount if I purchase through you? Do I need to join the Alliance to get the discount?

RD 12 inch tiles are $3.50. I am also looking on Big Floor as they carry your product and two other USA made floors. Can you tell me where I will see the difference in your tiles and the other two USA made products? I have seen this question posted a few times, and to be honest, I have not read a really good reply on the differences. I don't mind paying more IF there is value. Here is what I have read thus far: RD warranty is 15 yr and theirs is 12 yr. Customer service through Big Floor seem comparable with RD direct. Clearly I do not want to be sorry if I spend less and get less. However, I do not want to spend more and not get more. RD product is almost 1/3 more expensive. Please help me justify the extra cost. And if the GJ discount is enough, it will probably be a no brainier to order from from RD.

Thanks for you feedback.

 

[marty_p]

Can anyone fron Race Deck tell me a few things?
What is the GJ discount if I purchase through you?
Do I need to join the Alliance to get the discount?
Thanks for you feedback.

You're in luck, Boss.

Just like us, the CEO of RaceDeck hangs out here as RaceDeck1 on The Garage Journal. His name is Mr. Jorgen Moller, and you can call him or message him here:

>>>>> http://garagejournal.com/forum/member.php?u=16394

Good luck, and keep us posted!

 

[Topdwnz]

I tried sending him a PM first, but it would not let me since I am new on this forum. I am hoping he has a chance to read my open message. I am looking forward in hearing back from him. Appreciate the heads up.

 

[bdamico]

I tried sending him a PM first, but it would not let me since I am new on this forum. I am hoping he has a chance to read my open message. I am looking forward in hearing back from him. Appreciate the heads up.

You can also just call them up or send a message on their website and say you are a member and they'll apply the discount

 

[Topdwnz]

What's the discount?

 

[Chris05gto]

One thing that I can tell you is Racedeck has great customer service.

 

[Topdwnz]

One more try, can anyone tell me what the discount is for forum members?

 

[Chris05gto]

You need to contact Racedeck for that info!

 

[mycave]

When they quote your floor they apply the discount if your a GJ member. They don't post the discount online. I'm extremely satisfied with my new racedeck floor. The price was excellent and the customer service was superb.

 

[Topdwnz]

Thanks for that feedback. From what I can tell, everyone is vey happy with their Race Deck floor. What I cannot seem to find out is, how does Race Deck compare to the other two USA made floors on BigFloors.com. RD cost at least 1/3 more than these other two American made floors. And, it seems as though the same company makes all three.

Has anyone done the analysis comparing GarageTech and GarageTrac? The website says they are "value" based floors. That's corporate speak for less expensive. Typically you pass less and get less. So, beyond the warranty (15 vs 12 years) and a maximum load of 50,000 vs 44,000, what else would I be giving up?

Thanks.

 

[RaceDeck1]

The main differences are the cosmetic design and not as 'beefy' as RaceDeck ( weighs a bit more) . The patented structure and design of RaceDeck is suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Both are made from quality materials and in a ISO quality certified manufacturing facility.

 

[marty_p]

I am hoping he has a chance to read my open message. I am looking forward in hearing back from him. Appreciate the heads up.

Now that's true customer service; < 24 hours for a reply from their CEO!

I have been knowing that RD is the route I will choose for my flooring.

Now, just don't forget to post some project pics later!

 

[Topdwnz]

Can anyone comment on how well the gloss on Tuff Shield tiles hold up? Does it eventually wear off over time? Is the gloss finish a permanent part of the product?

 

[addysdaddy]

The main differences are the cosmetic design and not as 'beefy' as RaceDeck ( weighs a bit more) . The patented structure and design of RaceDeck is suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Both are made from quality materials and in a ISO quality certified manufacturing facility.

Is the gloss finish through and through on the Tuffshield product? I like the glossier look just concerned about high traffic areas and it's durability.

 

[SwissFloorGuru]

Topdwnz,

Do youself a favor... get two samples of each of the tiles you are considering.

I would guess that RD and other companies will send you two tiles if you ask. It will be worth a few bucks to pay for additional samples if needed. Swisstrax will send you two tiles for free.

When you get the tiles... you will "see and feel" the difference. There is also a comparative study by a forum member that addresses a few points...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114940

Hope that is helpful.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Topdwnz,

Do youself a favor... get two samples of each of the tiles you are considering.

I would guess that RD and other companies will send you two tiles if you ask. It will be worth a few bucks to pay for additional samples if needed. Swisstrax will send you two tiles for free.

When you get the tiles... you will "see and feel" the difference. There is also a comparative study by a forum member that addresses a few points...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114940

Hope that is helpful.

He is absolutely right. Order two samples of whatever you are considering using. We provide them for free on many of our products (I like the premium).

http://www.garageflooringllc.com/interlocking-garage-floor-tile-samples/

 

[Topdwnz]

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered samples. Should be arriving next week.

 

[RaceDeck1]

Thanks for the advice. I have ordered samples. Should be arriving next week.

Should you have any questions when your free samples come, feel free to give us a call. When you get two of our RaceDeck sample tiles, we suggest you lock them together to see how our patent system works ( sturdy, becomes part of the entire sub-structure, et), even bend the loop with your fingers to see how sturdy in comparison.
Thanks again for considering RaceDeck

 

[Topdwnz]

Quick question, but please excuse my ignorance. After watching several videos on people installing garage floor tiles, many seem to using some sort of guillotine cutter. Is that a tool I can rent? Sure looks a lot easier for trimming. I spoke to someone at Home Depot who thought it might be a shingle cutter. If all else fails, I guess I can break the old jig saw with a fine tooth blade. Having the right tool would really make this go a lot easier IMHO.

 

[Garage Flooring]

I used to offer one for free rental, just pay shipping, on every order and no one ever took me up on it. They are without a doubt the best tool I have ever used for installing tile. I do not know anywhere you can rent them.

If I were doing a large job with a lot of the 'same' cuts I would use a table saw with a guide so I could get the same cut every time --if I did not have access to the " guillotine cutter"

 

[RaceDeck1]

We have one we and our pro installers have used for years on large installations. The SnapShear will make a perfect cut on modules on both our 12"x12" and 18"x18" XL modules. Typically this tool is used for jobs that are over 4000 feet and/or intricate cutting, it may be overkill for a residential garage.
If you want to rent we can arrange to send out to you for cost Shipping + Deposit and a $.0 rental if you PM me your Email I will send you info

 

[slickgt1]

Why not just buy a $20 skill saw. Set depth, put a piece of ply under the tile, and go to town. I can't see it not cutting. I've cut roofs off of houses with this method. The saw might die, probably not, and will cost less than a rental of anything. I've cut about 2000 line feet of 1" thick roof before I kill one of these. And that has stone in it. Biggest concern is clogging up, but seriously you are not going to cut that much non stop.

 

[Topdwnz]

I have several circular saws and a jig saw. The issue is clamping a guide onto the tile to ensure a straight cut. The SnapShear style cutter makes trimming super simple, accurate and very quick. I did find a local rental place that has a 12" vinyl tile cutter. I plan on bringing over a sample tile to test it out. If it works, installation will go much easier IMHO. It's only $15/day for the rental. It actually looks like a smaller version of the SnapShear.

 

[Topdwnz]

We have one we and our pro installers have used for years on large installations. The SnapShear will make a perfect cut on modules on both our 12"x12" and 18"x18" XL modules. Typically this tool is used for jobs that are over 4000 feet and/or intricate cutting, it may be overkill for a residential garage.
If you want to rent we can arrange to send out to you for cost Shipping + Deposit and a $.0 rental if you PM me your Email I will send you info

Thanks Jorgen! Let me check the local rental first to see if it works. If it does, problem solved. I appreciate it!

 

[MikeinLA]

FWIW, I used a hand held jigsaw with a fine blade and the RaceDeck cuts like butter. Went so quick and smooth I didn't even need a guide.

Mike

 

[slickgt1]

FWIW, I used a hand held jigsaw with a fine blade and the RaceDeck cuts like butter. Went so quick and smooth I didn't even need a guide.

Mike

That is what I am saying. I mean the sheer will still be quicker, but anyone can cut this without special tools.

 

[Topdwnz]

That is what I am saying. I mean the sheer will still be quicker, but anyone can cut this without special tools.

Kinda what I thought. After I decide on my colors, I'll test out my jig saw with a fine tooth blade on some of the sample tiles. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Chris05gto]

I used my table saw and band saw to cut mine. Make sure that you have fine tooth (sharp) blades for a clean cut.

 

[Bonefishmak]

Is the gloss finish through and through on the Tuffshield product? I like the glossier look just concerned about high traffic areas and it's durability.

I'd like to know also on the gloss finish. If it requires work and/or being careful I'd probably just go the regular stuff. Not a bad thing just prefer less care on the floor.....TuffShield looks awesome as I have a sample...my issue is up keep with that particular tile.

 

[RaceDeck1]

I'd like to know also on the gloss finish. If it requires work and/or being careful I'd probably just go the regular stuff. Not a bad thing just prefer less care on the floor.....TuffShield looks awesome as I have a sample...my issue is up keep with that particular tile.

The TuffShield is very durable and easy to clean up oils, car fluids etc..The shield is also very thick and molded into the surface so it can take a beating. Now with that said, it is glossy and with any glossy surface, if you scratch it you will see the scratches more easily in comparison to the satin sheen of our original RaceDeck.

 

[Bonefishmak]

By the way...been working with Jennifer and wanted to say Jorgen she has gone above and beyond with me. I truly appreciate it. Confirming everything over the weekend and plan to call Tuesday to order.

Thanks and Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

 

[Topdwnz]

By the way...been working with Jennifer and wanted to say Jorgen she has gone above and beyond with me. I truly appreciate it. Confirming everything over the weekend and plan to call Tuesday to order.

Thanks and Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

So...what do you think you'll be ordering? I am leaning towards FreeFlow. I spoke with Jennifer earlier today (ditto your comments on Jennifer). She is sending me a sample which will be delayed a bit due to the holiday weekend. I've got some painting and shelving to do before the floor goes down this weekend. Can't wait to order and install mine as well.

 

[Bonefishmak]

So...what do you think you'll be ordering? I am leaning towards FreeFlow. I spoke with Jennifer earlier today (ditto your comments on Jennifer). She is sending me a sample which will be delayed a bit due to the holiday weekend. I've got some painting and shelving to do before the floor goes down this weekend. Can't wait to order and install mine as well.

Yeah I need to paint and get some electrical work done too but, I may put the flooring in first...but, I probably should wait though. I've got some extra scratch around so before I blow it on something else...LOL..I better buy this stuff!

Probably TuffShield only because I just really like that look...however I am still thinking on the freeflow. The g/f likes it alot..the freeflow that is. I am doing a few more test this weekend with a jack and creeper going over the tile...to see what I think. Also going to run the jack over the freeflow and the creeper. Just to see if I can damage it at all.

I was all set on TuffShield until I saw Chris05GTO's pics of his freeflow on here...and then I was like WOW! That looks awesome! Here is the one I mean.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161281

Oddly enough I would be using all the same colors except the orange...

 

[Topdwnz]

I've seen Chris's. It's killer. He did a great job. Let me know how your testing goes.

Check this out...I'm not worthy.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=147886&highlight=calgary

 

[Chris05gto]

By the way...been working with Jennifer and wanted to say Jorgen she has gone above and beyond with me. I truly appreciate it. Confirming everything over the weekend and plan to call Tuesday to order.

Thanks and Have a great Labor Day Weekend!

Jennifer is who I worked with as well, she did a great job!

 

[RaceDeck1]

Jennifer is who I worked with as well, she did a great job!

That is always nice to hear when we get it right, I will share with Jennifer

 

[addysdaddy]

Is the gloss finish through and through on the Tuffshield product? I like the glossier look just concerned about high traffic areas and it's durability.

Mr Jorgen, I really don't mean any disrespect but ordering two tiles won't answer my question as to whether the glossy finish is through & through or topically applied. So I'll ask again...which is it?

I also own a creepy crawler and would like to know if that works on top of a Free-Flow floor. Thanks in advance.

 

[RedTango]

I have A 15 year old duplex with an oversized two car garage that had been painted by previous owner. Paint is now coming up under car tires. I thought of epoxy but hate idea of diamond grinding. Using garage only for parking and occasional workbench projects. I would rather play golf than work in my garage.
My question is had anyone tiled just in parking area and then finished sides of garage with floor paint? Do tiles stay in place?
Second question is if this is only for parking am I better off going with Garagedeck? Both same manufacturer but considerable savings.

 

[Topdwnz]

Plenty guys do "parking pads". Check out both Race Deck and Swiss Trax website to see photos of what people have done. Regarding slipping, you can put down a non-slip material as shown in the following video. Hope this helps.

http://www.swisstrax.com/flooring-tiles-installation.php

 

[RaceDeck1]

Here is a good shot of RaceDeck flooring being used as a parking pad in the FreeFlow style flooring