Which is best? Epoxy - SwissTrax - RaceDeck?

[JimsWife]

This photo looks so cool. I'm thinking about doing it!

Price is no object. My goal is a durable, long lasting, easy to install, new garage floor. I want to surprise my husband and do it all without him knowing. He's planning a brief business trip next month, so I want to do all my research now, and have it all done by the time he gets home.

We have two new cars and want to use the garage for other things than just the cars, i.e. a laundry facility, a tool & work bench area, bikes, and storage. I've already decided on white laminate cabinets to be installed by a local vendor. The floor is the last thing I need to do.

I found this forum today browsing the Net for ideas and decided to put my question out to you experts. I've read comments about RaceDeck, but am leaning toward SwissTrax. I am thinking about epoxy, but it looks like it might be too big of a job for me to do myself, and maybe messy, too.

My neighbor told me SwissTrax is a grade higher than RaceDeck. Your thoughts will help me decide. I'm also going to send for free samples to compare the tiles.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and expertise.

I'm sharing a photo off a blog I found because the colors look so good together! Suttle black/white with yellow accents! Wonder if my husband would like that?

 

[cork]

I have racedeck and like it alot, but I would stay away from the white. Shows every bit of dirt and impossible to keep clean.

 

[RaceDeck1]

Choose "RaceDeck" no question about it

If you are looking for a very high end in your garage I would suggest our premium product, the RaceDeck TuffShield. TuffShield is a multi patent process where we mold in a nano-composite ( = ultra tough ) high gloss top surface Not a paint or decal, but a new scientific technology creating a quality show finish. It will not stain and is very easy to keep looking new. you can see it here http://www.racedeck.com/tuffshield.html
On top of that, you get a Garage Journal deal ..if you email me at [email protected] I will take care of you personally and ensure you get the best price...and if you are looking at our standard RaceDeck against ST, I guarantee we you we will beat their price by a lot

 

[menz300]

Shocking someone with handle of racedeck would suggest racedeck...lol.....No bias there..lol

 

[67pete300]

Who can blame him when

Price is no object.

?

 

[Phatsub]

Jim'sWife,

I recently installed Racedeck in my garage that is also a laundry room with bikes and a workbench. I absolutely love it. And it mops up very well using a degreaser. I just used Purple Power yesterday and with little elbow grease all the tire marks are gone.

 

[JimsWife]

I'm totally impressed with the responses on this board! Thanks so much. I'm going to do a little more research and report back here later. In the meantime, does racedeck give free samples of their tiles?

I love the photos! I absolutely love red, white and black! It's so artsy looking. Phatsub, your garage is awesome!

I'm having a hard time deciding on colors! There's so many choices!!!! Again, thanks for the info!

 

[bogie]

Racedeck sent me a sample...Just 1 square in a box but you will get the idea. Not sure it's for me...I use a heat gun all the time and constantly throw it on the floor(that's not going to change) and I think that race Deck would get melt spots. My garage is almost done, and the floor is becoming a pita decision.

 

[en2burrell]

I'm totally impressed with the responses on this board! Thanks so much. I'm going to do a little more research and report back here later. In the meantime, does racedeck give free samples of their tiles?

I love the photos! I absolutely love red, white and black! It's so artsy looking. Phatsub, your garage is awesome!

I'm having a hard time deciding on colors! There's so many choices!!!! Again, thanks for the info!

Have you looked at the Tuff-Seal product? They provide an excellent set of complimentary samples. See them at: http://www.tuffsealtile.com/index.php

en2burrell

 

[JimsWife]

Cool! Thanks for all the info. I had NO idea I had these options! I'm not sure I have to worry about melt spots, but I will cover that variable, too. I'm more concerned about cleaning because it's windy out here on the desert and sand seems to get everywhere. I found an open floating tile at SwissTrax.com called RIBTRAX. I'm going to send for a free sample of that one for sure because it looks like it would be easy to keep clean. I hope my husband doesn't stumble across this forum!!! yikes! That would blow my surprise. Or, do you think I should get his opinion? What if he doesn't like what I choose? What do you think?

 

[addysdaddy]

What about the durability of tuffshield, both from normal wear & tear perspective but also when you drop a tool (hammer) or similar from say 4' - how do the individual tiles hold up? I just don't know what my expectations should be for that kind of "damage."

 

[Garage Flooring]

First, let me say that Swisstrax and Racedeck are great products. If you would send me your contact information I will send you a full sized ribtrax sample to have a look at.

What I like about Ribtrax over the competition is it is thicker, larger and looks awesome when installed. Not to mention we have a Garage Journal discount and always have free shipping.

To compare tile versus epoxy we would need to know how your husband is using the garage...

 

[Familyof8kids]

Neighbor has RaceDeck and not sure what type but for sure know it is Racedeck because he told me total price and it is for the customer that says "Price is no object". Life is too square already so the checker pattern is too common for some out there. It also was very poppy when walking across it. A few pebbles or other had made it below the tiles and it had a crackle sound as you walked across it. He said he could take it all back up and install pads, roofing paper or insulation board but said no way for the amount of work. IT WAS VERY VERY TOUGH. It could have had spots or burn marks but after looking at the pattern for a bit your eyes see nothing but the 70's again.

He was happy to think he could take his floor to the next house he purchases and only need to add on if the area was bigger. He also said he had used a restore product from the MFG and it made the tiles look new but did not remember how long ago he perfromed the restore. The floor is about 4 years old per the owner. His son purchased the floor for him and gave his wife 2 day spa retreat for 50 yr wedding anv.

 

[addysdaddy]

First, let me say that Swisstrax and Racedeck are great products. If you would send me your contact information I will send you a full sized ribtrax sample to have a look at.

What I like about Ribtrax over the competition is it is thicker, larger and looks awesome when installed. Not to mention we have a Garage Journal discount and always have free shipping.

To compare tile versus epoxy we would need to know how your husband is using the garage...

Thanks for responding Justin but u really didn't answer my question. Again I'm looking for the durability of your product and how does it fair when things/tools are dropped from around 4'? Small nicks and cuts are what I would expect, huge chunks of plastic being dislodged is another. Can you speak to this characteristic?

 

[Topdwnz]

What about the durability of tuffshield, both from normal wear & tear perspective but also when you drop a tool (hammer) or similar from say 4' - how do the individual tiles hold up? I just don't know what my expectations should be for that kind of "damage."

First, let me say that Swisstrax and Racedeck are great products. If you would send me your contact information I will send you a full sized ribtrax sample to have a look at.

What I like about Ribtrax over the competition is it is thicker, larger and looks awesome when installed. Not to mention we have a Garage Journal discount and always have free shipping.

To compare tile versus epoxy we would need to know how your husband is using the garage...

Let me share with everyone what I have found in a real world test. I have samples of Swiss Trax RibTrax, DiamondTrax, RD Diamond and RD TuffShield. I took several common hand tools (pliers,grip wrench, hammer adjustable crescent wrench) and dropped them on each floor from about waist high. Thought this would be a valid test because, "it happens". My results: All of the solid tiles were damaged/knicked-up to some degree. RibTrax was the only tile that showed NO sign of damage. DiamondTrax held up a little better than the Race Deck Diamond and Tuffshield. TuffShield was the worst of the test group. From what I understand, the gloss finish is a spray coating, supposedly very durable. Which then leads me to, how long will this finish last? Look, if all you do is park your garage queen on the floor and roll your lawn mower in and out, they are all probably very good and will last a very long time. That being said, stuff happens. I am very concerned if I can knick-up TuffShield with a little drop test, then I might need to consider another alternative.

Does anyone have TuffShield installed for any length of time who can validate it's long term durability? It's a beautiful floor, I just do not want to make a mistake relative to it's durability and longevity. Hey, maybe RibTrax is the way to go. Have not made a final decision yet based on this testing. Your feedback is welcome!

 

[Bonefishmak]

This is an awesome thread as I am doing the same thing right now. I have RD samples and Swisstrax Ribtrax samples. Just ordered the tuffseal samples. I really like the RD TuffShield personally as my garage won't be so much of a working on the car garage. More show, detailing the car, etc. I would or could potentially see me jacking the car up or putting it on jack stands to swap wheels or something so would want it to withstand that and not crack or break. That goes for any of the tiles. Worst chemical I could see hitting mine would be cleaning stuff for the car. I've spent awhile going back and forth on it so, OP it is certainly a interesting topic and one where I too would like to do it once. LOL!

Side note..I kind of like the ribtrax idea too....I know that is Swisstrax name but, the RD version looks great too! Once I figure that out and lock in a design I'm doing it!

I'll post up my thoughts once I have all my samples together.

 

[Topdwnz]

This is an awesome thread as I am doing the same thing right now. I have RD samples and Swisstrax Ribtrax samples. Just ordered the tuffseal samples. I really like the RD TuffShield personally as my garage won't be so much of a working on the car garage. More show, detailing the car, etc. I would or could potentially see me jacking the car up or putting it on jack stands to swap wheels or something so would want it to withstand that and not crack or break. That goes for any of the tiles. Worst chemical I could see hitting mine would be cleaning stuff for the car. I've spent awhile going back and forth on it so, OP it is certainly a interesting topic and one where I too would like to do it once. LOL!

Side note..I kind of like the ribtrax idea too....I know that is Swisstrax name but, the RD version looks great too! Once I figure that out and lock in a design I'm doing it!

I'll post up my thoughts once I have all my samples together.

Sounds like we are in the same boat! TuffShield is my favorite for now and RibTrax is a close second. I'll have to say, I think the RibTrax is a better made product. It's very substantial. Not to say that any of the RD products won't hold up. I am trying to find a few guys who have had TuffShield installed for a while and can attest to its durability and long lasting shine.

 

[Bonefishmak]

Sounds like we are in the same boat! TuffShield is my favorite for now and RibTrax is a close second. I'll have to say, I think the RibTrax is a better made product. It's very substantial. Not to say that any of the RD products won't hold up. I am trying to find a few guys who have had TuffShield installed for a while and can attest to its durability and long lasting shine.

Yep! I feel the same way with the choices. I'd be interested in what you find out if anyone close by has the tiles. Only people I know close I believe have a different tile other than the ones mentioned. I may go see them just to get an idea but, would really like the thoughts and opinions of others on these tiles. I seriously considered the ribtrax or RD version for the fact if I wanted to wash the car in the garage. My only issue is what if something small falls between the slots? Swisstrax are bigger tiles than RD 12" vs 13" square I believe and in fact the ribtrax may even be larger. I've got them all on the garage floor at home. If one tile size would allow me to do the garage without cutting that might sway me too. I know what colors I want...and I sorta of know the design. I've been playing with the design for a year! LOL! Now I just need to figure out which freaking tile!

Let me know what you find out and I will on my side too!

 

[TigerGA]

RaceDeck or Swiss Trax? That's like asking "Chevy or Ford." RaceDeck is plastic and it will scratch if you drag something sharp or rough over it...but any plastic tile will do that. White is going to be very hard to keep clean. I have red and silver RD with a dark gray border. The silver shows dirt the least. Finally, I accidentially dropped a screwdriver point down from about 4 ft. and it did leave an indention. I love my RD, but it's not perfect...but there are drawbacks to any floor you select. Good luck.

 

[Topdwnz]

Yep! I feel the same way with the choices. I'd be interested in what you find out if anyone close by has the tiles. Only people I know close I believe have a different tile other than the ones mentioned. I may go see them just to get an idea but, would really like the thoughts and opinions of others on these tiles. I seriously considered the ribtrax or RD version for the fact if I wanted to wash the car in the garage. My only issue is what if something small falls between the slots? Swisstrax are bigger tiles than RD 12" vs 13" square I believe and in fact the ribtrax may even be larger. I've got them all on the garage floor at home. If one tile size would allow me to do the garage without cutting that might sway me too. I know what colors I want...and I sorta of know the design. I've been playing with the design for a year! LOL! Now I just need to figure out which freaking tile!

Let me know what you find out and I will on my side too!

Hey, maybe TigerGA is right? Ford or Chevy? All of these solutions seem to have some faults. There seems to be no perfect floor. I guess you will have to decide what's most important when you make the selection. I also find it kind of curious that we have not received any feedback from owners on the durability of TuffShield. I am not pressed to place an order, but I would like to get this project moving as soon as I can feel a bit better about the purchase. If the durability of TuffShield cannot be validated from a few forum members, I may have to go with RibTrax.

 

[Bonefishmak]

Hey, maybe TigerGA is right? Ford or Chevy? All of these solutions seem to have some faults. There seems to be no perfect floor. I guess you will have to decide what's most important when you make the selection. I also find it kind of curious that we have not received any feedback from owners on the durability of TuffShield. I am not pressed to place an order, but I would like to get this project moving as soon as I can feel a bit better about the purchase. If the durability of TuffShield cannot be validated from a few forum members, I may have to go with RibTrax.

I'm with you.....on the TuffShield. I've got the g/f out in the garage getting her opinion and most of my work mates as they see the samples coming and me having them out at my desk. I just saw a pic of the RD FreeFlow in a garage and it looked awesome! It's pretty tempting...

I'm not pressed to buy either but, I, like you, want to get moving on this project!

 

[Garage Flooring]

Thanks for responding Justin but u really didn't answer my question. Again I'm looking for the durability of your product and how does it fair when things/tools are dropped from around 4'? Small nicks and cuts are what I would expect, huge chunks of plastic being dislodged is another. Can you speak to this characteristic?

Yes. I have sold the product for over a decade now and I have never had an issue. We had it in our showroom in Grand Junction and would encourage people to throw stuff on it. Should you ever have any of the items you listed as not expected I would replace it free of charge, based on a photo, no questions asked.

I do not believe you will find a more durable tile than the ribtrax product.

 

[Familyof8kids]

Now that is a product with support. He said picture and no questions asked.

Nuff said.

 

[Bonefishmak]

I just did a test with the tile I have. Flat head screw driver from waist high and then from shoulder height. No force just a fell out my hand drop with the flat head straight down. I'm not sure if I can say brand names but, the tuff shield took quite a bit of force before a small chip appeared. The other tile chipped or was sliced(devit in tile) easily at waist and shoulder height. The two slotted tiles also did okay with the same drop test.

I then took my creeper seat and rode over the tuff shield to see if it marred the shiny finish....no issue. Same with the slotted....no issue except that it was to a smooth ride on the slotted. Leads me to wonder how a jack would roll over it. I'm not sure of that would bother me or not.

Anyway that's my testing so far. Anyone else?

 

[Bonefishmak]

Yes. I have sold the product for over a decade now and I have never had an issue. We had it in our showroom in Grand Junction and would encourage people to throw stuff on it. Should you ever have any of the items you listed as not expected I would replace it free of charge, based on a photo, no questions asked.

I do not believe you will find a more durable tile than the ribtrax product.

If that is Swisstrax ribtrax you are referring too....you've got my attention. Wanna pm me a price for a 19x19 garage? I'll be doing blue,light gray and black tiles... I'd probably need the stuff to finish it off for the drive into the garage.


Thanks!

 

[Bonefishmak]

I think afte reading a 100 threads on here with regard to tile I'm going RaceDeck. Only issue is now tuff shield, free flow or just the regular diamond. I'd prefer the tuff shield as the only thing I would have on it would be a creeper, a jack and chairs. Assuming they wont scratch it I'll go tuff shield. I like free flow but, I don't think I'll wash the car in the garage and I'm not sure about running a jack or creeper over the free flow. Just my thoughts.....

Thoughs anyone?

 

[Derrickwade]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2474467#post2474467

I really really like the free flow design of Racedeck and the way it plays tricks on your eyes.

 

[Stee6043]

RaceDeck was born here in the USA. Swiss Trax got their green card just a few years ago. Not sure if that means anything to anyone, all other things being equal.

 

[RaceDeck1]

Hey, maybe TigerGA is right? Ford or Chevy? All of these solutions seem to have some faults. There seems to be no perfect floor. I guess you will have to decide what's most important when you make the selection. I also find it kind of curious that we have not received any feedback from owners on the durability of TuffShield. I am not pressed to place an order, but I would like to get this project moving as soon as I can feel a bit better about the purchase. If the durability of TuffShield cannot be validated from a few forum members, I may have to go with RibTrax.

I am happy to send you free samples of each ( Original RaceDeck , TuffShield and the FreeFlow).
Also note if you like the look of patented FreeFlow, all of our tiles interlock with one another...so if you want an area with FreeFlow and one with TuffShield you can have that.
Check out FreeFlow here http://www.racedeck.com/freeflow.html
What ever you choose, Have fun in creating your dream garage

 

[55cadillacking]

I'm a huge fan of the Free Flow. HUGE.

 

[Bonefishmak]

Man....the decision is getting hard! I am wondering how freeflow and tuffshield would be together....Not sure I need it though. My garage won't be a work garage so much as a place to retreat too...clean the car..look at it..watch the TV I have going in and hang out. I don't have a drain so, not sure I would really wash the car in there.

Again my only issue is taking a floor jack or creeper over the freeflow. I did it over a couple pieces and it worked but, of course it was not smooth. Not bad just not smooth.

 

[Garage Flooring]

I would not use a ribbed tile with a creeper. I would use a product like our ultra flat.

 

[addysdaddy]

I would not use a ribbed tile with a creeper. I would use a product like our ultra flat.

Thanks Justin, been trying to get an honest answer to that question for a while. I use my creeper constantly when detailing the cars so based on your comments, I can safely eliminate that option from the mix.

 

[jmauld]

Stay away from any of the epoxies. It's all **** and is a royal pain to remove if he decided he didn't like it.

 

[Chris05gto]

All that I can say is I like my new RaceDeck floor!

 

[Bonefishmak]

Well I did more testing and I think tuff shield is best all around for me. I did the creeper and jack test and while they go over I just don't like the sound and the bump bump. It's a personal opinion as the free flow is awesome looking just not good for my purpose in my
opinion.

Looking to order tomorrow!

 

[77thor]

I was considering RibTrax but I don't like the fact that liquids(oil, gas, coolant, etc) go right through it and you have to pull the tile to clean it up. (I wouldn't want puddles of whatever forming under those tiles.)
So, I'm thinking more of a solid tile, like DiamondTrax or CoinTrax.

 

[Topdwnz]

I was considering RibTrax but I don't like the fact that liquids(oil, gas, coolant, etc) go right through it and you have to pull the tile to clean it up. (I wouldn't want puddles of whatever forming under those tiles.)
So, I'm thinking more of a solid tile, like DiamondTrax or CoinTrax.

Something to think about...if you spill enough of anything, it will leak through the seams of all of these tiles. And, you won't be able to see where the liquid is to clean it up. Which then means you'll have to pull up even more tiles to make sure you cleaned it all up. Bottom line is, there is no perfect solution. Having installed a Ribtrax, pulling up tiles is very easy from anywhere on the floor. IMHO, there is more of an advantage of a ribbed tile...rain or snow dripping off your vehicle will go below the floor surface and either drain out or evaporate. You will track less dirt and moisture into your house. I absolutely love my Ribtrax floor. Even my wife loves it which I never thought would happen.

BTW, if you decide to buy Ribtrax, you definitely want to purchase from Justin at Garage Floor LLC. Best prices and great customer service! Good luck!

 

[RaceDeck1]

I'm a huge fan of the Free Flow. HUGE.

55cadillacking -Thanks and what a great looking garage!

For those who have jumped in this thread and are still considering various modular flooring options, we are happy to send you free samples of any of the 9 styles of RaceDeck garage flooring we manufacture for you to look over and compare, we actually encourage it. And remember, GJ members get great deals.

 

[dubber]

As I'm now a happy Race Deck customer i would definitely suggest going with them. My thread shows some pics of the difference they can make in your space.