Race deck free flow and stained concrete

[korvinas]

After some serious consideration of doing a three step epoxy, I took a look at race deck free flow tiles. I like that these tiles are easy to install, are easy to clean and can be installed quickly. Compared to the solid tiles, I like the idea of the free flow for its more clean and dry properties.

I just received my sample in the mail and threw it down on the floor. I have some soiled and paint stains on my concrete. I haven't taken care of my messes as I had assumed that in my epoxy process that I would just grind the floor to give it a good clean look. However I understand that grinding is is an unnecessary step in installing racedeck. I do care about aesthetics and am concerned about the unfinished, soiled and stained concrete showing through the lovely free-flow tiles.

I've read that some install landscaping fabric beneath the tiles for sound deadening and I suppose this could be a fix for "unsightly" concrete.

Alternatively, I suppose I can spend some time out there and give it a good spit shine or perhaps going with a solid tile would be better if one is concerned about the visual state of their concrete.

Anyone have any input regarding unsightly concrete under the free flow tiles?

 

[SteveCh]

You are not gonna notice.

 

[crashnburn07]

Very much interested on how this thread goes. I am actually in the same boat as you...

 

[Garage Flooring]

When we did our showroom, we had really nasty concrete. Prior business was a home builder and then someone glued commercial carpet down. We thought we were going to have to grind.

We used a black landscape fabric under it. If I had to do it again, I would have left it alone. You can see it if you are really looking, but otherwise, you would never know

 

[mooper]

Swisstrax makes a similar tile that's 3/4" thick vs racedecks 1/2". Get a sample and see if it hides imperfections to your liking.

 

[korvinas]

When we did our showroom, we had really nasty concrete. Prior business was a home builder and then someone glued commercial carpet down. We thought we were going to have to grind.

We used a black landscape fabric under it. If I had to do it again, I would have left it alone. You can see it if you are really looking, but otherwise, you would never know

Hi Justin, thank you for the feedback. I understand you don't think the fabric is needed to hide the imperfections but is there any downside to using the fabric?

BTW, I will probably place my order through you when I'm ready. I'm going to compare your truelock and race deck. Also have my eye on a couple gallons of the b4 tile prep

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

When we did our showroom, we had really nasty concrete. Prior business was a home builder and then someone glued commercial carpet down. We thought we were going to have to grind.

We used a black landscape fabric under it. If I had to do it again, I would have left it alone. You can see it if you are really looking, but otherwise, you would never know

Wow, smart looking display.
You guys do cabinets too?

 

[Brian81CJ]

Perfect timing for this thread to come up! I was just at HD last night looking at landscape fabric for mine... maybe I'll skip it.

Just placed my order for my garage with Justin on Monday and looking forward to installing my Free Flow!!

-Brian

 

[Jinks]

Anyone have any input regarding unsightly concrete under the free flow tiles?

If you're freakishly concerned about appearance you'll want the diamond solid tiles, but other than that either will do. Both have good appearance on the surface, but you "could" see the floor if you really look through the free flow.

I have diamond solid without anything under it. I noticed the sound for about a week, but don't pay any attention to it anymore. Going on 4 years & I still get constant compliments on the floors in both garages. Without fabric under them the prep amounts to sweeping the floor before you place the tile....

 

[Garage Flooring]

Hi Justin, thank you for the feedback. I understand you don't think the fabric is needed to hide the imperfections but is there any downside to using the fabric?

BTW, I will probably place my order through you when I'm ready. I'm going to compare your truelock and race deck. Also have my eye on a couple gallons of the b4 tile prep

I have mixed feelings about the fabric under the ribbed tiles. Love it under all other tiles. The idea behind the ribbed is to be able to clean them easily. In a showroom environment, the fabric does not impede that. In a garage environment I would have to wonder.

FYI no difference between the two.....

Wow, smart looking display.
You guys do cabinets too?

Thanks Scotty. We do! PM Me if you need contact info for the manufacturer. They make doing business fairly easy.