Advice. Epoxy suggestions.

[FreedomPenguin]

I am new to this site, and I see there are several vendors. I am looking at covering 21x21 foot garage, and was thinking about a light teal or turqoise color? Does anyone know which company might provide a color like that? or any nice blues or also a metallic epoxy that i've seen online.

Will kickstands from motorcycles ruin the finish? I don't do much work in garage, mainly change oil/park things, maybe change out some things on motorcycles. What do people do about kickstands if it does ruin the epoxy?

Also. Theres a large crack in my floor I need to repair before I epoxy, can someone point me to a forum catagory that people may be repairing concrete cracks? I'd like to know suggestions on products and such they use after carving the crack out and everything. Thanks!

 

[Z2V]

The vendors have color charts on their web sites I believe. You might even be able to custom tint a top coat supplied by some vendors. I seem to remember seeing that on a site recently as I'm planning on doing my floors also. I would sure hope epoxy would hold up to a motorcycle kickstand but as yet I can't answer that.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Kickstands should have a pad/woodblock under them. They always slide a bit, this could scuff any floor.


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[aircommuter]

I like Armourpoxy with urethane top coat. You could put a rubber pad on your kickstand or a piece of conveyor belt from quarries that you can just keep around the shop. I keep it around and put heavy machinery on pieces of it.

 

[bdamico]

Or you could tile your floor and not have to worry about protecting your floor protector lol

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Or you could tile your floor and not have to worry about protecting your floor protector lol

After reading.. I am actually very interested in this.

1. Sealing cracks in the concrete, then cleaning the floor.
2. Then putting concrete sealant
3. Putting synthetic landscaping fabric to make it not noisy
4. lay down Racedeck down. If I am seeing prices right, its around $3 a foot. That would be 1200 bucks, just be done with it.

Probably 1300 bucks total but should look good for a long time. I read several comments from RaceDeck stating bikes are parked on it fine. I saw that racedeck has aluminum squares too I could place a couple of them where I park my bike.

 

[bdamico]

I was talking about real tile but ok glad to help

 

[FreedomPenguin]

I was talking about real tile but ok glad to help

oh. I didn't know people put actual tile in garages. I'd afraid to break them when dropping tools and parts.

 

[Z2V]

If two part epoxy will not stand up to a motorcycle kickstand maybe I need to rethink my approach to my garage floor

 

[bdamico]

oh. I didn't know people put actual tile in garages. I'd afraid to break them when dropping tools and parts.

Doesn't happen. Search porcelain. Strongest floor you can put down.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

i was talking about real tile but ok glad to help

lol!!

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

If two part epoxy will not stand up to a motorcycle kickstand maybe I need to rethink my approach to my garage floor

Most folks apply a glossy epoxy. A gloss floor can scuff and kick stands don't hit the floor evenly like a jackstand. They slide over the floor and could scratch/scuff the floor as they do this,more so with a dark floor. It does not wreck the floor but could scuff it.

There is a percentage of the readership that might call it a manufacturing defect in the product.

 

[FreedomPenguin]

I am really looking at Porcelein tiles, it looks like fun, and miserable at the same time. I have pretty good in shape floors, some cracks, that i'd repair beforehand. I've never laid tile, but watched home depot videos, doesnt look that difficult. Guess it takes a steady hand and patience and dont rush things.

Is this the gist of things.
1. seal cracks in garage floor/ clean garage floor.
2. figure out slopes/dips in the slopes and level it out, I saw someone mention aqua product
3. lay down tiles, figure out pattern.
4. lay skinset, use the trowel tool, then put tile, butter move it around, put spacer, put next one down.
5. once all them laid and cured, put the grout in, and seal it.

That the main idea?


Where do you guys find out about tile deals at lowes/home depot and such? What PEI and COF are the minimums? 4/5 pei and .6+ cof? (slip factor right?)

How much would someone with 420-440 sq foot garage with a decent tile deal look to cost in everything? I got a rate of 1600 for my racedeck tufftiles. It makes me want to porcelain tile more.

Digging this a lot.

 

[bdamico]

I am really looking at Porcelein tiles, it looks like fun, and miserable at the same time. I have pretty good in shape floors, some cracks, that i'd repair beforehand. I've never laid tile, but watched home depot videos, doesnt look that difficult. Guess it takes a steady hand and patience and dont rush things.

Is this the gist of things.
1. seal cracks in garage floor/ clean garage floor.
2. figure out slopes/dips in the slopes and level it out, I saw someone mention aqua product
3. lay down tiles, figure out pattern.
4. lay skinset, use the trowel tool, then put tile, butter move it around, put spacer, put next one down.
5. once all them laid and cured, put the grout in, and seal it.

That the main idea?


Where do you guys find out about tile deals at lowes/home depot and such? What PEI and COF are the minimums? 4/5 pei and .6+ cof? (slip factor right?)

How much would someone with 420-440 sq foot garage with a decent tile deal look to cost in everything? I got a rate of 1600 for my racedeck tufftiles. It makes me want to porcelain tile more.

Digging this a lot.

1. read dakota's thread and do what he says. duneslider also gives good tile advice; generally just search porcelain in title only and you will find the handful of major threads on subject - also thanks to jack olsen, who i credit in part for spreading the word
2. why seal cracks?
3. most find them at homedepot etc. I got sick commercial leftover tiles for like $2/ft if I recall from craigslist

4. I think I was around $2k with labor and all in (labor was too cheap to do it myself where I am) but that was four years ago and can't recall now-- and floor looks just as it did then.
5. butter back of tile too
6. consider epoxy or spectralock or fusion grout (I did epoxy and had a fun time with haze and have since used the others mentioned elsewhere and they are holding up great)

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Thanks. Where is the best place to buy tiles from? any hotspots for the members here? I assumed lowes/home depot. I want to seal /fix the cracks, just because dont want them to cause any issues in future? I mean, if I don't have too I wont. I just figured it would be smart.

I havn't even moved into my new home and im planning. Racedeck would cost much more than good tile from the sounds of it. Tile it is. I will just take my time and read all the threads, and i'll take pics and make my own thread when time comes and what supplies to buy.

As long as I am below 1500 for my 420-440sq foot garage I consider it a win. I already marked epoxy out of the question to be honest. Was great til I researched the other alterantive options.

 

[bdamico]

Thanks. Where is the best place to buy tiles from? any hotspots for the members here? I assumed lowes/home depot. I want to seal /fix the cracks, just because dont want them to cause any issues in future? I mean, if I don't have too I wont. I just figured it would be smart.

I havn't even moved into my new home and im planning. Racedeck would cost much more than good tile from the sounds of it. Tile it is. I will just take my time and read all the threads, and i'll take pics and make my own thread when time comes and what supplies to buy.

As long as I am below 1500 for my 420-440sq foot garage I consider it a win. I already marked epoxy out of the question to be honest. Was great til I researched the other alterantive options.

Look you can totally trust with epoxy and the support from our epoxy vendors like Legacy and others here but it is great that this place opens people to other possibilities; it did for me and I love my porcelain floor. Again, depending on location, craigslist for leftover commercial tile is good

 

[FreedomPenguin]

I believe the epoxy is great!. but my concrete isnt in the best condition, and I believe it will never look perfect as I want. so thats why I am leaning towards tiling over it, whether porcelain or racedeck. Just seeing the tile pictures, make me think of a show room. I have 5 motorcycles, and hopefully a 2017 grabber blue mustang. So. I want to do it once, and do it right.

I don't really work on things in my garage, but if I did' wouldn't worry about anything breaking and scuffing.

 

[bdamico]

I believe the epoxy is great!. but my concrete isnt in the best condition, and I believe it will never look perfect as I want. so thats why I am leaning towards tiling over it, whether porcelain or racedeck. Just seeing the tile pictures, make me think of a show room. I have 5 motorcycles, and hopefully a 2017 grabber blue mustang. So. I want to do it once, and do it right.

I don't really work on things in my garage, but if I did' wouldn't worry about anything breaking and scuffing.

i've dropped tools from ladders and no problem and members have posted entire threads about the things they've done without problems "can your floor do this" may be a thread title to look for lol

 

[texas123]

Motorcycles kickstand is metal; it'll scuff anything, including porcelain tiles. Especially if it is a center stand. Epoxy with a small pad for the kickstand works well. Pick a bright color, I picked boring grey with 3 shades of even more boring grey flakes.

 

[bdamico]

Motorcycles kickstand is metal; it'll scuff anything, including porcelain tiles. Especially if it is a center stand. Epoxy with a small pad for the kickstand works well. Pick a bright color, I picked boring grey with 3 shades of grey flakes.

nope - edit - I will say that isn't necessarily true but I guess possible on some tile

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi All,
Agree, kickstands can be tough on a floor as they do go sideways a bit. We're happy to provide no charge to any GJ readers a scrap piece of our www.supratile.com. That will protect any epoxy or tile floor from damage.

Email us directly at below please if you need a piece. Thanks!

 

[pinkerton]

i vote epoxy, yet fell your concern about getting all the cracks fixed, etc. If you fill them, and prime, you'll be fine.

 

[FreedomPenguin]

So I have decided after receiving 5 tile samples from race deck, that I am going to lay racedeck in tuffshield in my garage. Few questions I have regarding this.

Should I seal my bare concrete with something? I won't be putting my car inside in the winter/snow/rain etc. Only time my car would come in is when its hailing i'll pull it in so wont get damaged. So should I put a sealant on the concrete so liquids wont effect it or no?

I want to prepare for the clackiness noise. Going to lay synthetic landscape fabric, but I don't honestly know what that is, can anyone point me with links to lowes/home depot on what I should lay under the tile?

There are some large cracks in the concrete, should I fill them suckers with some kind of material? I am covering the floor. but not sure if its worth filling them or not. I mean, I just bought my house and really have no intention of pulling the tiles back up, would the ground be the same condition as when I put tiles over them? if i should fill them, what should I use? I dont have pics of cracks, but they are pretty noticeable.

Thanks!

 

[Firering]

FP,

I'll let others that have more experience using the race deck tiles but I would repair the cracks and have been happy with the Ardex Feather product but I wonder if you would encourage mold growth when using landscape fabric or anything below the tiles. Another idea to research would be to use a thin foam underlayment with all seams taped. I also torn on the sealing your concrete because if it's sealed I would think any moisture would get trapped between the tiles and sealed floor. Unsealed concrete would absorb water that would enter between the tile seams. I'd call the folks at Race Deck to see what other customers have used to reduce the clicking. Good luck with your project and don't rule out epoxy.

 

[Shea]

FP,

I'll let others that have more experience using the race deck tiles but I would repair the cracks and have been happy with the Ardex Feather product but I wonder if you would encourage mold growth when using landscape fabric or anything below the tiles. Another idea to research would be to use a thin foam underlayment with all seams taped. I also torn on the sealing your concrete because if it's sealed I would think any moisture would get trapped between the tiles and sealed floor. Unsealed concrete would absorb water that would enter between the tile seams. I'd call the folks at Race Deck to see what other customers have used to reduce the clicking. Good luck with your project and don't rule out epoxy.

Actually, a foam underlayment is not a good idea. Foam breaks down, it will harbor moisture which will cause mold and mildew, and it will inhibit the natural air circulation that is designed into the underside of the RaceDeck tiles.

Synthetic landscape fabric can be found at Home Depot or other home improvement stores. Here is a link http://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-3...1tbC0LmiurojiJ9kqmT6gaAvfX8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds

The landscape fabric breathes and dries quickly, it will not interfere with the natural air circulation of the tiles, and it doesn't break down over time on a garage floor.

Freedom Penguin - you didn't say where you live. If it's a cold weather climate where you encounter snow, then it's a good idea to repair the cracks in your floor and apply a simple penetrating sealer. Particularly if you choose the Free-Flow tiles. This will protect the concrete underneath and prevent any damage from deicing chemicals. For the cracks, use an epoxy or polyurea crack repair product.

 

[Viper98912]

I noticed you said showroom...

Showroom can be done with epoxy, tile, or any other floor (many variations, all can look great in their own form). But don't forget the other major factor is LIGHTING. GOOD lighting will truly make your place pop.

LED recessed cans are pretty affordable nowadays...

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Thank you shea for the info and everyone.

I have decided to use this for my synthetic landscape fabric. it looks thick, should reduce any noise and hopefully good quality. (landscape fabric like this wont make a crinkle noise will it?) like a tarp being crumbled
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UJVC3U/?tag=atomicindus08-20


for cracks, i am going to use SikaFlex self leveler caulk in the cracks. seen youtube videos, seems like it'll work fine for my application.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Sikaflex-29-fl-oz-Grey-Self-Leveling-Sealant-106711/202523824

What should I use once cracks are filled over the concrete? ie. if i get salt water, oil, chemicals and it drips down into the racedeck/synthetic matt. i dont want it eating away at the concrete (not that i doubt it matters) just looking long term.

what would you recommend?
this?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E55B8GQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Shea]

All your choices look fine. Keep in mind that SikaFlex will seal the cracks, but it doesn't offer any type of structural repair if that is what you are looking for. If not, then it's fine. The PS101 is a siliconate sealer that does an excellent job of sealing and protecting concrete from freeze thaw issues, road salts, deicing fluids, and etc. Like all penetrating sealers, it helps to resist oil stains, but concrete can still stain if the oil just sits there. If you had any large oil spills that get down to the concrete, you will want to pull up a section of tile and clean it up if you are worried about stains.

 

[FreedomPenguin]

Theres a guy selling out 400 square feet brand new in box blue, graphite and black racedeck diamond tiles (not tuffshield) for 600 bucks. I can make it work, wouldnt be the exact pattern i wanted, but its very tempting.

lets say 700 bucks using his and buying additional tiles to make mine work, or 1700 dollars for my design and tuffshield?


Worth it for tuffshield or not? I am leaning towards not. lol

Edit.. I figure if im paying any lump of money, i want it to be how I want it. I have to look at it everyday. Going to spend the money and get the pattern I want, and the tuffshield. Passing on it.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Hi, whatever you choose to cover your floor with protecting the floor from the kick stands is not a bad idea. We would be happy to send you no charge some cut pieces of our Supratile to put under the stands.

 

[FreedomPenguin]

So. I measured my garage, it is exactly 19 1/2' in width, and 20 1/2 in length. How am I supposed to do racedeck? I don't want to be cutting up my racedeck tiles as I want a clean border. Alternatives? Kind of looking at the edge ramp things. what sizes do they come in, would one on each side take up half a foot of missing space? or a little less for expansion.


The length of garage I measured directly from where garage door touches the ground at 20 1/2 length. So 20 tiles + ramp? Wanting to place an order soon.

If I am doing my whole garage in tuffshield. black border, then blue, then alloy center. Will a ramp/look okay with black tuffshield mated together? or do they make tuffshield ramp.

 

[MeloneyBrooks]

Trying to decide on color of epoxy floor for garage, shop and game room. Light gray, medium gray, flakes, no flakes, doing a high gloss because I like the shine. Please help

 

[IMStuner]

Should i epoxy coat my newly garage floor now or do it in a few months when it gets warmer? I live in MA.


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[FJ4FUN]

When using Wolverine Coatings epoxy systems you can coat when the temperatures are between 40°F and 110°F during both application and curing. Concrete floors are slow to warm; the day prior to coating the temperature should be a minimum of 40°F.
Do not apply if extreme temperature increases are expected during the epoxy curing period.
Concrete can “out gas” during the day as temperature rise, which may cause small air bubbles to form in the cured epoxy, so only apply primer coat in mid-afternoon or early evenings as air and slab temperatures are decreasing.