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Garage Deck vs Race Deck

TBOS2K

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Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
18
Location
Winfield, IL
I've been researching floors for quite some time and have decided against epoxy. My next step is deciding if there really is a big differences between garage deck and race deck? Also it seems that garage deck is less expensive, but am I losing out on something with the cost difference? Could the standard garage deck tiles withstand a Chicago winter? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
 
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StriderTB

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Jan 3, 2010
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101
Location
Spotswood, NJ
I ordered some coin top of each type.

RaceDeck - maybe 1/16th thicker, with a more substantial surface support structure under each tile. I believe the circle trac Race Deck has 8 "coins" per foot.

GarageDeck - Slightly less support underneath, but still substantial. 10 "coins" per foot of tile.

Despite the differences, I'm certain that either tile will have no problem with your climate.
 

jimchris

Active member
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
34
I'm looking at Race Deck free flow or Swisstrax ribtrax. I like this type so the snow can melt through and go down the drain. They say just shop vac a couple times a year. Race deck gives samples and forum discount.
 

robmack

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Jul 16, 2010
Messages
46
Location
Toronto, CANADA
Can't vouch for Garagedeck but I inquired about the load bearing capacity of Racedeck. It supports 250 pounds per square inch. This is important (and was important in my case) if you have point loads, such as machinery on wheels. I had heavy woodworking machines on mobile bases which is a different loading than an automobile tire. Racedeck had to support the load without denting. This might be something you need to consider.
 

RaceDeck1

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Oct 8, 2007
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3,001
Location
Salt Lake City , Utah
robmack-

RaceDeck can handle extreme loads and if you dent in a RaceDeck tile from a wheel, table leg, post, etc.. we will replace it. I am not sure who gave you the 250 lbs and for which particular product, but 250 psi tensile strength is a lab test number... In real world applications that number goes out the window ( for the most part).Some examples - a 6000 lb tool chest will not dent a tile, mortcycle lifts, four post lifts, floor jacks, a Prevost Motorhome ( 45,000 lbs) can not only park on our floor with no issue, it can lift up on its air jacks. With that said, it is not bullet proof :) Sharp objects could cut it, hollow leg post that are sharp could cut it, angle iron type floor stands might leave a temporary mark or dent.... but is so easy to replace and we supple the damaged replacement free of charge. :beer:
 

jimchris

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Jul 23, 2010
Messages
34
I should have my new Race Deck samples on Monday. They sent samples out so I could compare to Swisstrax but they weren't free flow or the colors I plan on using.
 

robmack

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Jul 16, 2010
Messages
46
Location
Toronto, CANADA
robmack-

RaceDeck can handle extreme loads and if you dent in a RaceDeck tile from a wheel, table leg, post, etc.. we will replace it. I am not sure who gave you the 250 lbs and for which particular product, but 250 psi tensile strength is a lab test number... In real world applications that number goes out the window ( for the most part).
I got my information from Erika Wilde at "Wilde Mats and Matting". My email inquiry was:
I would like to consider RaceDeck for my garage but I have a concern about the load bearing capability of the tiles. I own woodworking machines which are on mobile bases. They exert a point load on the mobile base wheels of about 75 -120 KG / square inch. RaceDeck can withstand an automibile's weight because the load is much more spread out. Will I experience denting of the tiles with the load that my machines will exert on the floor? Or is this loading safe for the tiles? I read that the tiles have a load capacity of 25000 poinds but I don't know how to translate that specification into my application.
To which Erika replied by email:
I spoke with my manufacturer about your application. The tiles can take 250 lbs psi (per square inch). So it is going to be really close ... if the wheels exert 75 KG that will be no problem, but your higher end of 120KG could be too heavy for the RaceDeck tiles.
I would like to use a product that far exceeds my requirements. Swisstrax, I have recently discovered, appears to handle a much greater load than Racedeck, if the numbers I was quoted are to be believed. Swisstrack claims to tolerate:
  • Compressive strength 5120 psi
  • Rollover strength greater than 40,000 lbs.
Unless I was misled, my preference at the moment would be to select Swisstrax over Racedeck. Please feel free to correct my information if it is incorrect. For other product selection criteria --colour selection, ease of install, durability, price, customer care, etc. -- both companies are similar.
 
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RaceDeck1

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Oct 8, 2007
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Salt Lake City , Utah
robmack -
Not to bash a competitor but your information is way off
your qoute
I would like to use a product that far exceeds my requirements. Swisstrax, I have recently discovered, appears to handle a much greater load than Racedeck, if the numbers I was quoted are to be believed. Swisstrack claims to tolerate:

* Compressive strength 5120 psi
* Rollover strength greater than 40,000 lbs.

High tensile concrete that is used to make highways, bridges and skyscrapers do not even have a psi Rating of 5120 lbs. There is no suspended interlocking modular floor on earth that outperforms construction concrete...if a manufacturer is making such a claim, it is false.
I can assure you that our tiles will not 'crack' or 'shatter' as do some of our competitors.

The vehicle rolling load of RaceDeck is in excess of 50,000 lbs.

There are a few posts on this if you do a search and you can see about RaceDeck Vs. other at http://www.racedeck.com/epoxy.html :beer:
 

Killa-B

Member
Joined
Aug 9, 2010
Messages
13
Location
Middle Tennessee
I had RaceDeck in my old house and now in my new house and I can honestly say that is truly a great product. It does bow up a little when its really hot outside when the sun hits it but only right at the edge by the garage door. That would be my only complaint but it gets really hot and humid in Middle Tennessee in the summer. I have messed a couple of tiles up welding but thats my fault, I should use my blanket more often. I just joined this forum (just heard about it) to get ideas because I am about to re-do my garage but the flooring will remain the same. I think its a great product.
 

jimchris

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Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
34
I have been driving on samples of Race Deck free flow and Swisstrax ribtrax for about a week now and will be ordering real soon. Swisstrax is thicker but much higher in price, 900 dollars extra on a 2 car garage. The lighter colors don't show any dirty tire marks like the darks do.
 

MiDiablo

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Joined
Oct 13, 2008
Messages
11
Location
Brooksville, FL
Wait, so GarageDeck is NOT RaceDeck then?

I was looking at BigFloors.com and they're a RaceDeck dealer, so I had made the assumption that the GarageDeck product was in-fact a RaceDeck product... I really was caught by the $1.99/sq ft price tag; very appealing for the budget-minded in today's economy!
 

cfbenoit

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Joined
Apr 16, 2010
Messages
22
Location
Montreal, Canada
Wait, so GarageDeck is NOT RaceDeck then?

I was looking at BigFloors.com and they're a RaceDeck dealer, so I had made the assumption that the GarageDeck product was in-fact a RaceDeck product... I really was caught by the $1.99/sq ft price tag; very appealing for the budget-minded in today's economy!

BigFloor.com is at 2330 West 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Which is the exact same address as RaceDeck.com, and the common manufacturer Snaplock
2330 W. California Ave., Salt Lake City, Ut 84104

(According to Google Maps, California Ave. is the 1300 South)


They seem to simply be brand names belonging to SnapLock industries.

GarageDeck and MotoFloor are the value-oriented product lines of Snaplock, while RaceDeck is their high-end product.


...Ben...
 

brow318

Active member
Joined
Sep 6, 2010
Messages
28
I have had RaceDeck installed in my garage for the last six years. It's held up well. I have rebuilt two vehicles and maintained a dirt race car in the garage during that time. The white tiles stained some but I can usually clean up just about anything. My only recommendation is don't do any welding on it. It tends to burn and flame a little. :)

Kevin
 
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