Install lift first or epoxy floor first?

[ron in sc]

Does it matter whether I install the lift before the epoxy floor goes down or should it be done the other way around. It seems there would be less chance for floor to get damaged if lift were installed first.

All floor prep will be done before lift is installed.

 

[chad pickens]

I suggest installing the lift first.The large pieces are hard to move,I wouldnt want to have to concentrate on not scratching the floor

 

[e-tek]

I was going to epoxy my floor last summer when I built my shop - now I'm glad I didn't as I'm going to install a lift. I'm sure it would have scratched it to s**t!!

 

[Mordi]

Well, I guess I am in the other camp

I am in the process of getting my garage ready to accomodate a 4 post lift and I am planning on installing the lift before I do the epoxy floor. After assembly, I was thinking I could put some towels or padding under the columns, determine the final location, move into place, and anchor the lift to the garage floor.

Seems like it might be too much trouble trying to epoxy around the lift columns, after the lift is in place

Mordi

 

[ron in sc]

Seems like it might be too much trouble trying to epoxy around the lift columns, after the lift is in place

That's what I was wondering about. But then on the other hand you will not have to worry about your flooring getting messed up during installation.

Hopefull, we will hear from people who have done it each way.

 

[OldCarGuy]

Over the years I have installed many lifts in my garages after installing epoxy, or VCT floors. If just for the reason of not chancing getting any oil on the bare concrete,, lessening the floor preparations. And it’s not that troublesome being careful when installing the lifts. Be it either a two-post or four-posts lifts...

 

[christian]

not only what oldcarguy said, but if you ever move and want to take your lift with you, the next owner is going to have 2 or 4 spots in the garage with no epoxy.

 

[e-tek]

OK - I'm re-thinking it now!!
Besides, I'm getting a caster kit to move it from one side to the other when I want...so I'd have bare spots when I move it! I guess I'll have to set it up, epoxy, move it and fill in the spots where the posts where!

 

[glider]

I did my floor first . I did assembly outside of garage and rolled it in on polyurethane wheels with no damage. It has been over a year and I do have damage from the ramps. If you plan on moving hoist around, the polyurethane wheels are a must. Also I think it would be a tuff task to assemble on new floor without scratching the floor all to hell. Good luck.

 

[chad pickens]

I was thinking of a 2 post lift.you could always prep and paint the places where the feet were going to be. But in my opinion painting around posts is no different than painting around the edges of the wall ,no big deal you would have to fill the holes from the anchors if you move and take it with you. you coulkd save a small amount of epoxy if you thought you would move to paint the bare spots. but I think the holes would be the bigger issue

 

[JohnZ]

You don't need to anchor a 4-post lift to the floor. I did my floor first, and installed the lift later; cut four pieces of office carpet slightly larger than the "feet" on the columns and set it on them. I can move the lift around on the caster kit and move the carpet pieces with it.

 

[chad pickens]

You don't need to anchor a 4-post lift to the floor. I did my floor first, and installed the lift later; cut four pieces of office carpet slightly larger than the "feet" on the columns and set it on them. I can move the lift around on the caster kit and move the carpet pieces with it.

As I said I was thinking 2 post

 

[Motley]

A 2 post would be more difficult to install and not scratch the floor. When you stand the post up, it's not going to be in the perfect spot. You will then have to rock it and walk it back and forth to get it in the right spot. Doing this will scratch the floor. I used to stand them up with a crane and had trouble not scratching floors. With the crane strapped 3/4 way up the post and flat dolly with poly wheels under the base, I could stand them up with minimal scratching. Putting a 2 post up by hand, I would say put the lift in first or be prepared to touch it up afterwards.