Race Deck vs the other guys

[fastzr1]

Top- Have you decided to go with Racedeck then? I'm eagerly waiting to here what you decide on. I've wanted RD for a long time but I use one half of the garage for my wife's daily driver and I'm afraid when she comes home in the rain the dirt and water would make a real mess on and worse, in between the tiles. Seems most of these flooring solutions don't work the best with DDs. But I'm still researching.
Ed

 

[K13]

Mr Jorgen, I really don't mean any disrespect but ordering two tiles won't answer my question as to whether the glossy finish is through & through or topically applied. So I'll ask again...which is it?

I think your question was answered here?

The TuffShield is very durable and easy to clean up oils, car fluids etc..The shield is also very thick and molded into the surface so it can take a beating. Now with that said, it is glossy and with any glossy surface, if you scratch it you will see the scratches more easily in comparison to the satin sheen of our original RaceDeck.

 

[Topdwnz]

Top- Have you decided to go with Racedeck then? I'm eagerly waiting to here what you decide on. I've wanted RD for a long time but I use one half of the garage for my wife's daily driver and I'm afraid when she comes home in the rain the dirt and water would make a real mess on and worse, in between the tiles. Seems most of these flooring solutions don't work the best with DDs. But I'm still researching.
Ed

I have not decided yet as I am waiting to receive a sample of FreeFlow hopefully by Friday. I've spoke to a few folks who have FreeFlow and it does not seem to be an issue in keeping it clean. I also have two daily drivers. Based on what I am told, you probably need to hose it out once or twice a year depending how much it bothers you. I like the idea it actually hides the dirt. FWIW, you can also take a shop-vac and vacuum around the tough areas. If you use a creeper, I am not sure it would as good as a solid floor like RD Diamond or TuffShield. As a side note, walking/standing on FreeFlow is actually more comfortable with less noise as per the feedback I've received. I actually have a sample of RibTrax which is a competitor to FreeFlow. It's really nice. I am definitely leaning to that style of tile. The RibTrax is 50% more expensive than FreeFlow. So I am hoping FreeFlow is as good as looks in the photos.

 

[RedTango]

Thanks for the help....is there any significant advatage of your racedeck over your garagedeck for just parking cars ( currently parking a 2010 Honda Odyssey and a 2007 Porsche Caymen S, Yes a contrast of styles.)

 

[Topdwnz]

Thanks for the help....is there any significant advatage of your racedeck over your garagedeck for just parking cars ( currently parking a 2010 Honda Odyssey and a 2007 Porsche Caymen S, Yes a contrast of styles.)

I will say that RD is a more substantial tile after receiving several samples. IMHO, I only plan on doing this ONCE, hence I do not want to be "penny wise and pound foolish" on making my final selection, within reason. My garage is only about 420 sft. So it will cost me maybe about $400 more to get the tile I want. In fact, the FreeFlow tile is actually less than the RD Diamond. So I might be getting the tile I really like for less than I originally thought. Either way, I'm getting the tile I want. And for some reason I decide that RibTrax from Swiss Trax is the way to go, I will bite the bullet and spend a little more. I don't want to walk out into my garage and say, "I should have bought the..."

 

[RaceDeck1]

I think your question was answered here?

TuffShield is molded into the module,not applied after the tile is made. Not paint or a decal, but a multi-patented technology that creates an amazing surface with a showroom finish. The ultra durable glossy finish is part of the tile, not a secondary applied layer.
You can read all about the multi-patented TuffShield here http://www.racedeck.com/tuffshield.html

 

[K13]

TuffShield is molded into the module,not applied after the tile is made. Not paint or a decal, but a multi-patented technology that creates an amazing surface with a showroom finish. The ultra durable glossy finish is part of the tile, not a secondary applied layer.
You can read all about the multi-patented TuffShield here http://www.racedeck.com/tuffshield.html

Thanks I was just requoting it as I thought Addy may have missed it the first time you had explained how they were made as he had asked the question again.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Topdwnz,

Do youself a favor... get two samples of each of the tiles you are considering.

I would guess that RD and other companies will send you two tiles if you ask. It will be worth a few bucks to pay for additional samples if needed. Swisstrax will send you two tiles for free.

When you get the tiles... you will "see and feel" the difference. There is also a comparative study by a forum member that addresses a few points...



http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114940

Hope that is helpful.

@Topdwnz, I am curious if you got a sample from Lois the Swisstrax Rib Tile or our premium rib tile are the heaviest tiles I know of.

 

[RaceDeck1]

I will say that RD is a more substantial tile after receiving several samples. IMHO, I only plan on doing this ONCE, hence I do not want to be "penny wise and pound foolish" on making my final selection, within reason. My garage is only about 420 sft. So it will cost me maybe about $400 more to get the tile I want. In fact, the FreeFlow tile is actually less than the RD Diamond. So I might be getting the tile I really like for less than I originally thought. Either way, I'm getting the tile I want. And for some reason I decide that RibTrax from Swiss Trax is the way to go, I will bite the bullet and spend a little more. I don't want to walk out into my garage and say, "I should have bought the..."

When you get the samples from all of the various competitors, be sure to check the following important features of each
* Locking system - see how the locks function, are they tied into the the entire understructure or doe they simply hang on a thin plastic outer wall? how beefy are they? Remember wheels turn on these and there is a tremendous amount of thermal swings in a garage
* finish of product- hard edges in designs make it difficult to clean, is the surface smooth or textured
* Is the understructure channeled for max liquid & debris flow?
* will it interlock with other styles of flooring ( example RaceDeck FreeFlow will interlock with RaceDeck diamond , Circletrac, and others.

Whatever you choose have fun creating your dream garage.

 

[Topdwnz]

@Topdwnz, I am curious if you got a sample from Lois the Swisstrax Rib Tile or our premium rib tile are the heaviest tiles I know of.

Yes I did get sample of your Premium and RibTrax. Both seem to be excellent products. Was not a huge fan of the Premium tile. I am actually leaning more towards the ribbed style tile right now. Based on yours and Jorgens recommendations, I am comparing samples. Just waiting for their FreeFlow tile to arrive before making a decision.

When you get the samples from all of the various competitors, be sure to check the following important features of each
* Locking system - see how the locks function, are they tied into the the entire understructure or doe they simply hang on a thin plastic outer wall? how beefy are they? Remember wheels turn on these and there is a tremendous amount of thermal swings in a garage
* finish of product- hard edges in designs make it difficult to clean, is the surface smooth or textured
* Is the understructure channeled for max liquid & debris flow?
* will it interlock with other styles of flooring ( example RaceDeck FreeFlow will interlock with RaceDeck diamond , Circletrac, and others.

Whatever you choose have fun creating your dream garage.

I am comparing all the tiles side by side. Your comments above are appreciated. Both you and Justin have been a pleasure to work with. There are clearly pros and cons to all of these. That being said, this might come down to personal taste in my case. I only do detailing in my garage and do not work with jacks or other heavy machine tools. My main criteria is the following: quality product from a reputable company with good customer service, easy to clean/maintain, looks great. Based in my limited research both RD and Swiss Trax meet that criteria. Price is always an issue, but in this case, I am focused more on the quality and ease of maintenance. As I stated previously, I do not want to be kicking myself that I saved $400 and didn't get what I wanted. So, hopefully the FreeFlow will arrive Friday so I can come to a conclusion.

Thank you both for all your guidance. This forum has been fantastic. Lots of great ideas from some very creative people.

 

[Chris05gto]

What ever you decide to go with, post up pics when done.

 

[Topdwnz]

What ever you decide to go with, post up pics when done.

Absolutely. Should be able to finish painting and hanging all my stuff this weekend. The only thing left should be the floor. Can't wait!

 

[Chris05gto]

Absolutely. Should be able to finish painting and hanging all my stuff this weekend. The only thing left should be the floor. Can't wait!

Have fun & good luck!

 

[Topdwnz]

After receiving both the FreeFlow and RibTrax samples, I have decided to go with RibTrax. To be honest, in the ribbed tile category, IMHO, the RibTrax from Swiss Trax is the winner. So I spent more than I had originally planned, but I am very happy with my purchase. Both Jorgen and Justin were very professional in selling the value of their products. In the end, the RibTrax was better for me. It also didn't hurt that the wife liked it more. So, now the wait until my tiles arrive. Justin at Garage Flooring LLC worked with me this morning and had the order shipped by close of business. Great customer service! I will post pics once I get the floor installed. I have a bunch taken with my iPhone while in the process of painting and plan on taking many more during and after the install with my DSLR.

Thanks to everyone for all your valuable input.

 

[Topdwnz]

Ok, I couldn't wait until the weekend to get this going. The weather is too nice and I couldn't work any longer...it's Friday! So here are couple cell phone shots. If you can believe it, my wife was actually excited to help me do the job, LOL. So I left a few rows and all the trimming so she can get can get some of the credit. I plan of finishing some time tomorrow. More pics to come from my DSLR. This only took about 90 minutes to complete. Probably have another 90 minutes of cutting.

 

[Bonefishmak]

Looks good...I've not ordered mine yet but, I am. I started dumping money into my car instead! LOL!

 

[Topdwnz]

Thanks. REALLY pleased with RibTrax from Swiss Trax. It was clearly the right choice for me. Justin at Garage Flooring LLC was great to work with. Highly recommend giving him a call.

 

[Chris05gto]

Looks good!

 

[Garage Flooring]

Awesome floor and thanks for the kind words!

 

[RaceDeck1]

Your garage looks very nice... it seems that lately that red is quite popular right now, here is another that just came in from a member on our FB page http://www.facebook.com/RaceDeck

 

[Jimefam]

Your garage looks very nice... it seems that lately that red is quite popular right now, here is another that just came in from a member on our FB page http://www.facebook.com/RaceDeck

I just ordered 480sq ft of red and black tiles on Monday, super excited to get it installed ASAP. Topdwnz garage looks great and I've got the same car in carbon black which I love.

 

[Topdwnz]

LOL, I almost bought Carbon Black. The red and black combination will look great! Going to finish mine today, can't wait. Will be posting new and better pics hopefully some time tomorrow.

 

[Topdwnz]

Finally. Here are few pics. Two before the makeover and the rest after the paint, shelving, hooks and of course the floor. I REALLY like the results with RibTrax. Two of my neighbors came over and gawked for a while. Thought I should have a block party on it. What a great idea!

 

[Chris05gto]

Looks real good! Do you ever get on the AdamsForums?

 

[marty_p]

Great install, Top!

And thank you for taking us with you on your journey!

 

[Topdwnz]

Looks real good! Do you ever get on the AdamsForums?

I do once and a while. Haven't been recently as I have been kind of heads down on fixing up the garage. I'm a big fan of Adams Car Care. They make quality products. I know you're a friend of Adam. That's very cool. Would love to attend one of his seminars, but he doesn't come to the DC metro area. I guess there is not enough pull to get him here. I buy all my stuff from one their local retailers, Odds and Ends Detailing. The owner is very knowledgable and has taught me a great deal. Very honest. He treats your car like his own, which most car guys really appreciate.

 

[Topdwnz]

Great install, Top!

And thank you for taking us with you on your journey!

Thanks. Had a best time with it. Love the results. Even my wife loves it. When mom's happy, everyone's happy!

 

[marty_p]

Even my wife loves it. When mom's happy, everyone's happy!

Indeed! Like I always say, "Happy wife; happy life!"

 

[Garage Flooring]

After receiving both the FreeFlow and RibTrax samples, I have decided to go with RibTrax. To be honest, in the ribbed tile category, IMHO, the RibTrax from Swiss Trax is the winner. So I spent more than I had originally planned, but I am very happy with my purchase. Both Jorgen and Justin were very professional in selling the value of their products. In the end, the RibTrax was better for me. It also didn't hurt that the wife liked it more. So, now the wait until my tiles arrive. Justin at Garage Flooring LLC worked with me this morning and had the order shipped by close of business. Great customer service! I will post pics once I get the floor installed. I have a bunch taken with my iPhone while in the process of painting and plan on taking many more during and after the install with my DSLR.

Thanks to everyone for all your valuable input.

You had sent me a few more pics. They look awesome! Please post if you do not mind!

 

[Danthemish]

Did you install the ribtrax yourself? How long did it take? Looks great!

 

[Topdwnz]

Thanks, I did install it myself. I took my time, it probably took about 5 hours. I think the majority of the time was moving all my stuff off the floor and setting up...getting the tools out, setting up my saw and table, etc. it also a took a little time to get the appropriate method to trim correctly and efficiently. My wife came out for a little bit to help, which was appreciated. Have fun with it, I did.

 

[buzzyng]

@Topdwnz I'm starting the journey you were on awhile back. Thanks for sharing

I am building a new house and want to start out with a nice garage from the get go. I've read so many threads here and bounced back and forth between RD/RT. I think my first choice was going to be Ribtrax but the cost seems to be higher than I was prepared to pay. The reason why I was leaning this way was primarily due to being thicker and hopefully not able to see the floor below ... although I like the idea of being able There is a guy moving and selling his floor (Ribtrax) that comes out to about $4200 for close to 1200 square feet. That seems pretty good price but I'm stuck with his colors ... not so bad but would like to choose my own.