racedeck diamond versus free-flow

[bras2603]

Hi guys, I have been reading a lot on this forum for the last couple days. I have learned so much sutff. Thanks to everyone.

I would like to lay out a racedeck floor in my 13x25 attached garage. I lived in quebec (snow). I like the race flag pattern, black & white, 24x24. I also prefer the diamond style.

I know there is many topics about this issue, but I didn't find any clear answer. Should I use the free-flow? I'm not planning washing the car inside the garage. What I'm looking for is a clean look. I don't mind doing some shop vac. I have a drain.

If the answer is yes, "you should use the free-flow because your garage will never be dry in the winter time", how would it look if I keep the same pattern but replace 6x16 diamond by free-flow, where the car will park. This is the design you can see in the picture. Would it look good? Or would it be better looking to go entirely with free-flow?

 

[danieldolin]

I had the same concerns with lake effect snow here in northeast ohio, but I ended up just laying down the regular diamond pattern and cutting out where the drain is, then simply putting the drain cover over the racedeck. The seams are pretty tight, and water really "beads" on the surface of the tile. If water gets under, it will flow to the drain anyway if there is enough water, otherwise it will just flow to the drain on the surface. No need to overthink or overcomplicate if you ask me mixing and matching free flow and regular tile etc...

 

[Stee6043]

After a fair amount of consideration I ended up going with the FreeFlow in my garage. I get a lot of snow and I also wash my cars in my garage quite regularly. I received samples of the diamond as well as the freeflow before I made my decision. After toying around with the diamond tiles I was fairly confident that I would not be adequately pleased with the drainage situation on those tiles in my garage. My second option was to only use freeflow around where I park my daily drivers to enable better drainage in those areas. But I didn't really think I'd be as pleased with a mix-n-match pattern than if I just did the whole thing out of freeflow.

Ultimately I ended up installing a touch over 800 square feet of the freeflow and I think it looks great. I haven't yet been through a Michigan winter with it but I can tell by looking at it that the drainage will not be an issue.

If you have a pattern that "works" with diamond and freeflow I think it's a great solution to mix them. My simple pattern really didn't lend itself to using both types of tiles...

 

[Rs11]

I'm torn between diamond and freeflow as well. My pattern would be pretty simple. Grey around the edges and black in the middle where the cars are parked. (Something like this)

We can get some decent amounts of snow and ice. I have an alcove in my garage near the garage door where water from the melting snow tends to run. On the cement floor I just squeege it out the door. I'm concerned that the water flow would move under the Racedeck and I wouldn't be able to get it away from the wall. Perhaps having only the diamond pattern installed would allow me to continue to squeege it out the foor -- that is, if it stays on top of the Racedeck? Freeflow might put too much underneath.

Ideally, I'd like to put freeflow under the cars and direct the water out the garage door. Maybe I need to just put some leveler in the alcove and try to change the slope back towards the garage door.

Any thoughts on how to handle this?

 

[swimspa]

I would appreciate any advise you can give me. I'm planning on putting a swim spa. Like a swimming treadmill in my garage and need to be able to park my car in there as well. I'm looking at the free flow tile. I assume this will handle the weight of the car and drainage involved with getting in and out of a pool. My questions is there any thing less expensive that would handle my situation. I've considered the rollout polyvinyl floor but they are not that much less expensive and I'm concerned about water getting under it at the seams and side and growing who knows what. Origionally I was considering epoxy but I would have to wait till it was warm enough to do the floor and I don't think it would last that much longer. Am I wrong would the epoxy last longer. I can't imagine how it would give me the drainage that the free flow would. Does anyone have experience with the free flow. I have a sample and don't think slipping would be an issue but the top is smooth and I'm looking for good footing as well as drainage as well as the ability to park a car on it. Thanks I'm a novice at this whole idea of garage floors.

 

[RaceDeck1]

I would appreciate any advise you can give me. I'm planning on putting a swim spa. Like a swimming treadmill in my garage and need to be able to park my car in there as well. I'm looking at the free flow tile. I assume this will handle the weight of the car and drainage involved with getting in and out of a pool. My questions is there any thing less expensive that would handle my situation. I've considered the rollout polyvinyl floor but they are not that much less expensive and I'm concerned about water getting under it at the seams and side and growing who knows what. Origionally I was considering epoxy but I would have to wait till it was warm enough to do the floor and I don't think it would last that much longer. Am I wrong would the epoxy last longer. I can't imagine how it would give me the drainage that the free flow would. Does anyone have experience with the free flow. I have a sample and don't think slipping would be an issue but the top is smooth and I'm looking for good footing as well as drainage as well as the ability to park a car on it. Thanks I'm a novice at this whole idea of garage floors.

Hi
FreeFlow is ideal for what you are describing and we sell quite a bit for pool and spa areas as well. You can also take a look at our DURAGRID line with is an indoor & outdoor wet areas flooring division. check it out at http://www.duragrid.com/, we can send you samples of these as well

 

[got2boostit2]

Jorgen,
How can I find out about the Garage Journal member exclusive deals? Planning to place an order early next month. (emailing back & forth with Melanie)
Darryl

 

[RaceDeck1]

Jorgen,
How can I find out about the Garage Journal member exclusive deals? Planning to place an order early next month. (emailing back & forth with Melanie)
Darryl

If you mention your a member of GJ, she will get give you your discount on the style floor you are considering...Mention this note from me

 

[got2boostit2]

Jorgen, thanks will do.

 

[Chris05gto]

Post pics when you get your floor installed!