RaceDeck expansion and contraction question

[Mikenalyne]

Hi all,

I’m a long time learner from this site, but seldom a poster. I’m considering RaceDeck, Swisstrax, and similar plastic tile flooring for my 12x18 “hobby barn” which is currently being used as a wood shop. Measurements inside are 11’-2” by 17’-5”. I live in Florida and the barn gets up to about 95 deg F In the summer. My question is, if I leave 1/2” on all sides for expansion, how do I address the “small 1 inch gap on the width? Is that a cut tile, or is there a better solve? On the length, would you just use threshold edging on both ends to make up the difference, or cut a tile on one end and use threshold only at the door?

thanks in advance for sharing your experience

 

[CSRPenFab]

Hi all,

I’m a long time learner from this site, but seldom a poster. I’m considering RaceDeck, Swisstrax, and similar plastic tile flooring for my 12x18 “hobby barn” which is currently being used as a wood shop. Measurements inside are 11’-2” by 17’-5”. I live in Florida and the barn gets up to about 95 deg F In the summer. My question is, if I leave 1/2” on all sides for expansion, how do I address the “small 1 inch gap on the width? Is that a cut tile, or is there a better solve? On the length, would you just use threshold edging on both ends to make up the difference, or cut a tile on one end and use threshold only at the door?

thanks in advance for sharing your experience

After doing 4 RaceDeck floors, I've always just made my cuts along one side wall and the back wall to get the needed 1/2" to 3/8" gap for expansion. If your building is dead square (which it's likely not) then the cut would not vary much. The other option would be to use something like RD's 18" tiles.

 

[RaceDeck1]

we are always happy to help you with tips for your installation. Just give us a call

 

[Garage Flooring]

Hi all,

I’m a long time learner from this site, but seldom a poster. I’m considering RaceDeck, Swisstrax, and similar plastic tile flooring for my 12x18 “hobby barn” which is currently being used as a wood shop. Measurements inside are 11’-2” by 17’-5”. I live in Florida and the barn gets up to about 95 deg F In the summer. My question is, if I leave 1/2” on all sides for expansion, how do I address the “small 1 inch gap on the width? Is that a cut tile, or is there a better solve? On the length, would you just use threshold edging on both ends to make up the difference, or cut a tile on one end and use threshold only at the door?

thanks in advance for sharing your experience

First of all, this is an excellent time of year to install garage floor tiles. Leave them in the sun, get them heated up, install them and put everything back while they are fully expanded. Leave your 1/2" gap

We have covered those gaps in different ways. Hands down my favorite is siding trim. Paint it. Set it lightly on your tile and use a nail gun to install it to the wall. The pressure should be light enough that the tile can still expand and contract. You can shim it with a credit card or even a business card.

LP SmartSide SmartSide 540 Series Cedar Texture Trim Engineered Treated Wood Siding, Application As 4 in. x 16 ft. LPTS540416T - The Home Depot

LP SmartSide products combine the rich cedar-grain texture of traditional Wood Siding with the advanced performance of treated engineered Wood - to help extend its curb appeal for years to come. LP SmartSide

www.homedepot.com

 

[Keep]

I installed mine with the required 3/8 to 1/2 inch gap at the sides.

Once you park your cars, toolboxes, and benches on top of that floor. That 3/8 gap is meaningless as the tiles are not moving the weight on top of it.

If I open my garage door in the morning during the summer, when the sun heats up the tiles exposed, it buckles about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. There is just no where for the tiles to expand to with all the weight on them. It settles down after a bit, but when they first heat up, it buckles every time.

This is my experience, your mileage may vary. Just a disclaimer.......

 

[gatorfast]

After doing 4 RaceDeck floors, I've always just made my cuts along one side wall and the back wall to get the needed 1/2" to 3/8" gap for expansion. If your building is dead square (which it's likely not) then the cut would not vary much. The other option would be to use something like RD's 18" tiles.

This is what I did as well. Started at the front of my garage (most visible area) and installed moving back. Made the cuts along the back and side wall where they are less visible - though if you do the cuts right it all looks seamless anyway.

 

[Mikenalyne]

Closing this out, after much reading and deliberation, I ended up pulling the trigger on race deck circle trac tiles. I opted for the shock tower add on and couldn’t be happier that I did. They were pre installed, so it didn’t add any time at all when setting the floor. Not only is the floor quieter than without (I tried both) but it also feels much better on my knees.

I had a good customer service experience when I called with questions, and the after sale support has been good as well. I did end up with a small 2.5” gap (beyond the expected 1/2” expansion), but was able to use my table saw to cutdown full tiles and fill the void.

the hobby barn isn’t done yet, still need to finish the electrical and put some kind of interior wall material up. Here’s a shot of the inside as it looks today.