Racedeck Freeflow

[sclancy]

Looking at RD free flow. It is my imagination or does the "look" change if you turn the a tile 90 degrees to the one next to it? In some pics it looks like the same color tiles is two tone/halo effect but in others I cannot see it.

Also for the folks who combined freeflow with diamond, any regrets with it looking like 2 different materials/colors?

I am leaning towards mostly freeflow where the 3 cars go and diamond around the perimeter/walking areas.

 

[matty d]

The free flow tile has an awesome visual effect that changes when viewed from different angles. Looking at pics or even one tile (request free from Racedeck) does not do it justice. You have to look at a whole floor/section to really appreciate. Not to mention very functional too.

Heres an article about my tiles. Gladiator tile is made by Racedeck and pretty much the same thing more or less...there is a link to my blog too. The floor is nice to see when I leave for work and when I come home at the end of the day.

http://allgaragefloors.com/budget-garage-tile-project/

 

[SteveCh]

Yes, the look changes viewed from different directions, and it is nice. Also the free flow looks great mixed with different styles, and you can see for yourself by checking the installations photos on their web site. Or, their are many more such photos right here on the forum.....they are what sold me and I went with free flow and coin pattern tiles.

 

[David Paul]

What Steve said. Received my order yesterday, FreeFlow with sold Diamond under the lift area. Install is on Monday. A friend and I are doing it. I would do the install this weekend but I'm attending a barbecue with free food, free beer and live music.........stupid barbecue.

 

[RaceDeck1]

nice blog and article!

 

[MagicMarker]

I need to order a sample of RD. Is it really that easy to self install and make custom cuts around the border of the garage and other obstacles?

 

[David Paul]

Hi Magic, the short answer is yes. You will understand once you order a few samples. My friend has a portable table saw and has test cut a few tiles with a wood blade with no problems.

 

[SteveCh]

One of the easier things I have done...

 

[sclancy]

Thanks!

Samples are ordered.

 

[MagicMarker]

My samples have been ordered.. I found they even make a carpet tile as well. I'll let you all know what I think of it.

 

[EVLGNUS]

I mixed free flow and diamond plate in my main garage. If I had it to do over again I would go with all free flow. It just seems to be much easier to keep clean.

In my motorcycle garage I went with all free flow and I really like the look.

 

[David Paul]

Here's my free flow install:
Wensaday tiles arrive;
Thursday realize I need two more edging tile for garage door entry. Note: when ordering edging tiles the doors may not line up with each tile block requiring trimming. Order a few extras for this purpose. I let Jennifer from Racedeck know I need 2 more tiles.
The weekend comes and goes, with offers to help with the install but I am not available because of a BBQ.
Monday the install starts. Install note: the tiles are shipped in 4' squares. Great if you are doing a solid color, not so when doing a checkerboard style. Anyone doubting the strength of the interlocks should trying breaking apart 500 sq ft. If I had thought about it, I would have had my friends break them apart over the weekend.
Two rows into the install my buddy, who was doing the trim suggested using my rolling stool. Perfect, tiles under the seat and away I go. Before putting the tiles down, I placed landscaping cloth on the floor as Jennifer suggested. This did two things, created a uniform color under the FreeFlow and silenced any creaking while walking on the floor.

I could not be happier. I installed the sold Diamond tiles under the lift, and the parking assist to help my Wife park in just the right spot so that I can do minor work on the work bench.
Hope this helps.
David
Oh forgot to mention, during the install, the trim tiles I ordered on Thursday arrived. my maillady who I have come to know quite well during my summer garage rehab was very impressed with the look.

 

[403is300]

Can free flow handle jackstands/jacks and a 4 post lift on top of it (with cars)? What about brake cleaner, grease, engine oil, etc.

How is it to walk on?

 

[David Paul]

Can free flow handle jackstands/jacks and a 4 post lift on top of it (with cars)? What about brake cleaner, grease, engine oil, etc.

How is it to walk on?

Yes and nice. I asked about placing my lift on top and was assured it would be fine. After placing it on top, I feel confident there will be no issues. Nice sold feel.

Oil and grease should not be an issue. I cut up some of the boxes to place the card board under my work area to catch any spillage. That is also the reason I put the sold Diamond tile under the lift area.

I was concerned about the tiles creeking when walked on. That is why I put the landscaping fabric down first. When walking on it now, no creeking and it has a nice feel. Nicer then the bare floor, not the same give as a fatigue mat. I don't stand for hours at the work bench, but the feel is nice enough that I removed the fatigue mat.

 

[dubber]

Can free flow handle jackstands/jacks and a 4 post lift on top of it (with cars)? What about brake cleaner, grease, engine oil, etc.

How is it to walk on?

Free flow is a little less durable then the solid tyles, i always used some sort of buffer between my jacks and pads. All solutions will just flow through and are easy to rinse away.

 

[David Paul]

One more thing, shipping.
I didn't know how the tiles would ship, nor did I ask. They were shipped freight(dah). Shipping instructions stated lift gate service necessary, pallet jack required and limited access. Arrived in a box truck, lift gate and pallet jack. Driver was at the house less then 20 mins. All at no extra charge

 

[MagicMarker]

Here's my free flow install:
I placed landscaping cloth on the floor as Jennifer suggested. This did two things, created a uniform color under the FreeFlow and silenced any creaking while walking on the floor.

Great idea on the landscaping fabric. I'm assuming it's the stuff that you'd use to block weeds? It's black right?

 

[David Paul]

Great idea on the landscaping fabric. I'm assuming it's the stuff that you'd use to block weeds? It's black right?

Yes that's the stuff. Bought mine at Lowes and it was a med/dark grey. I couldn't have asked for a better color.
David

 

[sclancy]

for those who have put down the landscape fabric, does it impair the ability of water to quickly evaporate? I am picturing water passing through the fabric and drying times for the garage being slowed considerably? what about the ability to use a blower to clean things out a bit without pulling up the tiles and doing a thorough cleaning?

for those who did not put fabric down, how is the clacking? do you regret not having put down the fabric?

 

[albaran]

I have a combination of diamond and freeflow with no fabric and there is no objectionable sound or feel when walking on the RD IMHO.
The reason I have some freeflow is near the edge of the garage where the hot sun hits the tile when the door is open the solid tiles will tend to expand and lift a little bit. By making the first few rows freeflow, it reduces this effect.
In general, I am very happy with Racedeck poduct.

 

[SteveCh]

Didn't use fabric and don't have clacking. Same for three friends. Great stuff.

 

[John Harry]

for those who have put down the landscape fabric, does it impair the ability of water to quickly evaporate? I am picturing water passing through the fabric and drying times for the garage being slowed considerably? what about the ability to use a blower to clean things out a bit without pulling up the tiles and doing a thorough cleaning?

for those who did not put fabric down, how is the clacking? do you regret not having put down the fabric?

I thought about putting down fabric but decided against it as I was concerned about dampness. Pittsburgh gets enough rain and snow that I didn't want to risk mold/mildew/etc.

It clicks a bit but doesn't bother me at all.

 

[Chris05gto]

I used all FreeFlow........

 

[RaceDeck1]

Chris has one of our favorite FreeFlow garages, thanks for sharing!

 

[Chris05gto]

Chris has one of our favorite FreeFlow garages, thanks for sharing!

Thanks Jorgen, Thinking about adding a little red FreeFlow to my floor........

 

[MagicMarker]

Chris, did you put your lift directly on top of the free flow?

 

[Chris05gto]

Chris, did you put your lift directly on top of the free flow?

Yes.

 

[EVLGNUS]

The trick to breaking the tiles apart is to hold it face up by the edges and then bring the seam down over your knee. MAKE SURE IT IS FACE UP.

 

[jtsboss]

Anyone have pics of a big shop done with RD? I have over 1600sq ft. How is that on the eyes? Would it be better to do big squares? Guys have some really nice places. I have started a shop folder on my PC and have alot of your pics saved!
JT

 

[locus]

I'll definitely order Freeflow for next Spring.
I also have 4 post lift but I don't have to cut out for the bottom of the post?
I can just install floor then leave the lift on top of the tiles?
I didn't bolt them down yet.
I'm not 100% yet but I may consider bolt them down later.