Racedeck (or comps) vs Epoxy vs Polish Cement

[Budd311]

I know the answer is most likely going to be 'there is no right answer' but any directional advise would be greatly appreciated it. I just purchased a house that happens to have a 3000 sq/ft garage w/ lift and would like to redo the flooring. I have done a ton of research on what may be the best route, there is clearly a lot of debate.

There are already several drains in the garage, so when I hose it down, it should drain. I am not sure if Racedeck would be ideal (would water/cleaner drain easily?). Some people also seem to complain that RD is not favorable with floor jacks, etc. Epoxy and Polished Cement are also consideration. I think polished cement may be the best option, but initial findings show it can get pricey, quick.

Cost is an issue as with the size, it could easily hit $25K for a floor. It is a sizable investment, so I like to make the right choice. Any suggestions?

Lastly, I was going to tackle this myself, but not sure if I am better off hiring a pro.

ALSO - I do not move in for a couple months, so I am not worried about curing or moving stuff out of garage

Thank you in advance for your opinions / advice. Love this forum

 

[lat905]

Just want to say I would happily murder a small village for that kind of garage space. That is very nice!!!!!

 

[Budd311]

lol -- thank you Shawn; you made me chuckle out loud.

I figure I have to do moisture test before moving forward with any epoxy, etc. But With so many options out there it is, it is hard to decide!

 

[lat905]

Its like 5 times the size of my garage. I can't imagine what it will cost to cover that floor.

That being said, after a lot of consideration of options I went with Racedeck. Installed it a couple weeks ago and I love it so far. If you expect it to get wet the free flow design may be best for you, as it is self draining.

Good luck with it!!!

 

[Budd311]

Seems Racedeck is super popular. I am not sure if best option for me, but clearly is in the running. Do you have any issues with moving or using items like floorjacks or cleaning the floor underneath (should you have any spills like oil, brake fluid, etc)?

I looked at the free Flow version of RD, but I thought of all the nuts and washers I drop and forsee them falling thru the floor...maybe I am over-thinking...

 

[Ratchet Guy]

I think you can do a combination of Race deck and Epoxy so it wont look boring over time, and you can change the race deck later to get a fresh look from time to time

 

[Budd311]

Thanks Ratchet Guy - I thought about doing some sort of hybrid like you mentioned.

I must have read about 100 threads on here. I am wondering why polished cement is not more popular?

I noticed that LegacyIndustrial, a pretty seasoned veteran on this forum (hopefully he weighs in on this thread), is pretty adamant about polishing/grinding. And I agree with him, but it seems the vast majority of folks on this forum are all about Racedeck or Epoxy.

Does anyone have any strong feelings good or bad on grinding and polishing?

 

[Jinks]

I suspect the tendency to Racedeck and/or epoxy has to do with appearance. Grinding & polishing gets you shiny.....concrete. The others get you colors, patterns, logos, etc. I know mine (with Garagedeck) has changed from "just a shop" to just short of a living area. I paint things to compliment the floor colors, added a couple of chairs & a drink holder so I can sit & enjoy the view when I'm not working.

BTW, it looks like you have a two post lift so Racedeck type flooring shouldn't be a problem.

 

[lat905]

I went with the race deck because:
A: It was the most economical option for me
B: My concrete is in poor shape. It has several cracks in it and a whole lot of ground in grease and dirt.
C: I use my garage as a work shop, parking for my classic pickup and motorcycle, and a man cave. Racedeck seemed like the best compromise for the way I use the space.

Cleaning---not sure yet, I haven't had it long enough.

For floor jack and jack stands, etc., I use plywood underneath. I actually spent yesterday with my old truck on jack stands. I did find that getting up and down on the Racedeck, and laying on it, is way more comfortable than the concrete. The Racedeck is a lot warmer, easier to slide around on, and provides a little cushion.

I was doing a bunch of cutting and grinding yesterday, so I had metal chips and dust all over the place. Cleanup was very easy compared to the bare concrete.

 

[Budd311]

Hey Shawn - thank you for the added input, greatly appreciated.

 

[Homerr]

What is the purpose of the garage? Heavy work, showpiece, only change your oil, lounge space? Are you doing other improvements, i.e. painting, adding workbenches, tools? Will it be filled with cars - finished, unfinished? Do you just want it 'to look nice', all function, just something for the wife not to slip on or get shoes dirty?

 

[dubber]

Holy Hell! So thats what heaven looks like.....what was your question again? With that space its a no lose situation for sure. Congrats!

 

[Jim B]

Epoxy and Race Deck and to a lesser degree porcelain tile are popular choices among members of this forum probably because all are relatively easy for the DIYer if they follow installation recommendations and they do a good job of covering floors in poor condition and look fantastic if properly installed. A technique that gets less "press" here is acid staining followed by a clear coat (polyurethane?). Perhaps it takes a bit more expertise I don't know but the results shown here have been pretty spectacular. It may be worth considering that type of finish as well. You have an opportunity to finish off a jaw dropping garage. Don't mess it up.

 

[rustyjames]

I'm a big fan of Racedeck but if I was to do that amount of floor space, with floor drains, I would go with epoxy.

 

[Denwood]

Grinding/polishing is favored by some because in many ways it is the most durable floor with no fail points. I just finished grinding my floor and decided to use a penetrating stain-seal product. The reason for me is that it is a working shop, it is exposed to frequent freeze thaw cycles, will see salt...and I wanted a white floor that I could beat up on without worrying. Ground concrete done right looks like terrazzo to me..it's a great look.

Putting Racedeck over a slab that has not been sealed first (where the slab is seeing salt water) will just hide all the damage happening underneath.

 

[Sovereign-1]

I mostly lurk but seeing those pictures... wow. Awesome garage.

My vote would be for epoxy first, then tile but I have no experience with Racedeck.

 

[Budd311]

What is the purpose of the garage? Heavy work, showpiece, only change your oil, lounge space? Are you doing other improvements, i.e. painting, adding workbenches, tools? Will it be filled with cars - finished, unfinished? Do you just want it 'to look nice', all function, just something for the wife not to slip on or get shoes dirty?

Hey Homerr -

Purpose is mainly finished show cars, that will need mild maintenance (oil change, radiator flush, etc) and a place to sit and stare at cars

There will also be the occasional project car that would be more heavy duty (engine pull, exhaust, brakes, etc). I have not got into heavy work like welding yet, but I plan to now that I have the space. Paint will most likely be outsourced

There will be no daily drivers in this garage (they will be in the other 2 bay garage on front of home); so a lot of road debris/slush will be minimal as I only drive the cars that will be in this garage during sunny days.

The walls need some paint as well cabinets and workbench (like Baldhead or Newage (HD) or something similar)

The flooring will dictate the majority of the theme (and cost), which is why I am doing as much research as possible....so in short, I like it to look nice while also be functional.

Thank you again for your advise - it is appreciated

 

[Budd311]

Dubber - ha! Thank you sir -- I hope so!

 

[Budd311]

Epoxy and Race Deck and to a lesser degree porcelain tile are popular choices among members of this forum probably because all are relatively easy for the DIYer if they follow installation recommendations and they do a good job of covering floors in poor condition and look fantastic if properly installed. A technique that gets less "press" here is acid staining followed by a clear coat (polyurethane?). Perhaps it takes a bit more expertise I don't know but the results shown here have been pretty spectacular. It may be worth considering that type of finish as well. You have an opportunity to finish off a jaw dropping garage. Don't mess it up.

haha - Thanks Jim. I def agree on the dont mess it up part -- ha!

The polish/grinding/stain seems to be out of the DIYer category - but I agree some of the results I have seen are pretty awesome, which is why I thought maybe there is a downside b/c it is not as poplar as the other options, but you make some really good points as to why epoxy and racedeck or more common.

I will get some quotes on the the polish/grind/stain and see....hopefully it is reasonable. From what I have read, it seems to hold up extremely well

 

[Budd311]

I'm a big fan of Racedeck but if I was to do that amount of floor space, with floor drains, I would go with epoxy.

Thanks Rustyjames. I had similar thoughts too. I am beginning to think the RD may not be best given the amount of floorspace and drains are already in place. Looking like the epoxy (pending moisture test) or polish cement may be more realistic and functional.

 

[James-W]

Epoxy floors, if done correctly, are very good looking and quite durable. But the prep is very tedious and time consuming and any oil stains need to be thoroughly removed. A floor that size is going to be very labor intensive and unless you have experience doing this type work, it MAY be best to have it done by a reputable company instead of trying to do it yourself.

Racedeck, or any similar type flooring, requires very little prep other than sweeping and/or maybe running a shop vac around the floor. The tiles come in several different colors so you can make pretty much any floor design you want. The tiles go down quickly and they look very good. One really nice feature is if you do damage a few tiles, you can replace them fairly easily.

Porcelain tile or ceramic tile would be great to have, but for a floor that size I would think it is a bit much for it to be a "do it yourself" job.

 

[Jinks]

Purpose is mainly finished show cars, that will need mild maintenance (oil change, radiator flush, etc) and a place to sit and stare at cars

There will also be the occasional project car that would be more heavy duty (engine pull, exhaust, brakes, etc). I have not got into heavy work like welding yet, but I plan to now that I have the space. Paint will most likely be outsourced

There will be no daily drivers in this garage (they will be in the other 2 bay garage on front of home); so a lot of road debris/slush will be minimal as I only drive the cars that will be in this garage during sunny days.

The walls need some paint as well cabinets and workbench (like Baldhead or Newage (HD) or something similar)

The flooring will dictate the majority of the theme (and cost), which is why I am doing as much research as possible....so in short, I like it to look nice while also be functional.

11 posts & already YOU ****!........ I doubt you really realize how envious most of us are! That GREAT garage, the lift, & a two car garage for the daily drivers! Any floor you choose will work, so just keep us posted & don't forget the pictures!

 

[Budd311]

11 posts & already YOU ****!........ I doubt you really realize how envious most of us are! That GREAT garage, the lift, & a two car garage for the daily drivers! Any floor you choose will work, so just keep us posted & don't forget the pictures!

***** to be the new guy! lol. When I stumbled on the home and saw the garage, it was love at first sight, just needs a little TLC.

I will def post pics of the project once it kicks off --- I just need to decide on what kind of flooring. I am more or less overwhelmed with all the different options and the pros and cons of each option

Any other inputs are more then welcome - thanks again!

 

[RaceDeck1]

Now that is a proper size garage! I love it.. Let us know if you would like and samples of our various RaceDeck garage flooring or questions about options in a garage this size ( we can also help you draw out a design based on your floor plan)

 

[Budd311]

Now that is a proper size garage! I love it.. Let us know if you would like and samples of our various RaceDeck garage flooring or questions about options in a garage this size ( we can also help you draw out a design based on your floor plan)

Hey Jorgen - I am in research / decision making mode and I guess to give RD a real chance before making a decision, your offer would be very much welcomed. To be honest, I been leaning towards the grind/polish/stain after all the reading I been doing, but I did not know I could get samples from RD; great idea. I tried using the virtual builder on your website, but it maxed out at 50x50 -- (I am 45 x 61)

I would like to take you up on both your offers - samples and input on design for a space this size using RD. What is the best way to go about? I also have questions on draining, etc. Send PM?

 

[Budd311]

Grinding/polishing is favored by some because in many ways it is the most durable floor with no fail points. I just finished grinding my floor and decided to use a penetrating stain-seal product. The reason for me is that it is a working shop, it is exposed to frequent freeze thaw cycles, will see salt...and I wanted a white floor that I could beat up on without worrying. Ground concrete done right looks like terrazzo to me..it's a great look.

Putting Racedeck over a slab that has not been sealed first (where the slab is seeing salt water) will just hide all the damage happening underneath.

Thanks Denwood. I am in Atlanta, so we do not get to much snow/salt - plus the cars in this garage will be weekend cruisers (daily drivers park in other garage in front of house); road debris should be minimal as I don't drive the toys in the rain (or try not to at least)

I agree with you that the polish/stain concrete looks great; especially when it is done right. Given the amount of floor space, I would need to hire someone. I have some quotes coming in this week....hopefully it does not sting to bad. You have any idea what it would run me a sq/ft? I read online anywhere from $3sq/ft to $10sq/ft...

 

[jd_77]

With that size of a garage I would epoxy or polish/stain it. If you are planning on having a sitting area/tv area I would get some racedeck or carpet tiles to seperate the shop area and the lounge area.

 

[Budd311]

With that size of a garage I would epoxy or polish/stain it. If you are planning on having a sitting area/tv area I would get some racedeck or carpet tiles to separate the shop area and the lounge area.

JD - awesome suggestion. I like that direction....a Lot! I feel you get the best of both worlds too; both functionality and aesthetics. Thanks!!

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Acid stain and seal. Around 1.00 psqft, DIY. Looks bitchn and it's not that hard to accomplish.

 

[Budd311]

Acid stain and seal. Around 1.00 psqft, DIY. Looks bitchn and it's not that hard to accomplish.

Hey Legacy!! I have read a good amount of threads where you voiced your support about polished cement being the route to go these days. I was hoping you would weigh in!! Good to hear! Racedeck gets a lot of press here as does epoxy; not so much on the stain/seal, which looks awesome. I should have a decision in soon and then kick off the project; will post pics as we go. Thank you sir

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

No problem Budd. Sorry I was late to the party. All good options to consider.
Polishing is nice as well. The only drawback is the cost and it's not as stain resistant as a coating.

Good luck to you and keep us posted!

 

[27carter]

I have a similar sized space, although it is a stand alone barn. I am in the middle of doing the floors for this space and will have three different types of flooring in it. I have a portion that I am leaving unfinished (it is also walled off) and this is where I keep my outdoor maintenance items, i.e. lawnmower, 4-wheeler, etc.. that is about 350sf.

My second area which is open to rest of the space, is a work area where I will have a lift as well as shop equipment. This space is about 450sf. I decided to put Polyaspartic down in this space. Had it done last week and it looks great.

The balance of the space is around 2000sf and this will be where my car storage will be. I will be placing the order soon for Racedeck in this location. I included a picture of the design below.

I was originally looking at Epoxy to do the entire floor, and then quickly moved on to the Polyaspartic. My issue with the polyaspartic was the cost and investment level to do the entire floor. And while having that investment at that level and not being able to change colors, designate parking spaces, and have design elements in the floor (without a lot more $$$$). I also plan to keep the car storage area fairly clean, so that was why in the end I went Racedeck there. I still liked the poly for the shop/lift area because there will be a lot more going on there and felt it would be better for that type of application.

Anyways those are my .02, I installed Racedeck in one of my garages (at the house) and love it for that application, and installed the poly in another and love it that application. I think the best thing to do is think about what you will use the different areas in the garage for and put down the best flooring for those uses. It isn't always a one size fits all scenario! Good Luck! Awesome space!

 

[Criss]

Acid stain and seal I think is the best route and in my opinion the best looking. Personally I don't want bothered DIY and haven't had any luck finding installers in my area.

 

[Budd311]

I have a similar sized space, although it is a stand alone barn. I am in the middle of doing the floors for this space and will have three different types of flooring in it. I have a portion that I am leaving unfinished (it is also walled off) and this is where I keep my outdoor maintenance items, i.e. lawnmower, 4-wheeler, etc.. that is about 350sf.

My second area which is open to rest of the space, is a work area where I will have a lift as well as shop equipment. This space is about 450sf. I decided to put Polyaspartic down in this space. Had it done last week and it looks great.

The balance of the space is around 2000sf and this will be where my car storage will be. I will be placing the order soon for Racedeck in this location. I included a picture of the design below.

I was originally looking at Epoxy to do the entire floor, and then quickly moved on to the Polyaspartic. My issue with the polyaspartic was the cost and investment level to do the entire floor. And while having that investment at that level and not being able to change colors, designate parking spaces, and have design elements in the floor (without a lot more $$$$). I also plan to keep the car storage area fairly clean, so that was why in the end I went Racedeck there. I still liked the poly for the shop/lift area because there will be a lot more going on there and felt it would be better for that type of application.

Anyways those are my .02, I installed Racedeck in one of my garages (at the house) and love it for that application, and installed the poly in another and love it that application. I think the best thing to do is think about what you will use the different areas in the garage for and put down the best flooring for those uses. It isn't always a one size fits all scenario! Good Luck! Awesome space!

Thanks!! Very cool insight and feedback -- much appreciated.

 

[steamup]

For what it is worth-

I did a fire hall floor for my fire department. The floor was old and was done by the fireman in 1974. Any paint tried did not stick. We evaluated race deck and a another similar flooring but cost and the fact that dirt will still accumulate under it would be a maintenance issue.
Any shiny material would be too slippery when washing the vehicles inside and when snow melted.
We chose Sherwin William macropoxy 646 with a non-slip grit adder.
We rented a diamond hone wet grinding machine and totally ground the floor. We then power washed it and let it dry. I then filled the voids and un-even spots with a two part epoxy paste I got from Sherwin Williams ( expensive - Almost $200 for a two gallon kit) It worked great. I used a belt sander to level off the epoxy filler in spots.
We then coated the floor. It took 10 gallons to do 1500 square feet. The concrete was so porous in spots it took a second coat of about 6 gallons.

Overall - it cost about $1 per square foot to do it our selves.
If you hire it done, get someone with a shot blaster to prep the floor. Cost would be more around $3-4 per square foot to hire it done.

The only disadvantage is the grit is rough on the garden hoses when you drag them across the floor.

This was a few years ago and the paint has not chipped or lifted even with the use as a fire hall. It has been scuffed from people dragging heavy things across it but you can't prevent damage from everything.

 

[Budd311]

Hey Guys - we are about 80% complete....figure I provide an update. I ended up going with diamond polished concrete @ 3000grit. I also went with Gladiator Cabinets (premier), stain wooden deck to match beams, fresh paint on walls, and few other additions. I still have tools, air comp, hoses, and other little things to get in place including sliding doors under deck, etc. I can provide more pics once complete but figure I give some progress photos

 

[njp316]

That table though.

 

[Budd311]

That table though.

ha...thanks! I made that out of an old 350 that was cracked....better then a scrap yard..lol. here is another shot

 

[Talha]

You're whole garage is larger than my 2100 sqft house. Wow.

Good for you! lol It is looking very nice.

 

[Shea]

Sweet!