JasonTell7
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- Nov 1, 2007
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- 10
Getting ready to do my floor, and and completely up in the air on Epoxy Vs Racedeck tiles. Just curious as to why you chose one over the other, and in the end, if you regret your decision?
RaceDeck Vs Epoxy
- Thread starter JasonTell7
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intruder196
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- Apr 11, 2012
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- 17
For me, it was the ease of installation for Racedeck that was the deciding factor. Also, if you scratch a tile, you just replace it, not recoat the whole floor.
paradocs98
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- Dec 21, 2016
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It's a question for the ages, and one I'm sure has been discussed many times before. I'm interested to hear input from others as well. As for me, I've done RaceDeck-style tile twice now, and while it's better than a bare concrete floor, I think I'll try epoxy next time. The tile gets dirty with use, especially after a couple of winter seasons, and gets discolored from the tires where the cars are parked. I've tried Simple Green and Mr. Clean to no avail. Hoping a nice, professionally installed clear-coated epoxy would be more stain resistant.
James-W
Well-known member
I went with Racedeck tiles because all I needed to do in the way of prep was to sweep the floor and then use the shop vac to get anything that was left from sweeping. Easy prep, simple to put down and hard to screw up, made Racedeck a no-brainer in my book. For an added bonus, if you do somehow wreck a tile, just pop it out and replace it and nobody will ever know.
majerus
Well-known member
I just went with epoxy (installed 3 days ago) my main reason for going with it over a tile system was due to the fact my garage has some weird slopes in the concrete that didnt look or feel right with the tile system. Also I had various cracks, and other issues with the concrete that I felt should be resolved and it was rolled into the epoxy install price.
rrangus
Well-known member
Epoxy is the way to go, but...... takes a lot of prep time. New surface requires very minimal prep, old surfaces require a lot of prep, acid, shot blasting, etc. I have done three shops in epoxy now and am very pleased. The first shop I did you can turn a skid steer around on the floor, no damage other than the black marks. No problems with ethanol damaging the floor, no tires pulling up the surface.
Garage Flooring
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You cant ever point blank tell say you should go this way or that way. It depends on a lot of things:
What size is your garage?
Where is it located?
Any known moisture issues? Moisture test? Vapor Barrier?
Other than parking your car, how is the garage used?
Budget?
Desired appearance?
What is your skill level for DIY projects?
Do you have someplace to store your stuff for a couple of days?
What size is your garage?
Where is it located?
Any known moisture issues? Moisture test? Vapor Barrier?
Other than parking your car, how is the garage used?
Budget?
Desired appearance?
What is your skill level for DIY projects?
Do you have someplace to store your stuff for a couple of days?
If your not willing to spend good money to have a quality epoxy job done then do the race deck.
I love my race deck but sometimes I wish I had epoxy when I'm doing real heavy duty fabrication projects.
I like using purple power cleaner on mine. It works pretty good.
I love my race deck but sometimes I wish I had epoxy when I'm doing real heavy duty fabrication projects.
I like using purple power cleaner on mine. It works pretty good.
RaceDeck1
Well-known member
Nothing against epoxy when you use the best materials, have a perfect concrete prepped slab ( with proper vapior barrier and professional done... but we joke around here at RaceDeck that " If You Coat It, we eventually Cover It' 
...
...mikeyr
Well-known member
The staining is likely because you tried "Racedeck-style" tiles, I have had my Racedeck well over a decade and my tiles have not discolored. Under my 4-post I went with all white tile to reflect the light back up to my project and it was that way for a good 10 years with my daily driver parked underneath the project car most of the time. Next to the lift was black&white checkers and my wife's daily driver. None of the white tiles ever discolored from the tires. Now, discolored from welding or plasma cutting, yes they did that but not the tires.
I have to be near 15 years now with Racedeck, I should go look and see if I can find a receipt. Oh, and when i moved, i pulled up the Racedeck and took it with me, I did change the under 4-post from all white to graphite and yes it looks better, its not as bright but it was amazing how dirty the all white would get while changing out a gearbox or other work on the car.
vettex2
Banned
If you are going to work in your shop, go epoxy (or just polish the floors)
if you are going for a quickie solution and don't care about doing actual work, go plastic squares
if you are going for a quickie solution and don't care about doing actual work, go plastic squares
RaceDeck1
Well-known member
We sell a ton of garage flooring for both residential and commercial garage floors... other than welding, our floors handle the extremes. and if you do damage one module, they simply pop out and can be replaced ( with most times us sending you a free replacement) . lots of people on this forum have been using RaceDeck( who actually own it) for a long time and do a lot of projects in the garage.. Is it for everyone? no, but when you weigh all of the +'s and -'s compared to other options , it's sure for a lot of people. If you are looking for a garage floor to build your weekend warrior circle trac racer, crash derby or dirt tracker, it might not be for you?
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RaceDeck1
Well-known member
Thanks for post mikeyr - you are a prime example of someone who really works in your garage... and has been for over 15 years on RaceDeck. 
CSRPenFab
Well-known member
Lots of bullsh*t being posted about RaceDeck. I'm on my second garage with RaceDeck, both heavily used for all sorts of work from engine building to woodworking. None of the issues a certain poster is talking about have ever happened to me. And, as a Engineer/Industrial Hygienist, your claim about mold growing on concrete below RaceDeck is utter ****. Mold needs a continuous water source and organic material to survive.
dubber
Well-known member
I've put RaceDeck in two garages and happy with the choice both times. I love the way it truly transforms a space with no comparison to other surfaces. I primarily use the garage for vehicle storage, hanging out, tinkering and detailing.
NitroShark
Well-known member
I went with a high-quality epoxy system. I didn't want tile because of grout lines and I didn't go with plastic tiles because I preferred a coating to a floor covering. I can however see where a race deck free flow tile can work well with dripping cars.
My choice has worked out well for cleaning up after a thrash. and I mean clean -not just looks clean.
Like most things if you do it right the first time you won't have to go back and and do it all over again.
My choice has worked out well for cleaning up after a thrash. and I mean clean -not just looks clean.
Like most things if you do it right the first time you won't have to go back and and do it all over again.
vettex2
Banned
Odd , I never said anything about that in this thread. Are you trolling me?
It's good for shows, not for real workspaces
I stand by my statement I made in ANOTHER thread
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kngelv
Well-known member
Well the RaceDeck threads seem to have devolved over the past few days. I'm finishing the layout of my garage now. I just have the floor and some work on the ceiling left to do.I have never owned a RaceDeck floor but have had epoxy and have worked at places with high grade epoxy, polished concrete and polyaspartic floors. All have advantages and disadvantages and one must determine for themselves which compromises they can live with for whatever floor covering they choose. I am strongly considering RaceDeck and if you check my other posts you will find that this has been a four or five year debate and I'm on my second garage. I keep putting off making a decision. Part of the appeal of RaceDeck is I spend my entire work days on hard as$ concrete. Epoxy and similar coverings do absolutely nothing as far as shock absorption and I have some issues with my right knee. I could always place mats in key work areas but I hate cleaning around them and know they will irritate me at some point. I also like the temperature buffer from the cold concrete. My old epoxy held up reasonably well but faded at the threshold under direct sunlight. My current garage faces west so that is a concern. I also don't care that much for the flake look. The other risk of course is damaging the floor and then trying to match it with a repair. I'm not enamored with all the prep for epoxy either. In my case I would have to do half the floor at a time and then maneuver my stuff back. I have some concerns about damaging the epoxy in this process since some of my cabinets weigh 800 lbs when empty and have sharp edges on the feet. My garage is mainly used for household projects RC car work with my 10 year old son and dirtbikes/street bike plus some minor welding. The only time a car or truck would be in there is for doing a major repair or an oil change in the winter. When I moved the family ended up with a nicer house and yard but I ended up with a smaller garage. I currently have twelve RaceDeck tiles and a couple pvc ones sitting on my floor. I have dropped stuff on and purposefully gouged them. All manner of chemicals mud and dirt have been on them too. I think the RaceDeck is easier to clean than pvc. I know I've threatened it before but I'm finalizing this tomorrow. Don't listen to people and their attempt at being macho by talking about "real work". Anything you do in there is real work. I'd get a couple of samples and make up your own mind.
James
James
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danieldd
Well-known member
KNGELV - your story sound similar to mine. I just ordered Racedeck yesterday for many of the same reasons you discuss. Another thing about Racedeck... if I ever move, I can always take it with me.
James-W
Well-known member
I have Racdeck flooring in my garage and never have had a problem with discoloration or anything even similar to that happen. I use my garage mostly for woodworking, but occasionally I work on one of the cars doing minor repairs/maintenance. If I had to do it over again, there is no doubt in my mind, I would go with Racedeck flooring.
Garage Flooring
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have had ONE customer with an issue with RaceDeck tiles. ONE. Its possible there is another one I am forgetting about. The ONE issue I had.... Someone spilled Kerosene on the floor and did not clean it up. It damaged the tiles. It is not a warranty issue. BUT when I called RaceDeck.... Guess what they did.... They replaced the damaged pieces.
The issue is bigger than that though. Its part of why we have done as well as we have. There is no perfect product, no perfect brand and no perfect solution for every single garage floor and shop floor on the market.
We always ask how people use their floor. WHY? BECAUSE IT MATTERS. I liken it to cars. I mountain bike, Live in Colorado and have a family of 8. Your idea of the perfect car might be a Lamborghini. I am sure it would run circles around my vehicle, but that does not make it a better vehicle for me. Now if I was retired and lived in Florida...
I suppose I could just be like @Racedeck1 and own one of everything
The issue is bigger than that though. Its part of why we have done as well as we have. There is no perfect product, no perfect brand and no perfect solution for every single garage floor and shop floor on the market.
We always ask how people use their floor. WHY? BECAUSE IT MATTERS. I liken it to cars. I mountain bike, Live in Colorado and have a family of 8. Your idea of the perfect car might be a Lamborghini. I am sure it would run circles around my vehicle, but that does not make it a better vehicle for me. Now if I was retired and lived in Florida...
I suppose I could just be like @Racedeck1 and own one of everything
Installed Race Deck in my 800 sf garage. Put down some poly weed mat underneath it. Built my race car in my garage with no issues. And if I do spill fluids, well, one can lift some tiles and clean it up. After a number of fluid changes, haven't had an issue with that. No mold. No damage from floor jacks or jack stands.
See my threads below.
For a home garage, Race Deck works... For a commercial environment, like a dealer's 10,000 SF environment, there may be other options to consider.
See my threads below.
For a home garage, Race Deck works... For a commercial environment, like a dealer's 10,000 SF environment, there may be other options to consider.
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James-W
Well-known member
I have these in part of my basement and the grandkids love playing on them. If they fall down, the tiles are soft and they don't get hurt.
https://www.samsclub.com/sams/util-...24-x-24-8-tiles/107930.ip?xid=plp:product:1:1
dubber
Well-known member
Thats a perk i considered with both purchases. I also have to mention when we sold our previous home, the garage with RaceDeck flooring sealed the deal we were told.
My basement gets some water in it from time to time (not much) every time I put something down it gets wet and ruined. I figured the racedeck type carpeted tiles would allow it to dry under them and let it run to the crock in the corner.
James-W
Well-known member
These tiles are some sort of rubberized material that won't be ruined if they get wet. Just unsnap them, take them apart and dry them out, then mop up the floor and lay them back down again. On the other hand, Racedeck tiles have passages underneath them so water can just run toward the drain so there is no need to remove them.
Epoxy and tikes both great products. We sell both systems and it depends on budget too. Tiles are usually at least 3x cost of epoxy.
We carry a fantastic industrial grade tile that isn't hollow and is used in auto dealerships and firehouses. See ww.supratile.com.
Figure about $1.00 per ft for a good 3 layer epoxy system like www.armorcladepoxy.com. Thanks.
We carry a fantastic industrial grade tile that isn't hollow and is used in auto dealerships and firehouses. See ww.supratile.com.
Figure about $1.00 per ft for a good 3 layer epoxy system like www.armorcladepoxy.com. Thanks.
Polish Rifle
Member
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2015
- Messages
- 7
I'm currently finishing my 3 car attached garage and have decided on Racedeck flooring. Now if I can just decide on which of the 15 designs I want to go with, I'll be good to go. My OCD is making this decision much harder than it probably needs to be...
In the meantime, I have a ceiling to drywall and insulate and one more wall left to clad with Proslat and tongue and groove board.
In the meantime, I have a ceiling to drywall and insulate and one more wall left to clad with Proslat and tongue and groove board.
Jawgarage
Well-known member
Thanks for post mikeyr - you are a prime example of someone who really works in your garage... and has been for over 15 years on RaceDeck.
Id like to use RaceDeck on my newly redone garage too. Essentially it's 32'X50' separated in half by a wall at the 26.5' mark. Are there any discounts available for this? Factory seconds that can be used in the heavy use areas more likely to get damaged if at all? Anybody know what an approx cost would be for a two color checkerboard pattern?
Jeff
RaceDeck1
Well-known member
Hi Jeff - Drop us a line ( or call ) on Monday and be sure to mention you are a GJ member
That was my thought on the racedeck carpet tiles so I wouldn't have to remove anything to dry if that happened.
I live in the mid-west where we drag in salt and sand that ends up on the floor when the snow on the car melts in the garage. This does really add up over the winter months. I saw that the RaceDeck Free-Flow is recommended in areas with harsh winters and wet areas. Wouldn't this just drop the salt, sand, dirt below the tiles and create a mess that can't be cleaned? Maybe people spray it out over time, but this doesn't really get it clean in my opinion. Anyone have any experience here? I'm leaning towards the epoxy for my application.
Dave Nelson
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2011
- Messages
- 181
Ten years ago I installed Mannington 18x18 glue down commercial tile (believe it was called Assurance). These have held up extremely well as I have a 4 post lift on it, and my wife parks her car under it. The only maintenance I do is 2 or 3 times a year I mop with a floor cleaner. While I do not weld, floor jacks leave no marks, any spilled liquid easily cleans up.
Garage Flooring
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I need to do a live video on this, because they are incredibly easy to clean. I will plan on doing one late today or tomorrow and will update here
Firebird 1
Well-known member
I just ordered a small race deck pad to put under my motorcycle in my newly renovated garage. Cant wait to get and install it. I did NOT mention Garage Journal, should I have? I have another 1000 sf or so to finish in the rest of the garage. Still debating on what to do. I would really like to Race deck the whole thing but the cost scares me. Also wonder if it would be too crazy to divide each bay with a different colour and pattern. I would like a white/black checker board under the wifes white mustang, but something different under the Pontiac.
BAd ***! Im bout to install my lift to put my air cooled up top! and wst on bottom. Seriously considering this racedeck! my garage is so hit up with oil and grease stains about 60 percent of the floor, my concern would be the apoxy sticking. I know i could spend countless hours steam cleaning and pressure washing etc to try to get it clean but Im not up for that currently.