What floor should I go with?

[AaronH87]

I cant decide if i want to go with epoxy or tile mats?

I have been pretty sure that i wanted to go with Epoxy-coat, but now lately i have been considering something like RaceDeck...

I am a full time firefighter, so i don't make a lot of money, so IF i spend money on a floor, i want to be happy with it.

I am still leaning toward epoxy-coat because i like the gloss finish, but im still not 100% that i want to go with them. Any suggestions?

I have a standard 2 car garage. Any homwowners or vendors on here with suggestions? who will win my heart? lol

 

[KPSquared]

Do you work in your garage or just park? Plastic tile ala race deck not so good for jacks, jackstands etc.

There are about a billion threads with almost the same title. Do some reading and see what you come up with.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Re: What floor should i go with?

Both products are great choices. Tiles are quick and easy and epoxy takes some work.

 

[AaronH87]

Re: What floor should i go with?

i dont park in the garage, its used to work in.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Re: What floor should i go with?

i dont park in the garage, its used to work in.

Then its all about what you like the looks of and how much work your willing to do

 

[RaceDeck1]

Re: What floor should i go with?

Hi
We can send you free samples of both our patent RaceDeck diamond and the TuffShield( high gloss) to look over and compare.
RaceDeck is sold for both residential and commercial garages will handle the most extreme vehicle rolling loads. As for jack stands, the weight will not be an issue. If you are using good quality stands ( like a Snap-On style) you can lift a bus up on it without issue. If you are using the cheaper angle iron legs style "<v>" they can act like cookie cutters even marring solid concrete, the simple solution with these is use any solid plate/wood under them

Here is a picture if a 3 year old working garage with RaceDeck

 

[budl]

Re: What floor should i go with?

I have the same question about floor finishes. I'm going to build a 24x24 garage/workshop. (new slab). Though I want it to look nice, I'm more concerned about durability, ease of maintenance and light in the garage. My eyes aren't what they used to be so light is important. I don't have an unlimited budget so cost is a factor. I do like to play with cars so the floor will be subjected to dropped tools, parts etc.

We used epoxy when my company built an airplane hangar years ago and it was beautiful, expensive but beautiful. Though, generally, the floor was not subjected to much abuse, it had to be stripped and recoated after about ten years due to lifting and chipping. Very expensive x2. Also you would slip and bust your **** on the slightest amount of moisture. We had to add sanded walking areas.

Considering all the above: Sealer, stain, DIY concrete paint, modular flooring or ???.

Thanks to those who've "been there, done that"

Bud

 

[KPSquared]

Re: What floor should i go with?

Interesting. That is good to know racedeck1. I was always under the impression it was a "show garage" only kinda product. Cool!

 

[KPSquared]

Re: What floor should i go with?

I have the same question about floor finishes. I'm going to build a 24x24 garage/workshop. (new slab). Though I want it to look nice, I'm more concerned about durability, ease of maintenance and light in the garage. My eyes aren't what they used to be so light is important. I don't have an unlimited budget so cost is a factor. I do like to play with cars so the floor will be subjected to dropped tools, parts etc.

We used epoxy when my company built an airplane hangar years ago and it was beautiful, expensive but beautiful. Though, generally, the floor was not subjected to much abuse, it had to be stripped and recoated after about ten years due to lifting and chipping. Very expensive x2. Also you would slip and bust your **** on the slightest amount of moisture. We had to add sanded walking areas.

Considering all the above: Sealer, stain, DIY concrete paint, modular flooring or ???.

Thanks to those who've "been there, done that"

Bud

DIY concrete paint. . .NO.

Seriously guys. . . it's all here. It's been covered a million times. Stop being lazy. Do some reading. Do some searching.

I'm not trying to be a search nazi, but c'mon. This question get's asked like 5 times a week.

Oh, and if you're concerned about light, put in more lights. . .

 

[GNGarage]

It's a matter of personal preference, of course.
Here are a few things I took into consideration.

If you have stains, oil spills, tire marks, small surface cracks, or water issues from rain or melting snow (usually shedding from your vehicle) prep for epoxy is more extensive to get the product to stick evenly, and slippery surface can be an issue. Modular tile covers floor imperfections, drains shed water and has several surface choices according to your particular need. Tile is more expensive (roughly double the cost of epoxy) but easier to repair if a small area is damaged. It can also be disassembled and taken with you if you move.

I chose to go with Race Deck because my ten year old garage has enough tire marks and oil and other stains that I was afraid that even after thorough prep (doing it myself) I wouldn't be pleased with the result. When I factored in the extra cost of having a professional prep/etch, the cost difference was not as much of a factor.

Good luck, and Thank you for what you do! (Firefighters deserve more recognition)

 

[Harix]

If you have a new concrete, go with epoxy.

 

[Shea]

There is nothing wrong going with a good quality interlocking tile such as RaceDeck. As far as epoxy goes, if you are willing to do the prep work and installation yourself, you can put in a nice epoxy floor for much less money. A couple of coats of 100% solids epoxy should be more than adequate for what you need. Make the second coat clear and you will get the gloss and some depth that you say you like.

Vehicles contribute tremendously to the wear of an epoxy floor, so if you aren't parking any cars in your garage or running a factory in there, you should be just fine. You can learn more about epoxy and interlocking tiles here if you like.

Good luck with your hunt!

 

[WanderingSol]

I thought about epoxy but too many people told me about peeling floors after a few years.

I really like the look of Racedeck, but would it be practical for me, especially in winter with melting snow and what not.

I bought enough Multy 12" x 12" tiles (polypropylene) from Menard's to do a 12' x 17' area in my garage, under our daily driver. I have been happy so far this winter, melting snow and water dripping from the car goes through the open weave pattern to the concrete and then evaporates. We no longer walk in snow/water/mud. I can sweep the big junk off or use a vacuum sweeper for the small stuff.

I'll have to get some pieces of steel plate, 1/8" thick for my jack stands and floor jack so they don't dent the floor though.

Everyone says it is a lot better than cold concrete when barefoot or in socks.

I'll give it a year before I do the whole garage, but so far so good.

 

[Slamdunc]

I have a similar question to the OP. I have been researching flooring options and originally thought epoxy was the way to go for my garage floor. I have a 2 car garage that is about 480 sq ft. Currently we do no park any cars in the garage, although my wife would like too. The garage is used for my K-9 partner who has a doggie door to go outside and a kennel (6'x6') in the garage and some exercise equipment, Weights, Smith machine and Heavy bags, and speed bag. I find that combination of exercise equipment to be the best at catching dust, dog hair and generally being in the way.

I want to clean the garage up, organize it and be able to use it more comfortably. I do have a Kegorator and a big "Gladiator" frdge in there as well as tools and a leather couch (for the dog). I read this forum and had decided to epoxy the floor using epoxymaster and a buddy did it first. His floor came out beautiful, he prepped and prepared the floor for 3 days. The floor scratched with the first bench we carefully moved back in. He is not happy with his floor and spent way more time on the prep than I would like to do.

So, here is my dilemma:
I have ruled out the epoxy becuase of the amount of work my floor would need and how delicate it appears. I could be wrong, just going by my friends garage.

I am considering a roll PVC flooring form Costco:

http://www.costco.com/Taupe-7.5'-x-20'-VersaRoll-PVC-Flooring.product.100011176.html

I considered RaceDeck as that is really nice and no doubt top of the line, but it is significantly more expensive. Like the Op who is a fireman ( I know everyone loves fireman); I am a cop and trying to do this on a budget. I figure I can do the PVC flooring for under $1.30 sq ft?? That is with in my budget.

My next questions are:
1: I have read that PVC can be toxic? Tarpet claims that their "Thermal Polyolefin" flooring is non toxic unlike PVC??? Is that true, because that is a major concern since my K-9 buddy does sleep in the garage at times.

2: Does water / moisture getting under the product become a real issue with mold or mildew? I have read that as well. How much water could actually get under the roll flooring?

3: Would putting and underlayment down be beneficial and what about a moisture barrier?

Sorry for the long post, but I could really use some advice form you guys who have done this before.

Thanks in advance!

Jim

 

[Garage Flooring]

I have a similar question to the OP. I have been researching flooring options and originally thought epoxy was the way to go for my garage floor. I have a 2 car garage that is about 480 sq ft. Currently we do no park any cars in the garage, although my wife would like too. The garage is used for my K-9 partner who has a doggie door to go outside and a kennel (6'x6') in the garage and some exercise equipment, Weights, Smith machine and Heavy bags, and speed bag. I find that combination of exercise equipment to be the best at catching dust, dog hair and generally being in the way.

I want to clean the garage up, organize it and be able to use it more comfortably. I do have a Kegorator and a big "Gladiator" frdge in there as well as tools and a leather couch (for the dog). I read this forum and had decided to epoxy the floor using epoxymaster and a buddy did it first. His floor came out beautiful, he prepped and prepared the floor for 3 days. The floor scratched with the first bench we carefully moved back in. He is not happy with his floor and spent way more time on the prep than I would like to do.

So, here is my dilemma:
I have ruled out the epoxy becuase of the amount of work my floor would need and how delicate it appears. I could be wrong, just going by my friends garage.

I am considering a roll PVC flooring form Costco:

http://www.costco.com/Taupe-7.5'-x-20'-VersaRoll-PVC-Flooring.product.100011176.html

I considered RaceDeck as that is really nice and no doubt top of the line, but it is significantly more expensive. Like the Op who is a fireman ( I know everyone loves fireman); I am a cop and trying to do this on a budget. I figure I can do the PVC flooring for under $1.30 sq ft?? That is with in my budget.

My next questions are:
1: I have read that PVC can be toxic? Tarpet claims that their "Thermal Polyolefin" flooring is non toxic unlike PVC??? Is that true, because that is a major concern since my K-9 buddy does sleep in the garage at times.

2: Does water / moisture getting under the product become a real issue with mold or mildew? I have read that as well. How much water could actually get under the roll flooring?

3: Would putting and underlayment down be beneficial and what about a moisture barrier?

Sorry for the long post, but I could really use some advice form you guys who have done this before.

Thanks in advance!

Jim

We had ordered samples of the versaroll product and several other import products. After reviewing the products, we posted some pictures and we decided to stick with the American Made G-Floor product from Better Life Technology.

If you are going to go with the PVC roll out flooring, G-Floor is the only way to go. You dont have to buy it from me, elite xpressions, griots garage and many others stock it. The BLT rolls are one solid color layer (except silver) and VERY important they are stored flat, not rolled. Imagine taking a product that has been stored rolled for months and stacked in a container versus a product that has been stored flat on the floor in Emporia KS. The G-Floor just lays better.

I am happy to send samples to anyone who wants to see the mats or modular flooring.

The 'non toxic' question is also a good one. None of the products taste very good but G-Floor is made in the USA, lead free, asbestos free and non toxic.

Moisture:

Most interlocking tiles are designed to leak. At some point water goes through the cracks between the tiles. It does not rush through by any means. The tiles are all also raised on an engineered underside to allow the floor to breath. PVC flooring when properly installed DOES NOT allow anything to get through (if you use seam tape). I would not see a need for a moisture barrier with either product.

 

[AaronH87]

Good luck, and Thank you for what you do! (Firefighters deserve more recognition)

Thank you

Hi
We can send you free samples of both our patent RaceDeck diamond and the TuffShield( high gloss) to look over and compare.k

I am happy to send samples to anyone who wants to see the mats or modular flooring.
\.

samples would be great! ive been leaning towards epoxy, but would love to see what you offer.

 

[Danreese]

I have been looking at epoxy floors and this company seems to have a durable one at a reasonable price http://www.everlastepoxy.com/

 

[Slamdunc]

GarageFlooringLLC,
Thanks for that response! You are correct, the versaroll is manufactured in China. I just called and confirmed that; and that puts it in a whole new light. I am definitely not comfortable with products made in China and prefer made in the "good ol' USA." I'm glad I asked and you responded, thanks again.

Jim

 

[leftthumbs]

Sorry if this may be redundant on this fourm but research of epoxy floors brought me here any recommendation on who to use I am down to three companies.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Thank you







samples would be great! ive been leaning towards epoxy, but would love to see what you offer.

If you email me your info or fill out our form and let me know what you like, we will get you taken care of.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Sorry if this may be redundant on this fourm but research of epoxy floors brought me here any recommendation on who to use I am down to three companies.

It really depends on what you are looking for. We hve some great products as does EpoxyCoat and Legacy and many others.

 

[leftthumbs]

epoxy coat and ucoatit are on my list i am now looking at legacy. the other company I can't find anything on but were great on the phone gave a lot of good info.

 

[Garage Flooring]

EpoxyCoat & Legacy are great companies with impeccable service. If I was not in the business those are the guys that I would look at (for DIY) Scotty can also recommend some installers as could DCS, elite, etc.

 

[55cadillacking]

As for jack stands, the weight will not be an issue. If you are using good quality stands ( like a Snap-On style) you can lift a bus up on it without issue.

RaceDeck, this may be true for some of your tile styles, but would you recommend using jack stands on a Free Flow floor?

 

[leftthumbs]

Just ordered from pour a floor hope it is as good as they say.