Which is Better? VCT Tile or Racedeck et al?

[HiSport]

Yes, I ve read archived threads on this, but still confused.

This is for a working garage floor for my car projects. I'm concerned about spilling oils, solvents, sliding follor jacks, etc

I started out assuming an Epoxy floor in my 28 x 30 new garage. But, after finding this site and reading threads, liked the idea of square VCT tiles. Cost is very roughly close for a DIY job, I think.

Now I see this racedeck (and other) snap together plastic tile option.

- Doesn't oil, mop water, etc get under it? And stay there?

- I don't mind the initial work involved in VCT tile or epoxy. I just want to do it once and have it done with (low maintenance)

Anyone out there usd VCT longterm in a working garage?

TIA

 

[mikeyr]

I have to upload my pictures... I took out my RaceDeck floor after it being down 7 years in my shop, 2 floods where the tiles floated 1" or 2" above the floor over the years, lots of oil spill, some weld splatter (melted the tiles), 3 engines, 2 transmissions pulled on that floor over the years. I took some pics of the concrete when I removed the tiles, NO mold, only one spot has oil on the floor and that was under the lift where the most oil was spilled onto the RaceDeck.

I keep the tiles clean by pouring laquer thinner on them every year or so and then hose the floor down, its been wet, its had lots of solvents, no damage. Only damage was weld splatter which is to be expected. Don't know about the other brands but RaceDeck has a "air gap" to the floor allowing things to dry although when I was flooded it took a few weeks to dry (I could tell by water seeping out at the door).

 

[Jason B]

Just wanted to say I bought my VCT tiles at Home Depot for around 55c sq/ft. (bought last summer)
I also got 20% off because they screwed up my delivery..A little negotiation can go a long way.

Basically cheaper than epoxy..and will look better than all but the best pro epoxy jobs(imo). (which can cost in the thousands)

Anywho..Hoping to install it sometime this winter. Been too busy making the rest of the house livable.
I have to resurface the concrete though. I wouldnt put VCT over pitted concrete. You can see what that looks like in stores after years and years of wear..It will show any imperfection underneath. Especially if you drive cars on it.
I wont be though.

I love my VCT! Did my whole 3 car garage for $425!

For any of you that want to do VCT tile, this is a great write-up to follow!

http://www.burtmanindustries.com/images/garage/vct_install.pdf - print it out and get started!

 

[RaceDeck1]

No bias here but I say RaceDeck is better! lol

There are major differences and not really comparable products. VCT tiles are are designed for interior flooring surfaces, not the garage or shop use. VCT reacts terribly to petroleum products ( tires cause yellowing, glues react, moisture will cause buckling, etc). Though, they are very cheap ( especially the one the big box stores sell that are made in China) and you garage will look good when you first install the floor.

 

[joecaver]

I have had VCT down for almost three years now with no problems. BUT mine is not a working garage. The tires do cause yellow spots on the white tiles. My hot tires, here in GA with temps close to 100 in summer, have not buckled any tiles or loosened them at all. When I use jack stands or a jack I have small squares of plywood that I cut from scrap that I put under them. Both my cars leak oil. It has not had any impact. I wipe it up with a rag or sometimes, if I let it go too long, I put kitty litter on it. I would expect that welding splatter would mess them up but I dont'y weld. The only down side IMO is that when they get wet they get very slippery.