garage floor...epoxy paint or tile it?

Speaking from experience, use a rubber based underlayment. The recommended underlayment is a thin one usually for hardwood flooring, it's not adequate for foot and car traffic.

 

We do Swisstrax floors when the application suits it ( and we do it reluctantly as its essentially the same price as epoxy, and the fit & finish isnt nearly as good) We also only to the rib-trax tiles too.

We lay down a layer or two of landscape fabric. This allows moisture to breath out, but also stops the chattering of an uneven concrete floor (both of which every floor will have). Plus it provides a black backdrop, so it conceals stains, or discolored concrete. I'd be concerned about the long term effects of a rubber underlayment below. You're going to harm your concrete with the standing moisture, as well as a lack of airflow will allow mildew to form on the damp surface.

 

I didn't have any moisture issues, plastic was layed out underneath the slab before it was poured and the garage space was heated/cooled. But yes in a high humidity, non climate controlled space moisture might be an issue with a solid underlayment.

 

What happens with a Swisstrax or similar floor when you wash a car on it? Or if you spill oil on the floor?

 

IT drains off. The tiles have a slight crown. Then the ribtrax tile is perforated. So any liquids ( or small screws) will go to the floor. If your floor is sloped properly then it drains out the front of the garage, or into a drain if you have one. There is a tapered edges so when you drive into the garage it has a ramp. So any water will eventually get kind of stuck there, but water will find a way out, so it doesnt pool up. The tiles are .75" thick so if the slope isnt proper in a garage, it will hold a lot of water before it becomes an issue.

S.

 

Many thanks, Shaun, for the detailed answer. I appreciate it.

I have a "perfectly flat" floor in the workshop area to facilitate wheel alignment and corner weight measurement. The garage area is also level so that cars don't roll off. We don't wash cars there for obvious reasons, but we do get the occasional fluid spill, oil, hydraulic fluid, etc. That would pose a problem, I suppose, for Swisstrax or similar tile floors. They are quite interesting, otherwise.

 

The tile floors are awesome and serve a purpose. Epoxy does as well. I have epoxy at my shop, and home. If that means anything.... Whats cool about the swisstrax is that its unharmed by chemicals. In our flooring trailer we regularly spill drops of epoxy, only to be wiped up with Xylene. Its a bulletproof floor. You can lift them to clean out any chemicals if absolutely necessary. Its not easy, but totally doable. I prefer to use tile floors in spaces where its totally square, and there is a large depression in a garage. The height of the tile makes it perfect to keep the owners out of standing water -Until it can evaporate.

In general though, i'm just glad to help. I can provide first hand knowledge on both flooring products. I'm not here to sell product, so its kind of unbiased ( not really though, as I like epoxy) But if I can help someone with a decision on flooring or cabinets, I'll gladly give them my thoughts.

Shaun.

 

Many thanks, Shaun.

Andres

 

Had any one used ceramic tiles and put 4 post garage lifts in? Do they crack the tiles?


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Same question. I'm about to get some lifts and am thinking of redoing the flooring in my garage. I have epoxy and it's great but looking to do a "museum" finish with the floors.

 

I have an epoxy floor that is a pain to clean. It seems like I clean it, it rains the wife drives in and I have a mess to clean again. I was thinking about just putting swisstrax over it. My floor after 5 years has chips in it etc and I hate when it looks dirty. I had it done in a single color when I bought the house new. I need to do something but I want it to look good with out a ton of work.

 

So, I really think whomever you hired did you a disservice. Any garage thats used daily shouldnt be a solid colour. solid epoxy is great, but its a glossy surface, and any dirt will show. Most daily used garages should be flake floors. For slip resistance, and for dirt concealing.

You're in Vegas, so I'd guess the price is around $4/ Square foot. Swiss trax will probably be more than that. You're best bet would be to hire a company to sand your floor down and recoat with a flake. Pick something with black in it to hide the dirt. My shop is 100% broadcast fake, and it always looks clean. When the guys mop it up, the water comes out black though. Its gross!

As long as the the current floor is adhering properly to the concrete you can sand it and re-coat and have great success. If your floor is peeling up, no respectable company will coat on top. In which case Swisstrax!

Does that help any?

Shaun

 

You have to properly prep the concrete which includes chemicals and scuffing/grinding. Then use epoxy. Then unless you have super hot tires (like racing on a track and then driving in and cooling on the surface and doing a lot of maneuvering), nothing should cause an issue for at least 10 years. I used a pro guy to to 440sqft with the traction chips (flakes) and everything. floor looks nice and uniform. no issues. It took him 1.5 days to do that small of a space. It was about $4.50 a sqft, total.

Honestly it's about the prep work. Also, do it in the spring as you need a certain amount of warmth but not blazing hot. Also preferably at a time with low humidity.

Here is a straight on shot followed by what it looks like at an angle. Note the driveway needs to be pressure washed and usually isn't that dark.
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What are your thoughts for a brand new garage floor ? Epoxy vs. garage floor tiles, also which floor tile is best ?