garage flooring

[griffiths_r]

ok, another garage flooring question.

trying to work out what to put on the new garage floor (if anything?) of the new house. only a double garage (no, it doesn't have enough headroom to put in a hoist... bl*&dy building regs!).

i have a heavy 3tn trolley jack with metal wheels... so floor needs to be pretty hardy (although could replace the jack with a 'softer' version).

would also be good if floor wasn't slippery when it gets wet.

options?
- 2 pack epoxy (have quote for $5k)
- raw concrete (free! but oil and trolley jack damage?)
- racedeck tiles (quote for $3.8k inc installation)

anything else i should be looking at?

i'm assuming even 2-pack isn't strong enough to cope with metal trolley jack wheels?

how easy is it to roll stuff around on racedeck tiles (diamond pattern)?


here are a few previous threads here on the topic:

http://www.typ901.org/showthread.php?t=5179&highlight=garage+floor

http://www.typ901.org/showthread.php?t=1787&highlight=garage+floor

http://www.typ901.org/showthread.php?t=725&highlight=garage+floor

any thoughts out there among the cognoscenti?!?

[Jeff Eelkema]

Polished concrete, modern process uses a solution that is "ground" into the surface rather than a 2 pack applied after the surface is polished. Gives a sealed but very tough surface.

[Merv]

I had the concrete but it always throws a dust and gets so dirty over time. Concrete is also dark and swallows light. I went for a top draw epoxy with a light coloured flake in it. Same stuff as they used at the airport entrance. That was 5 years ago and not a mark, despite metal trolley jacks, brake fluid, oil, tar, paint ... it all comes off with brake cleaner or a wash with a mop and sugar soap.

Your price for the epoxy seems high, but not sure of the area.

[stf911]

This works really well and is cheap Richard. I have used it and it is really hard wearing.

http://www.bunnings.com.au/dy-mark-8l-epoxy-clear-garage-floor-coating-kit_p1580413

[griffiths_r]

I had the concrete but it always throws a dust and gets so dirty over time. Concrete is also dark and swallows light. I went for a top draw epoxy with a light coloured flake in it. Same stuff as they used at the airport entrance. That was 5 years ago and not a mark, despite metal trolley jacks, brake fluid, oil, tar, paint ... it all comes off with brake cleaner or a wash with a mop and sugar soap.

Your price for the epoxy seems high, but not sure of the area.

Thanks Merv - interesting that it can survive metal wheels on a trolley jack.

Does it get slippery when it's wet? Does it come with an anti-slip option?

As for area, slightly bigger than normal - i think 48sqm. Might have to get another quote...

[SM911]

Paint it yourself with 2pack epoxy.
It's a pretty simple process, and if you take your time and wait the advised drying times, you'll be rewarded with a great floor. I used to have one, and it was SO worth the effort.

[Merv]

No Richard the flake they put in it gives it texture and with the epoxy base it is very grippy. There are others designed for around pool areas that have different additives.

[Paul W]

Hi Rich. Raw concrete should be avoided as it constantly produces dust, as Merv said. Also, as it's so porous one decent spill of an oily substance will complicate refinishing later on. I epoxied my garage floor at home and after 12 years of hard use it only now looks like in needs re-coating. In the next 12 months I'll be resurfacing the garage floor of our beach house (46sq.m) and think I'll be polishing the concrete and finishing in a matt epoxy sealer.

[griffiths_r]

thanks guys... seems like epoxy is the popular way to go!

have sent a few more requests out for quotes... will see what they come back like.

[Merv]

Also think about the colour Richard. Under old cars light is always a bonus and reflected light even better.

[griffiths_r]

Also think about the colour Richard. Under old cars light is always a bonus and reflected light even better.

yeah, was thinking a very light grey - will work in nicely with the rest of the house.


Just got two more quotes in (very quickly too!):

- "urban stone finish" at about $4400 inc gst
- "ecoshield polyaspartic coating" at about $3400 inc gst

the poly one claims to be the hardest wearing and resilient coating on the market... but is it a case of more money equals better product?

R

[Michel]

Ahhh product claims. I will suggest all if used appropriately and as specified should prove to be effective. Preparation and application is a key.

Hit the data sheets. I'd also recommend speaking to C.E industries or any specialist industrial supplies, coatings, adhesives business... As well as taking further recommendation from the forum

[Classic]

I went with a Rustolium water based product with a Epoxy clear coat over the top.

After 5 years the only negative is a slight yellowing of the top coat near the door.

Everything has been dragged and spilt on it without effect.

I have a bit of a blue theme running in my garage so blue fleck for me.

[Robin]

Tiles

My ceramic tiles are still holding up well.

I do not us a trolly jack however - does handle even the cayenne weight with no issue.

They use these in Porsche service centres etc.

Easy to clean and looks nice (I think).

Ended up costing about $5000 with be buying tiles and having someone lay them (about 90m in total).

[griffiths_r]

My ceramic tiles are still holding up well.

I do not us a trolly jack however - does handle even the cayenne weight with no issue.

They use these in Porsche service centres etc.

Easy to clean and looks nice (I think).

Ended up costing about $5000 with be buying tiles and having someone lay them (about 90m in total).

thanks Robin - tiles do look nice!

garage will be my workshop though (very very minor work at that)... so want to be able to use my trolley jack. driveway is sloped so no good for it. next best location is in the middle of our cul de sac (which has been done - with strange looks/comments from neighbours!).