RaceDeck and Swisstrax are the two undisputed titans in the industry for manufacturing premium interlocking garage floor tiles. In addition to their stellar reputations, both companies partner with many high-profile car events and automotive-related T.V. shows. Furthermore, they each provide interlocking tile flooring for some of the largest automotive industries in the world.
This naturally leads many prospective buyers to try and determine which garage tile is better – RaceDeck or Swisstrax. We can tell you right now that they both produce high-quality, well-manufactured, garage tile and flooring products.
If you are one of those who need the answer straight away, we will get right to the point. SwissTrax holds an edge over RaceDeck for the vented, self-draining tile styles. Conversely, RaceDeck holds the edge over SwissTrax for the solid top style of tiles.
However, we don’t recommend getting too caught up in the minor details of our comparisons. Instead, you may want to focus on which of these two companies makes the best garage floor tiles that fit your style, budget, and requirements.
Our comparisons will include size differences, construction, strength, and finish. Some of these differences may or may not be a factor when determining which brand of garage tile is best for your needs. Plus, we will show you how to get a discount on one of these brands when we’re done.
As a reference, we have years of experience with various brands of interlocking garage tiles, including 8 years with RaceDeck in one of our garages. In addition, we have installed Swisstrax tiles and various other brands in other people’s garages.
There have been big changes for both companies since this article was first published in 2013. We have updated it to reflect the most current information.
The History of RaceDeck and Swisstrax
When researching and comparing products, it sometimes helps to know the story behind the companies.
RaceDeck
SnapLock Industries is the parent company of RaceDeck and has been in business for close to 40 years. They claim to be the creator of the modular snap-together floor tile. In addition, they have been producing garage tiles under the RaceDeck name for over 20 years.
In April of 2023, Gerflor acquired SnapLock Industries. To the best of our knowledge, this acquisition has not impacted the manufacturing of RaceDeck garage tiles.
RaceDeck produces 10 styles of interlocking tiles in up to 14 basic colors. Custom colors are available upon request. All tiles have a 15-year limited warranty and are made in the U.S.A., with operations based out of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Swisstrax
Swisstrax was first established and manufactured by then-President, Randy Nelson, in Switzerland over 25 years ago. Hence, the name. In 2004 they opened their first sales office in southern California, and a year later began production there.
Their reputation for producing quality garage tiles quickly grew within the automotive and garage flooring industry. Due to rapidly growing global recognition, in 2015 they opened a production facility in France to better serve the European market.
In 2019 the Recreational Group acquired Swisstrax and moved their headquarters and domestic production to Dalton, Georgia. They state that they manufacture and distribute “The world’s finest modular flooring”.
Swisstrax produces 8 styles of interlocking tiles in up to 18 color choices. The Ribtrax Pro Series tiles have a lifetime limited warranty, Vinyltrax Pro has a 15-year limited warranty, and the 12-Series Diamondtrax tiles have a 20-year limited warranty.
RaceDeck vs Swisstrax Garage Tiles – Construction, Strength, and Finish
RaceDeck and Swisstrax manufacture rigid plastic, interlocking polypropylene tiles with similar flooring style options. There are only a couple of differences in tile options/styles which we won’t discuss here.
In addition, they both use the highest quality polypropylene plastic for their materials. Though each company has an excellent reputation for quality, there are some differences in tile specifications between the two brands.
For the sake of simplicity, we will compare the flagship vented top tiles, the popular diamond pattern solid top design, and the vinyl top tiles.
All other tile options in each manufacturer’s line are built to the same specifications. The only differences are aesthetics in the surface patterns.
RaceDeck Free-Flow® and Swisstrax Ribtrax Pro Comparison
Comparing these two tiles used to be fairly simple. However, changes by both companies over the past years have muddied the waters a bit.
The RaceDeck Free-Flow® tile is manufactured using single-point injection molding. It has a nice satin finish and is available in the industry standard 12” x 12” size and is 1/2” thick.
Each tile has four peg and loop connections per side using their patented PowerLock® technology. The rolling weight rating for Free-Flow® is 80,000 pounds.
Swisstrax Ribtrax Pro is manufactured using 4-point injection molding. It has a very nice satin finish as well. Sizing is 15.75” x 15.75” and is 3/4″ thick.
Each tile has six peg and loop connections per side with a rolling weight rating of 70,000 lbs. In addition, Ribtrax lists a compressive strength of 3120 PSI. RaceDeck does not list a compressive strength and could not provide one when we called them.
Both garage tiles are the vented, self-draining style. They provide the attractive two-tone color appearance that makes this style of tile so popular.
The two-tone look is due to how light reflects off the rounded ribs that are positioned 90° opposite each other in each of the four sections. The supporting substructure on the underside of both tiles is very similar as well.
Though these tiles look very similar, the larger and thicker size of the Swisstrax Ribtrax Pro, plus the 4-point injection molding makes it a slightly better tile than the RaceDeck Free-Flow in our opinion. Plus, the larger size means fewer tiles to assemble and fewer seams for the same square footage.
The rolling weight ratings of both tiles are so high that a 10,000 lb. difference doesn’t mean much. Unless you plan on parking a small bulldozer in your garage, both ratings are far more than adequate.
These were the only self-draining tiles available from both companies since their inception. However, in 2021 Swisstrax created an additional style called Ribtrax Pro Smooth. RaceDeck also countered with an additional design called Free-Flow XLC™.
RaceDeck introduced the Free-Flow XLC™ to combat the larger Ribtrax tile. It is 18” x 18” in size and .625” thick. .625” is equivalent to 5/8” for reference.
Unlike the standard Free-Flow® design, the top ribs of the XLC tile have a thin, flat surface. They call it their Dual-Traction Tread™. It is designed to provide more surface area for better slip resistance and a smoother ride for rolling toolboxes, chairs, creepers, etc.
The Ribtrax Pro Smooth has the same size and build specifications as the Ribtrax Pro. Technically, the thickness is approximately a millimeter less due to the flat surface. However, the difference is hard to notice when the two tiles are connected with each other.
The primary difference of the Ribtrax Smooth Pro is the flat surface. The flat surface promotes better traction and a very smooth rolling surface.
The Ribtrax Pro Smooth has the same finish as the Ribtrax Pro. However, it looks slightly less satin to the eye and it doesn’t have as strong of a two-tone appearance. This difference is due to the way light reflects off of the flat surfaced ribs compared to the rounded ribs.
The Free-Flow XLC™ looks similar to the Ribtrax Pro when comparing the two tiles side by side. Other than the larger size of the XLC, we would call this a close tie if we had to pick a winner.
The one odd factor, however, is the .625” thickness of the XLC. Only the Charred and Smoked Oak simulated wood grain tiles (which we will discuss shortly) have the same thickness. The rest of RaceDeck’s entire line of tiles is 1/2″ thick.
Though the Free-Flow XLC™ can physically connect to the other tiles, it’s noticeably taller and may create a trip hazard. As a result, we recommend sticking with the XLC tile throughout your garage floor unless you plan on implementing one of the simulated wood grain tiles.
The RibTrax Pro tile used to have this same issue a few years ago. However, you now have more options with the addition of the Ribtrax Pro Smooth and Vinyltrax Pro line.
RaceDeck Diamond™ and Swisstrax Diamondtrax Tile Comparison
Like the Free-Flow® tile, RaceDeck Diamond™ is manufactured using single-point injection molding. It is available in the industry standard 12” x 12” size and is 1/2” thick.
Each tile has four peg and loop connections per side using their patented PowerLock® technology. The rolling weight rating is 80,000 pounds.
The Swisstrax Diamondtrax tile is from their 12-Series line. It is manufactured using single-point injection molding.
Sizing is the industry standard 12” x 12” and is 1/2″ thick. Hence, the 12-Series designation. Tile construction is the same throughout the entire Swisstrax 12-Series line.
Each tile has six peg and loop connections per side. The rolling weight rating of the Diamondtrax is 25,000 lbs.
Though RaceDeck and Swisstrax incorporate a raised diamond top design, they are different. Diamondtrax uses the more traditional raised diamond plate pattern, while RaceDeck uses a more subtle or softer-looking diamond shape.
In addition, the top of the raised diamond on the Diamondtrax tile has a polished-looking finish that reflects light. The remaining surface of the tile has a slightly textured scuff-resistant surface with a satin finish. This contrast makes the diamond shape stand out.
RaceDeck Diamond™ has a satin finish throughout the entire surface, including the raised diamond pattern. As a result, the diamond shape is not as bold as the Diamondtrax.
Neither of these designs is necessarily better than the other. They are just different. The only factor we can attest to is that the Diamondtrax design provided more grip in our informal testing.
Something interesting to note is that RaceDeck has just introduced an additional diamond top design called RaceDeck Max™. It looks just like Diamondtrax. They state it provides the best grip and maximum toughness. So, the Diamondtrax tile design may provide better performance over the RaceDeck Diamond™ after all.
However, it’s the substructure on the underside of these tiles that reveals the strongest overall construction.
When you compare the two, it’s obvious why the RaceDeck Diamond™ has a rolling weight rating that is over 3x greater than Diamondtrax. It’s noticeably stronger looking and has thicker bracing.
We give the nod to RaceDeck’s thicker-looking PowerLock® peg and loop connections as well. As a result, the RaceDeck Diamond™ tile is the stronger tile in terms of construction.
Woodgrain Vinyl Top Tile Comparison
One other design that we want to compare between RaceDeck and Swisstrax is the simulated woodgrain tiles. Both companies use commercial vinyl inserts that replicate woodgrain or wood-like flooring. These inserts are glued to the substructure of the tile.
The RaceDeck versions are Smoked Oak and Charred Oak. Both are the color representations of the simulated wood grain.
The structure and size of the RaceDeck version are the same as the Free-Flow XLC™. This includes the .625” thickness. In addition, they are introducing a massive 36” x 36” size at the time of this publication.
Swisstrax provides two options. First is the Vinyltrax Pro. This is the same size and structure as the 15.75” x 15.75” Ribtrax tiles and are available in four woodgrain colors.
In addition, they have a simulated carbon fiber vinyl insert option. It can provide an accentuated style to your floor that looks racey and chic.
The second option is the Vinyltrax 12-Series tiles. These are the same 12” x 12” size and structure as the Diamontrax tiles. There are three simulated wood styles to choose from.
Remember, the specifications, strength, and construction of the RaceDeck woodgrain and Vinyltrax Pro are similar. However, SwissTrax provides double the woodgrain options, plus a carbon fiber look. You also have the 12-Series Vinyltrax option to match up with other 12-Series tiles.
For these reasons, we believe that SwissTrax is the best option if you want to incorporate a wood grain finish into your garage design.
One important note: RaceDeck and SwissTrax both have received complaints of car tires staining the vinyl inserts where they park. This is not uncommon with vinyl materials. The same thing happens with polyvinyl garage floor mats.
As a result, Swisstrax does not recommend using them where vehicles park for extended periods. Instead, they are best used for the perimeter of where a vehicle will be parked or other areas of the garage floor.
RaceDeck has not made this recommendation – yet. We would not be surprised if they do sometime in the future. We give kudos to Swisstrax for being transparent about tire staining.
Other Considerations When Comparing RaceDeck and Swisstrax
One nice feature about RaceDeck is that every tile in their line can be connected with each other. As we mentioned, though, the XLC and simulated wood tiles are taller. It’s not recommended to connect them with the 1/2” thick tiles, especially for those with visual OCD.
Swisstrax, on the other hand, has two different groups of floor tiles in their lineup. Their flagship tiles are the larger 15.75” x 15.75” Pro line which consists of the Ribtrax Pro, Ribtrax Smooth Pro, and Vinyltrax Pro. These are often referred to as commercial-quality garage tiles.
The second line is the 12-Series. These include Diamondtrax, Ribtrax Smooth, and Vinyltrax. These can be referred to as residential tiles. Important to note is that the 12-Series and Ribtrax Pro line of tiles cannot be connected with each other.
Interlocking Connection Strength and Fitment
The strength (or lack thereof) of the interlocking connections and how tightly garage tiles fit together was a factor when comparing tiles 20 years ago. Big gaps in the seams were common as well.
There were more garage tile manufacturers in the market back then with inferior tiles, particularly from overseas. So, it wasn’t uncommon to hear stories of interlocking connections breaking and other issues.
This has never been a problem with RaceDeck and Swisstrax. It is one of the many distinguishing factors that set these two companies apart from the rest of the competition.
Yes, RaceDeck has a more robust single interlocking connection. However, Swisstrax uses more connections per side. It’s rare to hear of broken connections or tiles from either company.
Does that make one tile better than the other? It’s hard to say since it’s rare to hear from consumers complaining about poor connections with these tiles. These are not budget garage floor tiles.
You can find people who say that one is better than the other based on trying to break the connections over their knee or some sort, but that just isn’t the way these tiles work in the real world.
What we can say, is that Swisstrax tiles are easier to snap together. They are also easier to separate when you need to pull one or more up from the floor. This can be a big bonus.
We had a RaceDeck floor for 8 years. We can attest that they require more effort to snap together. It was also a bit of a pain to pull one or more tiles up since the connection was so tight.
The seams for RaceDeck and Swisstrax Pro tiles are both snug and do not have large gaps. The Swisstrax 12-Series tiles do not fit quite as snugly. However, it’s hard to notice the difference unless comparing them to the other tiles.
Function, Stain Resistance, and Cleaning
RaceDeck and Swisstrax each allow maximum air circulation and water drainage underneath the tiles through a series of cutouts in the substructure. This prevents odors as well as mold and mildew problems.
In addition, they both do an excellent job of resisting stains and damage from a variety of harsh chemicals. It is hard to stain polypropylene plastic with petroleum. The one chemical that can cause damage to polypropylene though is acid.
RaceDeck and Swisstrax claim that their tiles work well with heavy rolling toolboxes, car lifts, rolling jacks, and a host of other heavy-duty garage equipment. Furthermore, both companies have similar claims for U.V. resistance which prevents fading in the sun.
Lastly, RaceDeck and Swisstrax are known for great customer service.
Final Conclusions
If we had to judge these tiles based on structural design alone, then we have to give RaceDeck the edge. Their entire line of tiles is rated at 80,000 lbs. rolling weight.
Though we feel that the larger Swisstrax Pro line of tiles is slightly better, you can’t help but notice the beefier-looking construction of RaceDeck’s solid top tiles compared to the Swisstrax 12-Series line.
Nevertheless, the 12-Series tiles cost less than the same-sized tiles by RaceDeck. As a result, they may be a better value for many people.
So that begs the question, how strong do these tiles need to be? After all, when was the last time you parked something in your garage that had a rolling weight of over 25,000 pounds? This is one reason why getting caught up in the specifications is not always necessary.
Something else to consider is that Swisstrax uses 4-point injection molding for their Pro line of tiles vs single-point injection molding for RaceDeck. Multi-point injection molding ensures better material distribution, and consistency in finish, size, and quality.
That said, both tile companies make extremely durable tiles that have achieved a reputation for standing up to some very tough garage environments.
So, if that is the case; which is the best interlocking garage floor tile – RaceDeck or Swisstrax?
The best choice of garage tiles from these two brands is the one that will fit your budget and style. The next considerations are the quality of workmanship, and the best finish that will stand up to stains, and chemicals and is easy to clean.
Both of these tile companies have succeeded in that regard. That is why they have earned the reputation as the two biggest names in the interlocking garage floor tile industry today.
You will come out as a winner no matter which you choose, RaceDeck or Swisstrax.
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Tim Nemeth says
Great article and great timing for me to find it. I have both Manufactures on my designning mind and appreciate the two of them in comparison. I thought of using a rolled felt roofing material under the tile as a base and noise suppressant over the concrete floor. But landscape fabric would be a great alternative.
Being I live in Canada I was wondering about how slippery the closed cell tiles would be with a little snow on your boots. And secondly, how flammable are the tiles as I have a wood stove on the floor space?
Shea says
Hello Tim. Yes, landscape fabric is a much better choice than roofing felt. It allows water to drain through, it dries fast, and it will not deteriorate. Snow on your boots with the solid top tiles isn’t much of an issue unless things are icy. As long as you walk carefully there should not be any surprises. The tiles are not flammable, but they will melt if exposed to welding slag, hot coals, and things like that.
Petrovic says
I purchased Race deck and was extremely disappointed by the results, a few weeks later I asked Swisstrax to send me samples of their product, the quality was ridiculously better
Shea says
Hello Petrovic. Could you please explain why you came to that conclusion? We appreciate taking the time to comment, but it you really didn’t provide any useful information.
kevin Floars says
Any suggestions for cleaning the swisstracs floor
I have had mine for 5 years and love the floor but struggle to keep it clean
Shea says
Hello Kevin. Generally 1 cup of ammonia to 1 gallon warm water and a micro fiber mop works well. For tougher cleaning, a strong solution of Simple Green generally does the job, but you need to go back over the floor immediately afterwords with a mild solution of the ammonia. The reason is that Simple Green can leave a film that will attract dirt. Also, Garage Flooring LLC has an excellent tile cleaner and tile restore product that can make the tiles look like new again. Just give them a call and ask for Justin so he can explain how the system works together. We’ve seen the results of this product and it is quite impressive.
james beaver says
I live in South Florida. Many times I come in with a wet car from sometimes heavy rain, leaving puddles of water in several paces on floor. In an effort to avoid smell and mold, which tile should I use open grid, or closed?? Any water underneath needs to dry out. how can this be done with both types, air blower? I prefer the closed tile, but this may not be practical in this wet environment . Please advise.
Shea says
Hi James. You will do well with either choice and it’s really a matter of aesthetics. These tiles will not develop mold or mildew – period. They are designed to breathe and allow air transfer under the tiles. This air transfer also provides for evaporation and a drying effect – no air blowers required 🙂 Solid top tiles will allow a little water to get through, but it’s far less than you may imagine. The plastic on these tiles are very hydrophobic and water does not easily drain between the tight gaps. Of course the open grid tiles will allow all the water from your car to drain to the floor, but it will also allow the water to evaporate and dry out quicker as well. Another advantage is that these type of tiles stay clean looking for much longer. They are actually very popular to use in snow country. People like how melting snow and ice that come off the car keep the floor clean and dry.
James beaver says
Thanks for the fast comments. At first I liked the looks of the solid tile. Just to clarify, are you saying the solid tile will dry up underneath after I drive in with a wet car? Are you saying that they will breath enough to dry without pulling up tile.
Some of the car shows they recommended the vented tile? I have even got comments use a pressure cleaner to clean and dry with leaves blower, in a garage with tools and hobby things!?? Crazy not doing it. All of these comments has but me on hold.
Please clarify. thanks Jim
Shea says
That’s correct, James. There is no need to worry about water. Millions upon millions of square feet of interlocking tiles have been sold by various manufacturers. Water is not an issue. Cleaning solid top tiles are easy. Just sweep or use a shop vac. Like all flooring, they will get dirty and require an occasional mop. A microfiber pad mop head and some ammonia and water do quick work on the floor. No rinsing required. My brother has a combination solid top and free-flow design by RaceDeck. Cars are worked on all the time on top of the tiles. Cars are driven in after rain storms. They work wonderfully. Some people do wood working on top of the vented tile. They can suck the sawdust and other debris that has fallen through with a shop vac. There is no need to use special blowers, dryers, and etc.
Kathleen says
Can you tell me if RaceDeck sells a trim piece that would come to the garage opening?
Shea says
Hello Kathleen. RaceDeck, as well as all interlocking tile manufacturer’s, offer a beveled ramp edge that snaps into the tile if that is what you are referring to. If not, I would suggest giving RaceDeck a call. They have excellent customer service and will even sent out free samples for you to review for yourself.
John says
Because of a defect in the concrete pour at my 70 yr. old house, I get water ponding in the garage that after a particularly heavy rain storm can cover 15 to 25 square feet about a quarter of an inch deep. I am concerned that if I install a tile floor over this area it will remain wet and start to smell. In other words water drains into my garage, not out. Is there any water proof leveling compound or something that could be used in the low spot to solve the water problem before installing the tile? If so, what type of service company would I contact to do the work?
Shea says
Hello John. There are polymer-modified concrete products that can be used to fill low areas. Sometimes epoxy slurries are used as well. Just keep in mind that the water that is displaced by filling a low area has to go somewhere. It may find it’s way to another area and not out the door. We would recommend searching for “concrete slab resurfacing”, “concrete garage repair” and “concrete coating companies” for your area. Some companies that can perform such services will come up under those search results. It will take a few phone calls.
John says
Thanks. Those suggestions are worth investigating. Just today I was looking at a channel drain installed just outside the garage door. I like the idea but I think it could be very expensive. Plus, saw cutting a trench in my existing slab might cause other problems. It wouldn’t have to be very big though. One way or another I am going to solve this problem because I want a tile floor in my garage.
Shea says
Just so you know, John, the rigid polypropylene tiles have good air circulation under the tiles. The floor can be fairly wet and the air circulation will allow for evaporation – particularly if you choose the self-draining style of tiles. Pools of water are not good, but small puddles here and there are fine.
John says
I hadn’t planned to use the self-draining style, but I probably could incorporate some into my design layouts. Thanks for the suggestion. However, as I live in Houston Tx, and the humidity never drops below 80 to 85 per cent in the warm weather months, I don’t think I could wait for the water to evaporate on its own because of mosquitos, mildew, etc.
I had installed a product called ‘Tsunami Seal’ a few years ago which worked quite well for awhile. I think what I am going to do is to first investigate why the product failed and fix it if I can. Then look at the previously suggested solutions. If none are satisfactory or too expensive, I will buy a small shop vac and after a heavy rain, pop a few tiles and suck the water out. Problem solved – sort of. Thanks again for your input.
Shea says
You’re welcome, John.
Walt Jackson says
Hello
So I use floor jacks ,engine stands ,and jack stands, not all the time but on projects.
So my garage is not juat show room for two cars ,its a working garage.
how wil these products stand up.
Shea Walker says
Hello Walt. The tiles stand up extremely well as long as you take a couple simple precautions. They can withstand a few thousand pounds or more per square inch as long as the surface of the object is flat. For example, if using a floor jack, it’s best to place it on a minimum 5/16″ thick piece of plywood to spread the weight. This is because the steel wheels are round and will carry all the weight on a very thin strip across the bottom of the wheel. In other words, they don’t flex like a small pneumatic tire would to spread the weight. If jack stands have flat plates on the corners, then no issue. If not, place them on a similar piece of plywood or you will damage the tile. We have a Mustang that is a part-time track car and we have pulled the transmission for a new flywheel and clutch kit, done multiple brake pad replacements, suspension changes, fluid changes, and etc. on a RaceDeck Diamond floor without any problems. It’s also more comfortable to lay on than concrete. Engine hoists and heavy rolling tool boxes are not a problem since it’s not enough weight distributed throughout the three to four wheels to do any harm. We have since moved and will be installing a new SwissTrax floor shortly that will experience the same type of work. This article here has a picture of the car on four stands just for an example.