Swisstrax and Racedeck are two of the leading companies when it comes to outdoor flooring materials. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is right for you?

In this guide, we will compare Swisstrax and Racedeck in four different categories: maintenance requirements, appearance, warranty, cost.


    What is Swisstrax?

    Swisstrax is a Swiss brand, much younger than Racedeck at only half its age. Though reduced time on the market, Swisstrax still manages to be one of the best interlocking flooring businesses on the market. Similar to Racedeck, this brand is popular amongst automobile enthusiasts and most often installed in garages. Operations were recently moved from Switzerland to Canada, making it a prosperous North American company.


    What is Racedeck?

    The Racedeck brand is one that has been around for roughly 40 years. They are one of the first companies to implement an interlocking floor tile system. Since its creation, they, and their parent company Snap Lock Industries, has made a name for themselves in the garage floor space. Today, the company produces multiple styles and interlocking choices for consumers to choose from.


    Swisstrax vs Racedeck: Comparison

    Both company’s materials are made from polypropylene recycled plastic materials. However, Racedeck uses unique composition to give it leverage in construction. In addition, Racedeck uses a special patented technology called PowerLock. This technology is used to develop its panels. There are a total of sixteen pegs and loops around the panel which connect with others to form an interlocked floor. The math boils down to its technology’s catchphrase, “the power of four.”

    Contrarily, Swisstrax takes the interlocking technology further. Swisstrax uses twenty pegs and loops to connect tiles to one another. That’s five per side unless it’s the highest option at Swisstrax, the Ribtrax panel, which is twenty-four connectors in total.

    When it comes to maintenance, both flooring options are similar. Both should be cleaned regularly, but because they are artificial materials, there is not worry about overly degraded materials.

    Additionally, if one tile were to become damaged, it is easy to replace the one tile rather than the entire floor like other flooring materials might require. Instead of pitting these two flooring options against one another for maintenance, it seems better suited to acknowledge the many benefits of these interlocking panels compared to other options.

    For cleaning, simply use a mild soap and water solution to wash the panels. Because they are grated, the water will fall through and eventually evaporate. You are also able to use a pressure washer and shop vac to help maintain.

    Racedeck prices depend on the size and style. However, prices begin at $3.79 per square foot and scale up to $11.23 per square foot for the free-flow extra large panel options.

    Swisstrax can range from $3.00 per square foot up to $7.00 for specialty panels. As such, this makes Swisstrax the significantly cheaper option of the two for anyone searching for quality interlock flooring.

    Swisstrax offers customers 15-year warranties, while Racedeck offers a 20-year limited warranty. The warranty protects again manufacture error and issues relating to their U.V. resistant features and resistance from oil and chemical stains.

    Swisstrax also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a warranty without proration or additional fees for restocking.

    Both companies offer similar, pain-free installation. Because each uses an interlocking panel system, there is little for customers to worry about during the installation process.

    You will simply need to line up the pegs and loops to connect. It is easiest to work from one corner, more specifically the back one, and to lock as you go. Often times the installation can be done in as little as one afternoon! This is a DIYers dream.

    Racedeck flooring comes in two sizes, 12 inches by 12 inches and 18 inches by 18 inches. Both options are ½ inch thick. The first is their standard size, while the second is considered their extra-large (XL) offering. If you have a lot of space to cover, the larger interlocking panels can provide relief as less effort is required to cover the floor.

    The Swisstrax sizing is also available in a couple of options, though not quite as large. Swisstrax offers 13 inches by 13 inches, something many companies don’t do. It also offers a 15.75 inch by 15.75-inch panel that is ¾ inch thick compared to the original’s ½ inch thick panel. While it’s nice that the brand offers multiple sizes, it’s a shame that they are such odd numbers.

    Interlocking panels can be great for mixing and matching what you need for your space. For example, if you live in an area with heavy winters, you may want to line the part of your garage closest to the door with a more expensive tile that allows snow to melt and pass through.

    With Racedeck, all of their panels can be mixed and matched to find a solution that works best for your home. Whether it be draining tiles under a makeshift mudroom or under your car to avoid pulling liquid, Racedeck provides the avenue to do so.

    Unfortunately, Swisstrax does not offer the same luxury. Only some of its panels can be mixed. So if you’re looking to implement a more expensive panel in some places, like one that allows drainage, it may not interlock with the rest of the floor.

    As for if Swisstrax is durable, the material is U.V. resistant, and the panels don’t absorb water which means that it’s a great option for those who live in areas of high humidity.

    The durability of Racedeck depends on what kind you choose, but all of them are waterproof without absorbing any water while having warranties that range from 12-20 years, depending on how much coverage you choose when installing the panels.

    Swisstrax and Racedeck can support up to 80,000 pounds, which makes it a great option for a working garage in which many cars or heavy machinery is present.

    Swisstrax flooring is resistant to all liquids except for battery acid. It is also recommended that the Swisstrax flooring is kept away from direct heat as the materials can be damaged from excess heat.

    Additionally, Swisstrax is slip-resistant for the most part, with anti-slip being incorporated into the molding process from the beginning. The brand prides itself on introducing anti-slip at the beginning of the process rather than spraying it on at the end like competitors often do.

    Racedeck states that it will not stain from grease or oil spills either. Because their ingredients are composed of high-impact copolymers, the floors are inherently anti-stain.


    Swisstrax vs Racedeck: Final Showdown

    At first glance, it seems like there isn’t enough of a difference between these two materials to make a good decision. However, if cost is a major component, Swisstrax offers substantially cheaper flooring with similar results.

    While Swisstrax offers lower prices, its warranty is five years shorter than Racedecks’ twenty-year offering. When it comes down to it, a decision will need to be made on whether cost or warranty is most important. 

    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield

    Matt Greenfield is an experienced writer specializing in home improvement topics. He has a passion for educating and empowering homeowners to make informed decisions about their properties. Matt's writing focuses on a range of topics, including windows, flooring, HVAC, and construction materials. With a background in construction and home renovation, Matt is well-versed in the latest trends and techniques in the industry. His articles offer practical advice and expert insights that help readers tackle their home improvement projects with confidence. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, Matt's writing is sure to provide valuable guidance and inspiration.

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