Compare Swisstrax to Stained Concrete10 Reasons to Choose Swisstrax
Tiles Over Staining Concrete

Swisstrax Has Lower Lifetime Cost

On average, a 1,000 sq/ft concrete area can cost between $3,000 to $18,500 to stain, versus a Swisstrax at $3,500 to $6,900. National averages to stain a concrete floor sit at $11,000 depending on the complexity of the stain.

You’ll also need to factor in preparation and long-term cost of maintenance when damaged by tools, vehicles, chemicals, or natural movement of foundation. Here are some additional costs associated with initial set up and long-term costs of stained flooring.

Swisstrax can have a similar initial investment, but it requires virtually no long-term maintenance.

• One-Car Garage that is approximately 200 sq/ft with a two-color checkered design and edges can average between $900 and $1,350.
• Two-Car Garage that is approximately 400 to 500 sq/ft with a two-color checkered design and edges can average between $1,800 to $3,400.

Learn more about cost considerations of garage flooring with Swisstrax today. 

Sources: Home Advisor, Concrete Network

Additional Costs of Staining Flooring

Swisstrax Installs in Hours, Not Days

Applying a stain coating to a concrete floor starts with an extensive cleaning and repair to the damaged surface to ensure the coating bonds properly. This process typically starts with sweeping, blowing off all dust and debris, but often also includes washing, sanding off existing paint, and spot treating any oil stains.

Depending on the type of stain you will be using (water-based, acid-based), you’ll want to apply anywhere from 1 to 2 coats. After applying the initial stain, you’ll need to wait an average of 5-24 hours until the first layer cures and is ready for a second coat. After you’ve applied the desired layers and allowed each layer to cure, apply a sealer coat. You'll also need to allow a full 24-hours for the floor to completely cure. Also keep in mind these additional factors:

• Moving all items within the space out of location and back once completed.
• Preparation of the subsurface.
• Time of actually applying the coats of stain.

Swisstrax floors take an average of 1-5 hours to install, depending on size of space. While you must factor in the time to remove all items on the floor, other than sweeping out the excess debris on the floor, you can install Swisstrax flooring as soon as the floor has been cleared of all items.

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  Swisstrax Offers Simple & Safe Installation

Swisstrax is the safe and simple DIY alternative to stain. When surfacing with stain, you often have to use harsh chemicals to prepare the surface, along with the toxic fumes that come from having to apply the stain coats. While staining can be a difficult DIY project as well, Swisstrax modular flooring systems is much easier and less time-consuming process compared to applying concrete flooring stains.

Swisstrax Offers DIY Customization Options

If you desire to get creative with your concrete staining, whether design or colors, this regularly requires a trained professional to come in to prep and apply the stain. This can vary in cost between $12 to $25 for a professional contractor service for high-end designs.

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With Swisstrax you can easily control and customize the following:

• Type of tile (Ribtrax Pro, Ribtrax Smooth Pro, Vinyltrax Pro, Diamondtrax 12-Series).
• Color Options – Up to 18 different color options.
• Design of floor – checkered, outlines, highlights and more. Use online 3D floor designer.
• Use more than one tile type to customize your design.
• Swisstrax also offers Logotrax and Graphictrax to allow for custom logos to be inlaid into flooring.

  Inferior Protection Features with Stains

Concrete stained flooring is susceptible to damage from everyday wear and tear like cracks, chipping and installation inconsistencies, and can endure imperfections from many situations post-application. Swisstrax modular flooring tiles help protect your concrete floor from damage because they sit on top of your concrete floor, can withstand up to 3,120 psi in compressive strength, are heat and cold resistant from -22 °F to 248 °F, and are chemically resistant to liquids like oil, gas, acid or solvents.

  Take SWISSTRAX with You If You Move

One of the biggest benefits of the investment you’ll make with Swisstrax is that you can take your Swisstrax system with you if you move to a new home or your new business. With stains, you’ll not only invest money but a lot of time ensuring the proper application of the flooring. So what happens when you decide to move a year later?

As the world’s finest modular flooring tile, Swisstrax products can be portable and move with you.

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Ongoing Maintenance Investment of Staining Flooring

Every 1 to 2 years, stained floors require resealing along with touch-up of any damaged areas on the floor. In order to maintain stained flooring from everyday wear and tear, homeowners need to remember to:

• Dry mop or damp mop regularly to keep away debris and grime, cutting down on abrasion.
• Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner and water for an occasional deeper cleaning. 
• Protect with a good film-forming sealer and a coat of wax or floor finish. 
• If possible, avoid UV rays hitting flooring, which causes discoloration in the floor. 

Swisstrax has little to no maintenance requirements. The tiles are impervious to staining, fading, or harsh chemical or fluids.

  Better Warranty Offer with Swisstrax

Depending on if you apply the stain yourself or work with a professional, warranties for a stained concrete floor can average from no warranty to 1-year. Swisstrax offers a 7-year to a limited lifetime warranty that is not prorated, with no restocking fees and no hassles. To give additional peace of mind, Swisstrax also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for any garage flooring tiles that are in re-usable condition.

• Ribtrax Pro: Lifetime Limited Warranty: Residential Setting
• Ribtrax Smooth Pro: Lifetime Limited Warranty: Residential Setting
• Vinyltrax Pro: 15-years Warranty
• Diamondtrax 12-Series: 20-years Warranty
• Diamondtrax Flex: 7-years Warranty

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  Slip Resistant with Swisstrax Tiles

Swisstrax tiles are built with a self-draining design that provides a clean, dry surface. Along with the patented drainage system, Swisstrax tiles also have a slip-resistant surface when wet. With concrete stains, you’ll need to be careful with any liquids spilled on the floor while working because the slick surface can be hazardous to working conditions in a garage or commercial space.

  UV Stabilizer in Swisstrax Flooring

If you plan to work with your garage door open, be careful to not let the sun hit your stained floor. Stained concrete flooring is susceptible to discoloration from UV rays and will overtime cause a yellow discoloration. Swisstrax tiles have a UV stabilizer, making them highly fade resistant.

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