VCT Tile in Garage Tips

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Ice9

New member
I am planning on laying down VCT tile in my new 2 car garage. I will tackle the job in 2 weeks. Does anyone have any sage like advice?



I will probably buy the tile from Menards as they are the cheapest. Will they provide me with the instructions I will need to do the job? Should I go to Lowes or Home Depot instead?



Also, my garage is about 350 sq ft...how long should it take me?



Thanks in advance!



Max
 
Varigated composite tile or Vinyl Composition Tile. It is commercial/industrial tile that is used in hospitals and schools. It is a very tough vinyl tile, 1/8" thick. It costs about $.50-.60/tile.



I am just looking for pointers on installation and preparation before doing the job.



http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/browse_productcat_dtl.jsp?category=vct



http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...ID=ccefadclihkigejcgelceffdfgidgjj.0&MID=9876



Here are a set of links of people that have used it:



http://www.traceyandernie.com/ourgarage.htm



http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=410964





http://www.slk32.com/pages/garage/Garage/garage.html



http://www.stl-vettes.com/Garage/GarageFrames.asp



http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=382985



Max
 
Thanks, Ice9! Now I've learned something today!

I used to think that I had done a pretty good job on our garage last summer ( coated floor, cabinets, shelving), but now I see that I'm soooo far below the mark, I'll have to keep the door closed, or never be able to hold my head up!!!!

It's still the best in the neighbourhood, though! I don't keep Corvettes in it, and my Hondas don't seem to mind!
 
I wouldn't be ashamed of the garage. There are different strokes for different folks. They all have their upsides and downsides. I am going to try this route and hope for the best. It is similarily priced to the DIY coatings.



Surely someone out there has some advice for a novice like myself. :nixweiss



Max
 
Strange you would post this as I am too just about to do my floor and am struggling with all the different options. I just painted my basement floor with Behr epoxy concrete primer and paint and it looks great but I really think the tiles would be more durable. My main issue is whether I should use the regular commercial tiles like you are talking about or should I spend the extra money and go with the motormat. Decisions......decisions.
 
I'm also poised to do something to dress up my garage floor. Living In Wisconsin, I'm concerned as to how VCT would handle slush/salt and freezing cold. Also, wouldn't tile get very slippery if it was wet or covered with slush?



I've been looking at this product rather seriously. Anyone familiar with it?



[edited to correct link]
 
jfelbab said:
I'm also poised to do something to dress up my garage floor. Living In Wisconsin, I'm concerned as to how VCT would handle slush/salt and freezing cold. Also, wouldn't tile get very slippery if it was wet or covered with slush?



I've been looking at this product rather seriously. Anyone familiar with it?
Click to expand...



That link doesn't work for me.



I almost forgot - this stuff looks awesome but is really expensive $8 sq/ft installed www.rubberflooring.ca
 
jfelbab said:
I've been looking at this product rather seriously. Anyone familiar with it?
Click to expand...



Someone on the Miata board tried it and says it's nice, depending on what you do in your garage. If you use jackstands, you'll need to put something under them. Also, a creeper or heavy floor jack on wheels will leave marks on the mat if you try to roll them around. That's enough to scratch it off my list, I use my creeper, roll-around seat and floor jack quite alot.



I'm planning to go with the VCT tiles. I saw where someone suggested using carpet protector over the floor in the winter where you park the cars... then simply pull it up in the spring. I'm referring to the clear plastic, saran-wrap like stuff that builders put down in model homes to protect the carpet from foot traffic. You can buy it by the roll at HD or Lowe's.



- Scott :cool:
 
For those that don't mind spending a bit of money (well, ok, a lot), GarageTek carries an interesting floor tile.



http://www.garagetek.com/



The tiles are polypropylene, self-interlocking and require no adhesive. You just have to cut to size. The tiles allow drainage undernearth. There are also drainage specific tiles that are perforated on top and color matched to the solid tiles.



It's expensive though. I'm not sure what the price would be for just the tiles. I'm having my floor done as part of a whole package so I'm sure the price would be different if you just bought the tiles and installed it yourself.



My price/ft^2 with the whole garage makeover is about $5/tile, installed.
 
Yeah, the rubber stuff is interesting whether it is the mat style or interlocking tile. I won't go with them for two reasons, cost and difficulty in jacking the car up.



I use my garage to work my track car and jack stands will destroy most of those rubber coverings. The VCT is supposed to be fine, but some suggest placing wood or a steel plate under the stands.



I plan to place a rubber mat under the daily driver in the winter for cleaning purposes. We'll see and the total cash outlay isn't that bad. I estimate 10-12 hours of work.



Max
 
I'm thinking of the Armstrong tiles also. Will hot tires affect their adhesion?



I already know the answer to this, but I'll ask it anyway...



My garage floor was painted over nine years ago and is very solid condition (no flakes or chipping, just some worn spots). Do I have to etch the floor to get all the paint off, or would I be able to tile over this?
 
Tiled mine with VCT over an Epoxy job that was flaking off; No problems yet.. Just be sure to get the best contact adhesive you can buy and get the floor completely smooth. Every little speck of dirt will show through the VCT.. Head to a commercial building and look at their flooring to get an idea of what happens if you don't clean the floor good prior to installation.. Float it, sand it, clean it and lay it down. I did 400 sq in 2 1/2 hrs with 1 helper..





Hope this helps.

5197032673.jpeg


My Garage

DSC00665.jpg


My Neighbor's Old Garage

bikecheckers2.jpeg
 
Copter-



Could you go into more detail on the following steps:



1. Float it

2. Sand it

3. Clean it

4. Lay it down



Any tips or instructions would be great. Also, where did you get the tile? I am having trouble finding black tile in my area.



Thanks,

Max
 
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