VCT Tile in Garage Tips

Ice9 · 05-24-04, 01:03

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

Ice9 · 05-25-04, 07:31

Self-indulgent bump! Anybody? Bueller?

norahcrv · 05-25-04, 07:34

No answers, but a question - what is VCT tile?

Ice9 · 05-25-04, 07:58

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/commfloorin...p?category=vct

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...gjj.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

norahcrv · 05-25-04, 08:18

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!

Ice9 · 05-25-04, 08:21

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.

Max

ShineShop · 05-26-04, 07:50

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.

jfelbab · 05-26-04, 08:18

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]

ShineShop · 05-26-04, 08:32

Quote:

Originally posted by jfelbab
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?

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

gb387 · 05-26-04, 09:37

Quote:

Originally posted by ShineShop
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

Now that stuff does look good, but $8 a sq ft?!?! I think I am going to stick with an epoxy floor coating!

2WINDY · 05-27-04, 02:35

Quote:

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

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

maecrispy · 05-27-04, 02:58

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.