Poor man's checkerboard floor

[bwilder10h]

I really, really, really want a black and white checkerboard floor in my garage. However, I can't justify spending 500+ on the flooring and the raised tiles don't really appeal to me due to the fact that I live in an area that sees snow several times a year and the idea of salt water getting trapt between the tiles. I also run a lawncare business on the side and often have to clean the underside of the mowers and the ability to quickly clean up the floor is a must.


Any suggestions or am I destined to have a gray expoxy floor....

 

[mike944]

How much time you got?

You can always epoxy a base in white, and and spend some significant amount of time with masking tape, and make your own squares, and go over it with black epoxy.
________
CB1300

 

[bwilder10h]

I thought about that. My concern would be the epoxy seeping in through the tape and making the lines look bad. I just painted the dining room in our house and even with the most expensive tape HD sold, the paint still seeped through the edges of the tape in places on to the trim.

 

[Tim240Z]

try some automotive pin striping tape. It works well for painting stripes on cars, so it may work with concrete....maybe worth a try...

 

[bwilder10h]

Would it be possible to put down the cheap Armstrong tiles from Home Depot and then put a clear sealer down over it. Maybe the clear Behr epoxy they sell at HD?

 

[GLF]

I am installing the Armstrong VCT tile as I write. Waiting for the glue to set for the 2nd half of the floor.
As per directions the floor needs a sealer on it and the Armstrong Excelon Floor Polish seems to do a great job. I have even used it on my indoor ceramic tile with amazing results.

Side note: I had to order the tile from Lowes and paid 59 cents per tile. Using classic white and classic black with the texture running the same direction and a full black border.

 

[GLF]

Checker board floor

Here is the field installed. Still have the rear step to complete and trim at edges.

 

[5111]

I am installing the Armstrong VCT tile as I write. Waiting for the glue to set for the 2nd half of the floor.
As per directions the floor needs a sealer on it and the Armstrong Excelon Floor Polish seems to do a great job. I have even used it on my indoor ceramic tile with amazing results.

Side note: I had to order the tile from Lowes and paid 59 cents per tile. Using classic white and classic black with the texture running the same direction and a full black border.

Will this stuff hold up to automotive liquid spills? How about to dropped tools, a floor jack, and jack stands?

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

I am installing the Armstrong VCT tile as I write. Waiting for the glue to set for the 2nd half of the floor.
As per directions the floor needs a sealer on it and the Armstrong Excelon Floor Polish seems to do a great job. I have even used it on my indoor ceramic tile with amazing results.

Side note: I had to order the tile from Lowes and paid 59 cents per tile. Using classic white and classic black with the texture running the same direction and a full black border.

How much did you end up spending on the complete project? Looks good.

 

[bwilder10h]

Looks great! Is there a coating (maybe a clear epoxy) that you could put over this to permanently seal it from spills and chips that would never require refinishing?

 

[sizzler90]

Looks great! Is there a coating (maybe a clear epoxy) that you could put over this to permanently seal it from spills and chips that would never require refinishing?

I am pretty new to this kind of stuff, but I don't think there is anything that never requires refinishing. But I could be wrong.

 

[GLF]

QUESTION___Will this stuff hold up to automotive liquid spills? How about to dropped tools, a floor jack, and jack stands? ANSWER___ It is a commercial floor material used in high traffic areas, ie Wal mart type places. I think you will be able to drop things you can carry without hurting it. My jack stands will have a spare tile under them, the floor jack I will try without anything under. Anything I spill should clean-up with no problem.

QUESTION____How much did you end up spending on the complete project? Looks good. ANSWER____It is a 400 square foot garage. Total cost; glue, tile, sealer less than $300.

QUESTION____Looks great! Is there a coating (maybe a clear epoxy) that you could put over this to permanently seal it from spills and chips that would never require refinishing? ANSWER______Never, is a long time! However the Armstrong Floor Polish is really a coating in itself. I coated using a empty coffee can as a container and the next morning it had 1/16" of clear tough stuff in the bottom. And the dried applicator could not be cleaned.

I am going to finish the back step tomorrow and will post finished pictures with at least 5 coats of polish on the floor

 

[autoist]

So, where did you buy it - product info?

 

[GLF]

So, where did you buy it - product info?

All material came from Lowes. Special order the tile, received in six days. Stay with Armstrong products for best results ( glue and polish)

 

[Wizard600RR]

I posted some of these a long time ago, but since VCT questions are being asked again.... here's a couple pics of my VCT tiled garage....

 

[bwilder10h]

This is excellent info!!!

I think I've found the answer to my question... thanks to GLF and Wizard!

I went to Lowe's last evening and they had the vinyl tiles, but I don't think they were the VCT product. I also didn't see the VCT products listed on Armstrong's website. Please advise as I want to get this project completed by April 1st.


Wizard, nice VFR. I'm looking for a 98-01 (excluding the 00 yellow) currently.

 

[JMURiz]

Hey guys, just be careful on that stuff when it is wet. Remember in school when you game running into the building on a rainy day and almost broke your ***, haha. However, the stuff is super durable, looks great and is cheap.

 

[GLF]

This is excellent info!!![I think I've found the answer to my question... thanks to GLF and Wizard!

I went to Lowe's last evening and they had the vinyl tiles, but I don't think they were the VCT product. I also didn't see the VCT products listed on Armstrong's website. Please advise as I want to get this project completed by April 1st.


Wizard, nice VFR. I'm looking for a 98-01 (excluding the 00 yellow) currently.

Make sure you get commerical tile 1/8". here is armstrong site http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/product_details.jsp?category=vct&item_id=381

 

[5111]

Thanks for all your help so far. Is this the stuff you got at lowes?

 

[GLF]

That is the correct tile, but I used Classic White not Cool White. And Classic Black with the white.

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

Hmmm...I'm starting to think I might be able to pull this off in my garage, too.

 

[GLF]

Completed Garage Floor/lighting

This is the completed garage.
1. New lighting using two 8' with 4 four bulbs (T-8) and two 4' with 2 bulbs
each
2. New Armstrong VCT tile with four coats of polish todate
3. The paint and cabinets were done a long time ago

 

[Wizard600RR]

I don't even bother with the polish, I don't have that much free time. I just keep the floor clean and dry. I sponge-mop it with Armstrongs Floor cleaner, which does a great job.

 

[Notch1988]

Why does it seem like everyone uses the tile with patterns in it? I'm going to use the Armstrong Excellon Feature tile which are solid colors... just can't seem to find them at any of the big box stores.

 

[GLF]

You might find that the solid colors scratch pretty easy and that is why they are used in the field for decoration. Also the cost is much more.

 

[bwilder10h]

This is the completed garage.

That looks excellent! I cannot wait to get started on mine. I called HD today and they have the tiles in stock (although probably not enough to do my 650sq ft garage). I plan on picking them up sometime this week....

 

[MNTrailBoss]

Color bleed

From page 1 post -- how do you keep the color coat from seeping under the mask? Simply lay down the mask (I like good quality auto tape), then lay down a coat of clear. The clear coat will seep under, then seal the "joint". Follow up with color coat and your good to go.

Never tried it on a floor, but that's how I get patterns in wall surfaces.

 

[Hammerdown]

You can do a checkerboard with the UCoat products, I have seen the checkerboard on their photo gallery on the website- www.ucoatit.com. It looks great!, although it would be more expensive than $500.00.

 

[Robbo]

This is the completed garage.
1. New lighting using two 8' with 4 four bulbs (T-8) and two 4' with 2 bulbs
each
2. New Armstrong VCT tile with four coats of polish todate
3. The paint and cabinets were done a long time ago

Looks Excellent GLF. I have a few questions if you don't mind.

1. How big is your garage and how many boxes of tiles did you have to use.
2. Any special prep to the floor before putting the glue down?
3. Did you put the polish down with a machine?
4. What about irregularities in the garage floor? Mine is not level in every spot (not talking about grading for drainage...there are low spots...though not huge).

Thanks
Rob

 

[GLF]

Looks Excellent GLF. I have a few questions if you don't mind.

1. How big is your garage and how many boxes of tiles did you have to use.
2. Any special prep to the floor before putting the glue down?
3. Did you put the polish down with a machine?
4. What about irregularities in the garage floor? Mine is not level in every spot (not talking about grading for drainage...there are low spots...though not huge).

Thanks
Rob

Garage is 20 by 20 or 400 sq. ft. There is 45 sq. ft. per box, I used 5 boxes black (because of black border) and 4 boxes of white.

I filled the perimeter expansion joint and center control joint with grout (regular ceramic tile grout). Washed the floor with a TSP. I had no oil on the floor to speak of.

The polish was put on just using a rag.

As to the condition of the existing floor;
As long as the are no sharp drops or rises the tile will conform to the floor as the glue will pull the tile down as it drys (about 72 hours).


Rob, good luck you will enjoy going into the garage in socks.

study this site and I will try and answer any other questions.

http://www.armstrong.com/commflooringna/product_details.jsp?category=vct&item_id=381

 

[Robbo]

GLF,

Thanks for the reply. Your garage looks great. Going to check the site out now.

Rob

 

[Lew W]

All this conversation and information has made me change my mind about putting on Rust O Leum epoxy!!

 

[jbilbo]

Wow.... pix look great! I'm going with the Armstrong tile as well!

 

[mark's_c5tt]

Hey guys, it really seems like the rubber tiles will stain, epsecially the white tiles if you are doing a race-flag type floor plan.

What are your thoughts on the Big Foot Plastic Tile? I know it sounds cheezy but it requires no glue, pretty easy to maintain, no stains to worry about. I now there may be a clacking noise issue but I heard that a foam barrier on top of the concrete would supress much of the noise when walking on it

What are your thoughts?

 

[mark's_c5tt]

All this conversation and information has made me change my mind about putting on Rust O Leum epoxy!!

Yup. Me too! The hell with that. I heard the rustoleum barely lasts anyway and if you go with a commercial product, it costs so much money. Plus I dont kno what I'm doing so I need professional installation

 

[GLF]

Hey guys, it really seems like the rubber tiles will stain, epsecially the white tiles if you are doing a race-flag type floor plan.

What are your thoughts on the Big Foot Plastic Tile? I know it sounds cheezy but it requires no glue, pretty easy to maintain, no stains to worry about. I now there may be a clacking noise issue but I heard that a foam barrier on top of the concrete would supress much of the noise when walking on it

What are your thoughts?

The tiles I used a commercial type vinyl and with the wax coating will not stain. But use what ever floats your boat, a finished floor is really great. I changed an exhaust system on mind the other day and it was heaven. You drop a nut and you can find it right now. My favorite improvement to this house by far.

 

[mark's_c5tt]

You can do a checkerboard with the UCoat products, I have seen the checkerboard on their photo gallery on the website- www.ucoatit.com. It looks great!, although it would be more expensive than $500.00.

I've just seen their website. WOW! they have an amzing site. Incredible display!

I also called them. Apparently this is an epoxy polymer and they offer a lifetime warranty against peeling, cracking, etc, 100 stain resistant. Its like a 6 coat process. Takes about 4-5 days to do. He even said that the mid rise lift would not tear it up and in fact he's quite familar with the mid rise lifts because they have commercial busineses that use them wiht their products. The only thing he said would be a problem is if a small pebble was wedged underneath the rolers. The materials for my garage would cost about $700. Only problem is this would be expensive to get installed in a 20 x 16 ft garage, around $2000!!!

 

[bwilder10h]

I looked at all the different epoxy coatings and the cost to do my 640 sq ft garage just wasn't feasible, not to mention I can't have my garage unusable for a week + while I install and let it dry during the nights and weekend I have available.

The Armstrong VCT tile was the best option for me and is going to allow me the floor pattern I have always wanted. I started patching some concrete seams last night and plan to start installing the tile sometime next week. Should have pics shortly after...

Regarding the comments about plastic tile... I'd have to say a big negative on that one. Considering how easily plastic stains, chips, breaks and gets brittle in the cold, I'd pass. Think about the tile in your local Wal-mart or grocery store that they have on the floor.... the VCT is essentially that tile. Despite being a bit slick when polished (will have to put a runner down for the wife when it's wet.... she has a hard enough time staying upright as it is ) I think it's the perfect balance between good looks and cost / time to install.

I'm glad GLF and Wizard posted their comments and pics. That has been crucial in my decision to go this route.

 

[bwilder10h]

Speaking of ucoatit, I saw a informational blurb they did about the product on the TV show "my classic car" and they say you can put down different vinyl patterns and use their clear product to 'seal' it in.

I'm beginning to wonder if that wouldn't be the product to put over the VCT and never have to touch it again......

 

[mark's_c5tt]

I looked at all the different epoxy coatings and the cost to do my 640 sq ft garage just wasn't feasible, not to mention I can't have my garage unusable for a week + while I install and let it dry during the nights and weekend I have available.

The Armstrong VCT tile was the best option for me and is going to allow me the floor pattern I have always wanted. I started patching some concrete seams last night and plan to start installing the tile sometime next week. Should have pics shortly after...

Regarding the comments about plastic tile... I'd have to say a big negative on that one. Considering how easily plastic stains, chips, breaks and gets brittle in the cold, I'd pass. Think about the tile in your local Wal-mart or grocery store that they have on the floor.... the VCT is essentially that tile. Despite being a bit slick when polished (will have to put a runner down for the wife when it's wet.... she has a hard enough time staying upright as it is ) I think it's the perfect balance between good looks and cost / time to install.

I'm glad GLF and Wizard posted their comments and pics. That has been crucial in my decision to go this route.

Fortunatey cold is not a problem where i live in South fl. The plastic tile is guaranteed not to stain and this is a big thing with me because I'm doing a checkerboard garage and white will present the toughest task.

They have offered to send me out samples of their plastic tiles and their other Vinyl/Rubber tile simlar to racedeck. They suggested that when I get it, pour a little oil or gas or other liquid on the plasic tile and then pour it on the other compound sample and see if it cleans up to my liking. I will report back when I do this.


Meanwhile, I will go to the DEPOT to check out the Armstrong VCT tile and the LOWES Solutuon a swell. Hopefull I can get some samples too to test for ease of cleanup. Right now I have:

1. The BIGfOOT Interlocking Tiles

2. UCOATIT

3. ARMSTRONG or the LOWES VCT solution