VCT tile questions

[dusterbd13]

so id been researching the heck out of what I wanted to do with my shop floor. need to do something....

anyway, I had narrowed between u-coat-it (dad put it in his shop over a decade ago. that **** is indestructible) and VCT tiles. both were expensive options, bth have their maintenance and drawbacks.

anyway, over the weekend, I lucked into 550 sq ft of Armstrong VCT tile, and 5 gallons of adhesive for 100 bucks. couldn't turn it down at that price, so I guess I made my decision.

im not quite sure what im doing here. ive googled my **** off, and am still unsure of a few things. so I figured id need to ask.

1. what is the best way to deal with old oil spots/spills/etc? don't want to have adhesion problems in the future.

2. can I do the tiling in sections? for example, move all my **** into one bay, prep/clean/install tile, let it cure, move it all back, and the next month do the other side?

3. what do I do with the leading edge of the tile at the garage doors?

4. do I tile underneath my cabinets, or is that asking for trouble?

5. what's the best amount of wait time till I park cars and tools back on it?

applying the adhesive and setting the tiles doesn't look all that difficult. also, no grout or spacing to worry about that I know of.

thanks
Michael

 

[JACDes]

1. power wash the slab use a concrete washing solution let is set 15-20 minutes then power wash it hit stubborn areas with a stiff brush and simple green.

2. Yes

3. transition/reducer strip.

4. YES or NO. If you are you going to remove/replace the cabinets then obviously yes.

5. 48 hours make sure you use a steel roller after you lay the VCT to improve the adhesion.

 

[rustyjames]

One thing to remember about VCT is that substrate flaws will telegraph into the tile, so prep work is important. If there's dips and bumps you'll be seeing it.

 

[Firebird 1]

Strike yourself a chalkline as close to square to a wall as possible. Lay it out so the tile is centred in the space. Try not to have a small rip at the edge. Let the glue dry thoroughly. It should be almost clear before you start putting tile down. Make sure the first 2 pieces are exactly to your start line and keep them tight as you lay them. If you get off a fraction it will multiply itself and you will have a screwed up looking mess at the end. Like was said a heavy steel roller is best to set them( I use a 110# one) If you can rent a cutter for the day that is the easiest, cleanest, fastest way to cut them. If you have oddball cuts like around a pole or something not straight, heat the back side with a torch or heat gun and a sharp utility knife will go thru them like butter.