Self-adhesive vinyl tile for basement, on concrete?

[anonymouse1]

Ms. Anonymouse has decided that were going to put some flooring down in our basement, via the most economical route. The primary concern is that our two cats may have started using the nice, rough texture of the floor for their own giant litterbox. We're thinking that if we put something smooth down, that will help deter the kitties.

So looking at the options, what looks like the best value is self-adhesive vinyl tiles. I get that we'll need to clean/patch the concrete, and we'll want to run a 100 lb roller over the tiles.

Have any of you done the self-adhesive tile thing? Any tips or cautions?

Thanks!

[cbelt3]

Caution #1 -WATER. Flooding ? Seepage ? Nothing gets ickier than basement flooring peeling up because of water infiltration. And mold growth.

Caution #2- Removing the cat pee smell. Major chemical mojo required. I was recently successful at keeping dogs and cats from reusing a section of flooring by painting it with an aggressive sealant.. sort of Super Kilz. They can't smell where they used to pee.

You may want to consider a smooth sealant / exoxy paint approach instead.

[anonymouse1]

cbelt-

Thanks for the tips. We've gotten through several hurricanes and a derreccho totally dry, via our French drains, sump pump, and external swales.

As for kitty pee smell, we've got some chemicals that have worked really well.

I thought about the epoxy sealant, but I think the tile looks easier....

[Numo]

Read up on installation tips before you begin. For example, I didn't know that when laying tiles, you should start in the middle of the room and work your way outwards, but after actually doing it that way, I could see why it's important.

[jdc]

you might want a floating floor instead.

someone else here put these vynil planks like I did http://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER...5yc1vZbzjz

I found it easier to install vs the sticky squares, and it held up up longer. looks nicer too =)

[bik]

Yup, I've also used the vinyl planks that jdc linked.

Used them in the basement and they worked out well. Later put some of the fancier version in a bathroom.

Good stuff. Durable, water/catpee-safe, attractive.

[Mike Johnson]

Yeah, I put trafficmaster allure planks in the guest bath. Easy to install, looks great. I'd choose that over adhesive tiles.

[jdc]

Just to be clear, Ive done both.

the allure planks in my bathroom and the tiles in my laundry.

with the planks theres no glue on the floor, they glue to themselves, made it easier for positioning.

the tiles I used in the laundry room were "better" ones, fairly thick. Dont think they have them at HD, it was Lowes. They look good, but were harder to align.

[lost in space]

mouse,

We used the stick-on tiles in our basement family room (very flat, dry floor) 15 years ago. They were not high-end, but they've held up well. No regrets.

[M>B>]

I would go with something like this...

http://www.behr.com/consumer/products/fl...or-coating

Or some other equal product.

Seams like a better solution!