Low Cost VCT Flooring for Basement
You've seen VCT (Vinyl Composition Tile). It's the commercial flooring used in many stores, schools, and other commercial spaces. This tile is low cost, durable, won't mind a little water, and looks great. If your looking for a great option for your concrete basement or even garage floor, this tile might be for you.
How low cost?
Depends on where buy it but as low as 70-80 cents a square foot. Specialty colors can run more up to about $1.50 per square foot. Of course there will be the cost of the adhesive and required sealer. Still, with all it has going for it, this might be a great option for your concrete floor.
Installation Options
When it comes to installation, you have some options. Typically when you see this tile in a commercial application like a department store, it's installed in a "stack bond" with the tile "grain" running perpendicular in each adjacent tile. For a residential application like your basement, you can mix it up by laying the tile in a "running bond" pattern with the all grain aligned in the same direction. In a running bond pattern, each row is shifted by half the tile length and alternate rows align like this.
VCT Tile in Running Bond Pattern
If you like the look, there's another advantage to the running bond pattern. It's easier to install! Since you don't have four corners coming together at each corner of the tile, the tiles will align themselves in one directions which can really make things easier!
You can find VCT tiles in your home center. They usually stock a few colors in the store but specialty colors are available by special order. With a wide selection of colors and a couple pattern options, you can let your imagination run wild and create a custom flooring solution at a cost that can't be beat.