Big tank/Office build

[theoryguru]

If your tile is 9inx9in its a good chance is asbestos.I know this because iam a flooring installer.Most of the times its best to just gp over it.

There's always the unexpected element with a project.. asbestos isn't a pleasant one to run into   
keep posting pics of the progress.

[CptSpaulding]

Yeah and the bonus is I think the tiles are actually asbestos (I'm only half kidding because I think they actually my be  )

I worked for an environmental company for about 15 years. We specialized in asbestos abatement. With that said just by looking at those tiles and the area you are from I would almost guarantee you that those tiles contain asbestos. Asbestos is only dangerous when disturbed. On to the better news for you. The level of asbestos in those tiles is less then 2% and its not a highly friable form. If you are going to remove them yourself I would recommend buying a respirator that is rated for asbestos removal, I believe you can get them at Home Depot or Lowes. Also the tile itself being from the 50s has been waxed im sure many many times almost forming an encapsulated. You can if it makes you feel better purchase encapsulant  and use it too. I have personally tore hundreds of thousands of those tiles up. Be careful not to go all caveman on it when removing it and just take your time. You can also tent the area with plastic to keep the fibers(which are very minimal) from spreading. If you have any other questions feel free to ask or PM me.

[Steve]

Thanks for the info CptSpaulding. It is good to know it is such a low % that is in them. I was looking it over today and I think now I plan to just wash them down and then do a tile over top of them. Probably just do a vinyl floor tile that way it will be easy to clean, won't have to worry about water, and won't break the bank.

[SirBailey]

Try paperless drywall for your moisture area.  Instead of paper on both side it has fiberglass mesh and a water resistant gypsum core.

[four_by_ken]

... fiberglass mesh and a water resistant gypsum core.

Dont know anything about it... but it sounds cool.  Go with this stuff.   

[Steve]

Been working on this project a bit now. Here's a couple pics before and then to the point I am at now today. Ended up scraping the floor to get all the nastiness off of it so I could lay the new floor on top of it. Couple before pics....
'
'
'




The flooring I picked is somewhat of a slate/rustic look which should go nicely with the rest of the office once I get it done.



Still have some edge work and trim pieces to do but most the main floor is now done.

[Steve]

Doesn't look like much yet but have faith it will get there. Just started the first coats of paint on the walls yesterday. The upper and lower colors will be split with a 9" tall border I just ordered last night which is a leaping Rainbow trout. Celing is going to be 2x4's spaced 1/4" apart and stained for a rustic finish. Then the drain pipe I am going to build a wood cover for where the lower half will be DIY faux stacked rocks and wood varnished upper section.
.
.
.

[Super Turtleman]

Looks like you're main progress.

[Ron]

I kind of liked the rustic look you had going with the pine. My fishroom has the lower 1/2 of the wall in that paneling.

[Steve]

I usually like rustic pine as well but the boards were starting to really show their age (and not in a good way lol) plus the work shop in the room next door is mostly the same pine so I wanted the office to be lighter and somewhat more "clean lines".

[Steve]

[Steve]

Still have some trim work to do at the bottom but here is the rock/wood pillar I built to hide the drain pipe.
'
'
'
'

[LoveTheFishies]

Nice, I am thinking on putting a big tank in my living room and using some architectural posts (18x18) to hide electrical outlets, water and drain.

[Super Turtleman]

I kind of liked the rustic look you had going with the pine. My fishroom has the lower 1/2 of the wall in that paneling.

I was going to say the same thing but then I noticed the wear on the wood...

[Steve]

Drain cover is now done. Added lower trim wood to it and a urethane finish to all the wood surfaces to give it a nice clear coat shine. The trout boarder came in earlier than expected so started putting that up yesterday as well. Also installed a new T12 48" twin tube light next top the stairs. Picking up the drywall in just a little bit so I can start the other wall tonight.