+1 If the tiles are 9" by 9", the are likely ACM (Asbestos Containing Materials). The tiles themselves are not the real issue because they are not very friable. The Mastic is the issue and caution should be taken when removing that as the previous poster mentioned. As a general rule, if the mastic is black, get it tested at a minimum.

here is one way Here is a link that might be useful: concrete This post was edited by christophern on Tue, Jun 24, 14 at 17:48

THanks for the replies! AnnieDeighnaugh, you are right, I'm now looking into indoor/outdoor carpet... it's more budget friendly than I thought! Will see if I can use it in combo with paint in the laundry/workroom area. Sounds like a better option for the rec room/guest room area where the floor is in the worst shape. tuesday_2008, I'm so glad to hear your epoxy worked out as a DIY project. I just spoke to Sherwin Williams yesterday and they said that they only sell epoxy to pros and that it is not DIY friendly in their opinion. I am tempted and really like the look, but it's nearly Xmas and here in TO, that means temps are dropping. I think epoxy is probably out for us as I cannot power wash (fresh drywall!) and the prep could kill me. Also, I've got guests arriving in a month and would love to be totally finished by then.... ARG! All paint store people seem to keep pointing me toward porch paint. They say epoxy is overkill for a basement. As I tend to generally err on the side of overkill I'm still tempted but time is ticking and apparently concrete patching must cure for 20+ days so I think I'm going to have to give in on this front.... Oh well, at least if I go with porch paint I've got more colour choices than just beige or gray in the standard epoxy kits (Rustoleum, etc) Appreciate the feedback and will keep trying to figure out best options. Will report back on our final choices.... thank you!!

Hi RL Relocation LLC - I am really bummed I did not post my project prior to installing the ceiling, but it is what it is now. I am actually still considering having recessed lighting put in after the fact - I'm talking to my contractor about it when he comes tomorrow. When I texted him about it he said it wouldn't be easy, but certainly not impossible to install now. However, I'm wondering, barring that option - do you have any other suggestions for lighting? And you're really making me consider carpet - it would definitely make the cozy, comfortable feel I want. I'm a bit concern due to it being in the basement - there's a bit of a humidity issue down there, but not significant and I'm working to mitigate that. That was so cool how you sent a picture of my room with carpet and paint. So you definitely gave me the idea, but I would want it to use warmer colors for a cozier feel. I am curious how the wood lvp would look tho as well - any chance you could throw up a pix of that? (i'm looking at these 2 in particular - https://www.flooranddecor.com/rigid-core-luxury-vinyl-plank-and-tile/coffee-oak-rigid-core-luxury-vinyl-plank---cork-back-100378876.html and https://www.flooranddecor.com/eco-forest/dayton-wire-brushed-locking-stranded-engineered-bamboo-100898949.html)