Thursday, March 27, 2014

Wanna play checkers? ( On my Checkerboard floor? )

Morning all !

I thought it was time to show you - even though the baseboards aren't finished and the quarter rounds are just a distant thought - it was time!

I know a few of you have mentioned the sneak peaks you've seen when I've been busy showing you other areas - so last night I got down on my hands and knees and cleaned it
( foot prints of dust from sanding dry wall - glue residue - dog hair - you name it - it was on it - a mere mopping would have never sufficed )

And Voila - here you go


the other side - the sink area



Now I'll let you in on a little something - something

I ordered these tiles from Wayfair - and I'm afraid I can't give them a very good review.

1) They arrived with one box damaged - all the corners had cracks in them - I was going to return them -but in the end we used them for the perimeter of the room where only 1/2 tile was used
( I just didn't want the headache to be honest with you. )

2) Though these were stick on tiles - the glue was in no way, shape or form strong enough to adhere to the plywood underneath.............we had to buy a tub of tile glue and spread it on the floor as we went



3)  What should have been a cinch turned out to be an extremely messy job - with that tar/glue ending up all over the place.

4)  The tiles are very thin - thinner than any I ever seen.

5 ) THIS has happened to one of them ( actually 2 of them - but the first one was in the box like that so we just threw it out )  Now it's on an edge - and no transition piece has been installed yet so there's a lot of rubbing up against it - but still there was one in the box like it so.......................


That white part you see curling up is the top layer of the tile.

As most of you know this was a temporary fix - because of the disaster of the first floor we laid down
I'm not even putting a link to it - it made me that sick lol

I chose stick-ons because the plan was to see if I liked the look or not - God Forbid I would have had ceramic tiles installed and decided I couldn't live with them either - SO for me they'll last as long as they'll last - and I'll have the ceramic laid - because I do in fact LOVE the look -
But if anyone is thinking of doing this - I'd recommend not getting them from Wayfair - ( and I have to tell you I love Wayfair - just not their tiles )

They were exceptionally priced - and in the end you always get what you pay for - always !

In the end - the kitchen floor will have been laid 3 times ....................there's a joke in there that John muttered under his breath -  but this is a family friendly blog so forget it - I'm NOT going there.

And there you have it - my checkerboard floor - and a full review - all in one post lol

For some reason I feel guilty writing it up - but I wouldn't want anyone to buy them because of seeing them here - and not know what they would be getting.

Here's another before ( am I going to show the seller's before photos with every single thing I do in this house?  Yah, probably - it gives me hope lol )




I'm trying to frost out the fact that there's dishes in the sink - and no trim around the new window
( did it work? ) But you can see where we installed wheels on the table ( I'll do a post about that one of these days too, promise )

I still have a lot of finishing touches to do in this room - like paint that back door - I'm not liking it black at all - I'm thinking white - with a big boxwood wreath on it - I'm also looking for pendants for over the island/table - and and and and and.......................

But it looks clean doesn't it?  I'm at the stage of reno's where clean is almost good enough.

Have a good day all!
And if I don't see you this weekend - well, have a great one of those as well :)

Much love,



I'll be playing checkers at these great parties !

Remodelaholic                                The Charm of HOme                         It all started with paint
Be Different Act Normal                  Uncommon Designs                         Between naps on the porch  Under the table and dreaming           Savvy Southern Style                        Adorned from Above
From My Front Porch to Yours       Ivy and Elephants                             Common Ground
The Charm of Home                       French Country Charm                     Redoux Interiors
My Turn ( for us )                          My Romantic Home                         The Shabby Nest
I Heart Nap Time                           Three Mango Seeds                          It's Overflowing
I should be mopping the floor          My 1929 Charmer
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

72 comments:

  1. I love the checkerboard tiles, even though they were a pain. Your kitchen looks lovely and I like the black and white decor.
    You have done an amazing job on your home. You would NEVER know it was the same one and the before and after pictures shows what great talent you have my dear. My hat's off to you. Have a great weekend.
    Mary

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  2. Oh you poor thing! I'm so sorry the tiles were not made well. How frustrating. I know it was a lot of work but your floor does look beautiful. Your kitchen looks so pretty too. You've done so much. Love that island. Go out today and get you an extra thick chocolate milkshake - drink it! Works for me every time.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  3. I like your checkerboard tiles and I'm so sorry they gave you trouble. I had a problem with wayfair too...but it turned out really good...too good to be true actually. I think if you call them you might find they have pretty good customer service. Love your cart on wheels and wish I had room for one! Suzan, you are getting there and I'm sure we'll both laugh about our renos....some day!!!

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  4. Oh Suzan.....OH SUZAN....It was worth every headache....your kitchen is just lovely. I agree with Sheila...an extra thick chocolate shake sounds lovely on a *warm* day like today! It's going to be 10c here!!!! <3 Have a lovely weekend!

    Laurayne

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  5. I love the black and white soooo much, that is the floor I want, as of forever!!! Probably will never happen but I love looking at yours, too bad it was a nightmare, thats a shame, we put wheels like that on two pieces we have, it was a very smart move for us, as long as you remember to lock them lol!!!! Your kitchen looks amazing!!!!

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  6. Sorry about the trouble with the tiles but they did turn out looking good...much better than the previous flooring. Yes, I remember the picture you shared...lol! Your kitchen is looking great and I can't wait to see it totally finished. Your style is just so gorgeou! Have a lovely weekend...take a break and have some fun!

    Blessings, Vicky

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  7. Thanks for the heads up about the tile quality. I adore B&W checkered floors and have been wanting to do a faux floor cloth under our dining table for a long time. I can tell you that plain black and white tile are quite hard to find and I thought they'd be so easy to find, like at Home Depot or Lowes/ NOT! I'm thinking of purchasing a sheet of laminate to use as a base and lay them on top to create my idea. I think it will work since I once made a painted version that lasted us about 12 years....if it weren't for high heel marks putting all of the wear on it it would have lasted longer.
    Enjoy you new flooring....it looks great!
    JP

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  8. The floor looks great. It's hard to go wrong with a black and white checkerboard floor. You did not mention what brand or vendor you purchased the tiles from at Wayfair.

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  9. As always it looks great. My hubby wants checkerboard in the garage. Your kitchen has had quite the renovation. Love seeing it come together.

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  10. Suzan, it's perfect! I really love this look! Hopefully the tiles will last a while. You would never know this is the same house! You're doing an amazing renovation! You deserve a vacation!

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  11. I love the look of the black and white tiles! Your whole kitchen looks amazing and you wouldn't know it was the same room in the before picture. I'm sorry the tiles weren't what you expected but I'd definitely save up and buy the ceramic ones eventually. The look is perfect! Have a super weekend.

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  12. Love the checkerboard floor and what a great transformation to your kitchen. Black and white is a fav of mine too. Everything looks great!!
    Have a great weekend.
    Hugs

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  13. Ugh what an awful mess to work with! Looks fantastic though. So does the entire kitchen - great eye for detail my dear.

    So inspiring!!

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  14. Love the kitchen, love the floor! The transformation between purchasing the house and now is remarkable. (By the way, I can pretty much guess what John muttered about the flooring!)

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  15. Ohhh bleep! You guys have really been through the ringer and back with your kitchen reno! I hope the floor tiles give you as much joy as pretty as they are. Wayfair should be giving you a discount, sick em lady!! LOL

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  16. I love your floors. I was in a million dollar home in a neighborhood close by and the kitchen had the same black and white checkered floors. The cabinets were stock white, and the walls were painted a butter yellow. The butler's pantry was very cute with a copper colored tin roof and the cutest little chandelier I've ever seen. :D Your kitchen is very cute!

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  17. I absolutely love the look, Suzan! It's a shame the tiles are so horrible, but at least you found something you like out of it and can put it down in ceramic.

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  18. You have done an amazing job in your kitchen, Suzan. The transformation is beautiful!! And I do like the look of the checkered floor even if these tiles don't have a long life.
    Mary Alice

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  19. Morning Susan, Your kitchen is beautiful~~~I love the clean, fresh look with the white/stainless ~~~ Old with the new~~~and the black and white checkered floor adds that perfect mix! (it's always good to get reviews on product!) I saw the old,white door next to the fridge with all your utensils/pans...fabulous idea! Also, your black back door is tooo sweet, regardless of the color! I do think white would be perfect though! You know, Kris from Junk Chic Cottage has a "door thang" too! I guess now I'm officially in the OLD DOOR CLUB~~~keep those great inspirations coming! Blessings~~~Roxie

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  20. As a review of your flooring product, I feel you approached it very factually and restrained. It's hard to be disappointed in something that we're excited about, even if we got a good deal. As for the look, it's adorable. When you frost the edges it makes me think that vision is coming to me in a dream.

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  21. Looks fabulous. I hope the darn tiles at least last you a few years so you can get to other things before having to redo the floor again.

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  22. Suzan it looks lovely!! I hate when disappointed with a product so I feel your pain. BUT it looks good & really only you know... Hope you have a lovely weekend & a little R & R!!
    Vicki

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  23. It looks great! It's so pretty and clean looking. I'm really amazed at everything you have accomplished. You've been workin' like a dawg, girl!

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  24. I LOVE how it looks!!! I'm sorry the tiles are crap, but we've been there and I feel for ya! What you've done with that kitchen is extraordinary!!!

    xoxo
    -andi

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  25. Suzan, I must tell you the design of your floor is timeless and so sophisticated. I love the look and I'm sure you do too. I once went to a very old house in a very upscale neighborhood in Los Angeles and that flooring style was in the dining room. It was gorgeous and had been there for years. Truly timeless and I think always trendy. Your kitchen looks fabulous. Sorry about all your headaches though.

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  26. Honestly Suzan, you are a 'magician' dear, this looks absolutely fabulous!

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  27. Perfect decision girl, it is fabbbbb !!

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  28. It's almost impossible to believe those two photos are the same kitchen. It's freakin' amazing!!

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  29. I love your checkerboard floor. I am working in the attic and yesterday I threw out the remainder of the leftover tiles from our checkerboard (blue and white) floor. I loved that floor, but we used linoleum and I could never get the shine on the linoleum that I wanted and they always looked dull.

    Recently a family from Montreal was driving to Los Angeles with a delivery. Their dog jumped out of the car in my area, but they couldn't look for the dog because they had a time frame on their delivery. Somehow, through facebook, they were reconnected with their dog. But, the people who found the dog could not understand why the dog would not answer to normal dog commands. They discovered that the dog only spoke French. See, that is a good reason for both English and French in Quebec.

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  30. I love it Suzan. For a minute I thought I was in Westminster Abbey!

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  31. I like your checkerboard floor. Sorry you had so much trouble with it though! The island is really cute too. Your door will look fab with a wreath on it too. Thank you for your visit. It's lovely to 'meet' another Canadian blogger. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  32. Wow, that is beautiful. What an incredible transformation. You'd never guess it was the same house. But I bet you have the aches and pains of renovation to prove it!

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  33. I think these tiles look gorgeous!!! It adds so much to an already perfect kitchen. Love the wheels on that table too!! You rock.

    Cynthia

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  34. It sounds like this floor has been a real challenge, but it looks fabulous! From what I can see, the rest of your kitchen looks great too. When I saw that "before" picture, I was so amazed by everything you've already done that I couldn't even see the things you hadn't done. The black and white checks look so sophisticated, especially when you see where your kitchen started. laurie

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    1. I should look at the before's more often Laurie - because this house is getting really discouraging lol..........Thanks SO much !
      XOXO

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  35. Flooring is always the hardest part for me. The decision is so permanent -well, I thought so until you starting your reno :>) Love the black and white checkerboard pattern. I hope the glue does not seep...I will not tell you that horror story.

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  36. Floors are so difficult, I know from experience as well.
    All looks so nice. I am proud of you for not giving up.

    xx oo

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  37. I love the floors I actually have stick ons as a future project but now I'm worried about them being kid tough. Is this way fairs actual brand? If not can you let me know the brand in case their the same as the ones I'm looking at.

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  38. Well, it looks beautiful and now you know you can put in ceramic tiles and love it. Yikes, but you are way more patient than I would have ever been. I'd still be crying a puddle on the first flooring. Love the wheels on the table...I want a smallish table to use in the farmhouse kitchen (with wheels!) as an island. Looking forward to your post on that!
    I want to get rid of the carpet in my living/dining room but not sure what to go with. Has to be dog-proof so thinking wood and stick on are out! Have a great weekend!
    hugs,
    Cecilia

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  39. Yeah, at long last we get to see the floor!!! Totally made the right choice this time (the black & white checkers - not the product). What a difference between the before and after! I see you moved the stove and put the dishwasher in it's place - smart move! Psssst, I kinda like the black door with that pretty paper behind it - I think it's a nice contrast with the floors. A boxwood wreath would look stunning on it as well. Just my two cents! Have a great weekend Suzan and take some time to put your feet up with a glass or two of vino and relax.
    Marie@The Interior Frugalista

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  40. I am totally coming over to play checkers! LOVE IT!! I did checkerboard in my basement many years ago with some cheap tiles from Revy which is now Rona. I still love the color but not the tiles so much. They didn't wear to well. Your kitchen looks beautiful! I hope the tiles last you for at least five years!

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  41. I love your floor Suzan, and am so impressed you 1. did it yourself, 2. figured it out, and 3.you kept going no matter what! Your kitchen looks awesome!
    Jenna

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    1. I SO did not install this floor lol - I had someone else do it - my post is very misleading - I didn't realize that - I helped though - does that count?
      Thanks though :)
      XOXO

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  42. Wow. I have no other words. Just wow!

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  43. And BTW I think it's St. Paul's, not Westminster Abbey. But I love the look. Sorry the quality wasn't what you'd hoped for.

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  44. It all looks great Suzan! What an awful BEFORE...makes the AFTER that much BETTER!

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  45. All the hard work paid off. Your floors and the kitchen looks amazing, I so want to coo in this kitchen.
    You my dear have a kitchen to love.

    Xox
    Doré

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  46. Well, you have done an amazing job on your kitchen, Suzan. Being a rather new follower I had to go back to your older posts to see how far you've come. I love how you've put it all together. The checkerboard floor looks great, even though the quality isn't what you hoped for. I like your attitude though. Just use it until it wears out and then replace it. Yup. BTW, I like your black door. :) ~ Nancy

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Nancy - I hope you didn't go far back enough to see the disaster of the first floor I had installed lol
      XOXO

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  47. Suzanne, I love the checkerboard floor - it just seems to make it all come together. The kitchen looks amazing but, then we knew it would with all your talent.... Love everything you have done... Cathy

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  48. It really does look fabulous - even if the tiles are of poor quality! We had a black & white floor in the kitchen at one point but the tri-colored dog and the floor really didn't mix well. It always looked dirty! So for floor #2 I went with terracotta tiles that always look dirty! Ha!

    Thanks so much for sharing at our Super Saturday Link Party!!! It's always fun to read the tales of your remodel ...

    :) Linda

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  49. What a bummer with the tiles. The floor looks very pretty now.

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  50. Suzan, I was going to send you a mop because I knew when I saw your floor I was going to drool all over (and I DID!) when I saw it. Now, if you had just kept quiet (ask John if that is easy) I would have never known anything was amiss. It looks so beautiful with all your white and stainless. A real work of art. I feel so bad for you that it didn't turn out like you wanted, because I know how that feels! But if you plan on it just being temporary then just know that we all see it as beautiful and don't worry and keep your mouth shut! Right, John? (Hey, I'm just talking here cause I would have handled the situation just like you.).Happy Weekend..Judy

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  51. I don't know how to play checkers, so is it ok of I hop from one foot to the other on all the black tiles, then the white ones? It looks absolutely awesome, so much better than the - let's not talk about it, shall we?

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  52. The floor and the entire kitchen look amazing! I'm glad you reviewed the tiles because I could have bought them in ONE SECOND after looking at your pictures (which, by the way I did not notice the dishes and/ or lack of window trim at all until you pointed it out). You've really made quite the transformation since the previous owners left. I bought my home a year ago and little by little I'm transforming things. I haven't started on the kitchen yet so thanks for the inspiration!

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  53. The kitchen looks amazing Suzan, love the floor. and though it sounds like it was a lot of work, it was worth it, the checkerboard looks gorgeous. The house is certainly looking a lot different then the before pics, what a transformation, you guys should be very proud of what you have accomplished. hugs Tobey .





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  54. That kitchen sure was ugly before you started working your magic on it. Sorry the tiles were so hard to work with but the look is great!

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  55. LOVE it! Sorry to hear it was such a hassle, but it looks phenomenal. You must show the seller's photo's with every reno - it is such a dramatic transformation!

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  56. Love the checkerboard floor and I'm glad to see someone using it today. It's a classic and you've done an AMAZING transformation to your kitchen. Beautiful!!

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  57. Even with all the problems you encountered it still looks amazing! I've never used stick on floor tiles and wondered if they would be a pain to do...my daughter debated about using stick on in her bathroom but I think she has decided to use tile instead. Seriously though your entire kitchen is awesome!! I would love to have you join me for my Centerpiece Wednesday linky party and share this post with us. Come on over  http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/04/centerpiece-wednesday-cool-blues-with.html
    Karin

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  58. I looovvveee checkerboard floors! It turned out beautiful and the black and white really makes the kitchen! Love seeing the before! Hopefully they will hold up beautifully!

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  59. Oh, I think you should just go for the Ceramic Tiles once and for all coz it looks darn good. Love your kitchen.

    Roy, Trumatter, India

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  60. you could've bought some pieces of the tile you really wanted to lay and just put them down on the floor in the checker board pattern without any gluing. That way you could get an idea of whether you liked it enough to keep it. Won't help you now, but maybe others might use this idea. I love what you're doing with the new house and would love to see a post on that island/table.

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  61. LOVE this floor! You are Da-Bomb! Im thinking of taping squares on my hardwoods and staining them in this sorta pattern in my dining room,thanks for the inspiration! :*

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  62. I think it looks great! I remember there was a show back in the late 70's or early 80's called "Benson" and they had a black and white checkerboard floor in the kitchen and I loved it! I always wanted one in my kitchen when I grew up. :) It's still one of my favorite looks for the kitchen. We did peel and stick tiles in our bathrooms and luckily haven't had any issues with them, but we were just sticking them onto the concrete foundation. I hate when projects become bigger projects, but your kitchen really does look amazing!

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  63. I love a black and white check floor. I think I'm going to paint one in my kitchen. But I have a lot of tile to yank out first. I don't want tile and I think I would like the look of a scuffed wood floor. Glad to know about the quality of these tiles. At first I thought you had used that really cool linoleum tile. I LOVE that stuff!

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  64. It does look great! Sorry the tiles were so poor. I do love black and white checked floors, especially like you did them on the diagonal. Poor John...he would be lost without you ;)

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  65. What a shame the tiles were in such bad shape, but like you said, you get what you pay for. And it is a great way to 'test' the floor before the expense...but, wow...the floor looks awesome!! I love it! (and I think I know what John mumbled...probably what my husband would have said...everything is connected to 'it' with him...hmmm)
    Debbie :)

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  66. That's a great update.
    Love it.
    Sherry

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  67. Suzan, in re-reading this, I'm wondering, so these are vinyl stick-on tiles? And are they 12 x 12? The floor is just beautiful. We have to replace our kitchen floor pretty soon (even good vinyl, after 28 years, needs to be replaced!) and this really appeals to me. I bet laying the first outside ones was a real pain.

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Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo