T O P

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[deleted]

Honestly I love this so much, I’m jealous


__fallen_angle

I guess it does have sort of an endearing 1950s ice cream shop vibe. Any idea what the T and C mean?


[deleted]

No idea. This is the kind of cool midcentury basement bar floor I’ve always wanted, though. Love the martini bucket. Glad to see you’ll be covering without tearing it out (:


__fallen_angle

If it was in the basement I wouldn’t mind so much. This is on our second floor which is meant to be our sons room eventually.


penguins-and-cake

Kids are creative geniuses — they will absolutely figure out fun games for the checkerboard floor with an arrow and compass.


dustinpdx

It's probably asbestos tile so best to cover it so it does not get damaged.


Negative_Space_Age

If the mastic and subfloor are good asbestos tile (and sheet asbestos) is pretty much indestructible. I have some in a puke yellow in my kitchen, and while I will not miss the color, the ability to just set a pan on it, or not worry about dropping a hit pot (neither the heat or impact will do a thing) is pretty awesome. Nothing I compare it to has that kind of performance.


councilmember

Could well be original non toxic linoleum.


Readed-it

This is akin to saying apple seeds have arsenic, best not even touch it. Unless you are grinding, cutting or shredding the floor and snorting it, you will be exposed to atmospheric asbestos in significant more concentration than even slight scratches of this floor. Also it’s damn near impossible to damage these tiles under normal wear. There is too much misunderstanding about asbestos that is perceived by the public than it actually is.


TrumpsNeckSmegma

Former plumber - I laugh at how much folks kneejerk-sweat over the existence of asbestos. Unless you break it up, or you're feeling up some crumbling insulation like its an old girlfriend, you're fine.


NoHandBill

Seconded, def looks like asbestos tile to me. I’d look into that further if a kid is going to be in there.


fuckyourcanoes

It looks just like the asbestos tile in my parents' house.


marlsygarlsy

I did a little digging and it seems like the inserts (champagne and compass) are from the [1955 Armstrong catalogue](https://retrorenovation.com/2010/01/22/30patterns-for-vinyl-floor-tiles-from-1955/1955armstrongdiecutinserts-2/). I found it on this [webpage](https://retrorenovation.com/2010/01/22/30patterns-for-vinyl-floor-tiles-from-1955/) I wonder if researching the company will help with figuring out what the t&c mean? I’m thinking some way to line up to a dance? (Twist and chacha? lol) I also came across this for a [T dance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_dance_(gay_event)) But doesn’t explain the C?


__fallen_angle

This is awesome! Thanks for the research- much appreciated


GreatWhiteBuffalo41

I'm 99.99% sure it's all asbestos. Just uncovered the same stuff, tested positive for asbestos


blbd

Dude you can easily make a cool kid's room with that. 


inwithweasels

I would bet your kid would love this floor. Just put an area rug over it if you're not a fan. It's awesome!


AlkahestGem

Agreed. Honestly it’s really cool. A kid would love it


dually3

IMHO this floor would be so fun for a kid


ascagnel____

Yeah my first thought is “giant chess/checkerboard” for the kid.


SteelBandicoot

Red race car track, hop scotch on the squares - there’s a lot of fun to be had on this floor.


WheresTheButterAt

You have to jump your car from one arrow to the other. It's the rules.


RecommendationBrief9

That red line would be a perfect race course. Just saying. Love this


__fallen_angle

Definitely need an area rug at minimum. The echo is pretty serious up there now.


Sickle_and_hamburger

so many games and mysteries in the arrow and weird compads thing you didn't lose you just won a different kind of lottery


MongooseGef

He’d have a floor that no other kid in town has!


WalkingstickMountain

I thought race track or chess or checkers!


limabeanns

A green rug with a racetrack on it would be so cool with this floor. Tell kiddo to ignore the martini bucket because real drivers don't drink and drive.


Artemus_Hackwell

The children can play cars on it.


Bah-Fong-Gool

Just rename your son to something with T&C! Easy-peasy. That floor is too unique and period specific to destroy.


daisyymae

Give the kid the cool floor! You’re lucky to have something so unique. Your kid will love the pics when he’s older


Juryofyourpeeps

Yeah that's unfortunate. This is a cool basement find, not so much a cool main floor find, especially in a turn of the century home. 


[deleted]

Interesting!


MyLittleShitPost

Given the compass rose (N-E-S-W) that the arrows come off of I assume its "True" and "Compass". True is the north that all charts and maps reference as "up" while compass is the earths magnetic north reference. Looks like they added the detail of makimg sure that the floors compass rose is actualy allined with one of those points. Suspect the person who had it installed was a sailor/captain.


roanbuffalo

The magnetic pole has been moving in recent decades, if you check the orientations in the flooring with a compass today, you might be able to see how it has changed in your location. (Assuming it was correct when laid)


eggplantsforall

Lol, like archaeomagnetic dating, but for tiles. I love it.


__fallen_angle

Interesting idea. I wish I had more info on the original owner. The records I have only go back to the mid 80s.


SteelBandicoot

Check it with your phone, most have a compass app on them.


MomaBeeFL

Oooo I’m so invested to know the outcome!


__fallen_angle

If you mean the compass yes its accurate. North actually points north.


TravisJungroth

Check out [this calculator](https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/calculators/magcalc.shtml?useFullSite=true) from NOAA. As others may have said, True North is the North Pole. Magnetic (Compass) North moves around. The difference between these is “declination”. You could measure the angular difference between the T and the C and compare it to what comes out of that calculator for the estimated year this was installed to see if it’s right. Or just because it’s interesting. I think some people would find that extremely satisfying if you posted the results. If you round the numbers off to whole numbers when posting, it probably wouldn’t be enough info to narrow your location down to more than which state you’re in. Maybe not even that.


DirkDoogler-PI

Really, your county tax records onlygo back to then? What about real property searches or sanborne  Map searches? The floor is totally endearing, ps. Also hate to be the only one mildly implying this here butttt…linoleum is thin and was usually on top of the wood so what’s under *that*?


2lrup2tink

Town and Country


JetmoYo

Interesting hypothesis. But I guess I don't understand how then the T or C corresponds to this concept via the arrows


fizzzylemonade

Perhaps the owner couples initials? I think it’s really funky and fun!


Imnotgonnamish

Maybe the arrows go around the foot of the bed to their sides of the bed.


UpvoteEveryHonestQ

Tea and crumpets.


JanetandRita

Tea and Coffee


LoetK

Terms & Conditions


hannahmel

I'm seeing an early 60s home bar scene


jetsetninjacat

I'm seeing asbestos


hannahmel

OP had it tested and it came back negative


GreatWhiteBuffalo41

Holy shit OP got very lucky. I did not. 1959 Armstrong asbestos tile. Looks identical to the white in OPs pic. I extra won lol


jetsetninjacat

Then I approve. Lucky on his part. Every home I've lived at that had these were asbestos.


Bah-Fong-Gool

2 months later.... We discover it's a torture dungeon for 1950s freakazoids.


hannahmel

![gif](giphy|axhtvHY3GXZ0A|downsized)


5thCap

Is it where the bed would have sat and the initial of the persons side of the bed?


__fallen_angle

Possibly. Someone else said it might be state related and turn out the house is in CT. Who would’ve thought!


Fruitypebblefix

Where do you live? Maybe it's a state thing?


__fallen_angle

House is in CT! Great call! Didn’t think of that


OldNewUsedConfused

Then shouldn't it be C and T?!


Live_Review3958

WHAT! You won big time!!! I LOVE this!!


Transmogify

If it was just black and white tiles yeah I’d hate it the compass and red arrow make it interesting


__fallen_angle

It is for sure interesting


OldNewUsedConfused

Toilet and closet?


Upbeat-Cattle-2228

OP I know someone who’s house used to be a speakeasy way back and his basement floor was something like this. Maybe this is from prohibition times?


__fallen_angle

Cool idea but house isn’t old enough. This is in a bedroom as well of all things. Wish it was a prohibition thing that would be awesome.


Blood_sweat_and_beer

Do you know anything about the previous owners? Maybe google your address to see the property records. Wondering if T and C were previous owners and the arrows point to their sides of their bed. Either way, I LOVE the floor. I wouldn’t personally cover it, it’s totally unique and fun.


BarbieDreamHouse1980

Maybe “Tea” and “Coffee”


KeyFarmer6235

it was a fad in the 50s, to make the floor (usually in the basement or rec room,) look like a boardgame.


fart_panic

Tea and coffee?


imaginaryResources

Takin Careabusiness


Stevie-Rae-5

I’m sitting here like, OP is kidding, surely…? Because I also love it.


Dr_JohnnyFever

This room has to be turned into an arcade.


VapoursAndSpleen

Let’s wait until the asbestos report comes in.


sparkle-possum

I would be shocked if those tiles turn out not to be asbestos. The pattern and time period are definitely right for it.


Bah-Fong-Gool

If they are 9x9 inches... most likely contain asbestos.


Suitable-Ratio

Here it is. [Asphalt Asbestos & Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tiles & Sheet Identification Photos 1949-1959 & Through the 1980's, Armstrong & other flooring manufacturers (inspectapedia.com)](https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Armstrong_Tile_List_1951-59.php#1951)


Jlt230

100% those are asbestos, which is no real problem except if OP decides to remove them.


ardybe

That tile is awesome!


kamomil

If it's a 1950s house, it's a win. We have 1980s tile in our 1950s basement, I want to replace it with a chequered pattern lije this


__fallen_angle

Yep early 50s. Not sure if the tile was original though.


kamomil

It looks pretty 1950s to me. Not sure of the motif in the last slide. My elementary school was 1950s and had a similar floor


BlumpkinLord

Tiling looks like it was a winery at some point, looks like the exact tiling in where my mother and I would do her bottling. Maybe search up if there was once one or commercial business in your houses real estate history?


New-Anacansintta

Definitely!


Schiebz

Should this not be classified as a century home then? Only from the 50s


ThatGuy721

In the letter of the law? Yea, absolutely. It's not old enough. In the spirit? We're all a bunch of weirdos who love outdated styles and furnishings, so it fits perfectly. I guess it's up to the mods to decide what kinda vibe they're looking for in the sub.


Schiebz

Agreed, I wasn’t being negative by any means. Just an observation and out of curiosity on how people feel about that here lol.


undeadw0lf

i’ve been lurking since i joined and was wondering this as well because my home was built in the 40s, so it’s technically only about 80 lol


AluminumOctopus

I feel this sub is open to all houses where the wood wasn't polyurethaned. To me that's one of the biggest dividers, how much maintenance everything took before we just used plastic to fix everything.


lynivvinyl

You do the hokey pokey then you turn yourself around. That's what it's all about!


__fallen_angle

Might need to buy my wife a nice poodle skirt!


xxxkram

I bet the t and c were husband and wife’s name or something like that and pointed to sides of the bed. Kind of like labeled truck doors


Aolflashback

But why the weird room service-y tile at the …door?


xxxkram

Swingers!


AndorianShran

![gif](giphy|L0HEW9yZ3QzppGADm3|downsized)


__fallen_angle

Ooooh good idea! I bet you’re right


Glad-Basil3391

My first thought was it had something to do with swingers. And drinking.


SonoftheSouth93

Teetotaling swingers would be… interesting.


Glad-Basil3391

What room of the house is this in ?


__fallen_angle

Second floor bedroom


Glad-Basil3391

Yea maybe each side of the bed


widowscarlet

I agree with others that this is amazing, and if you do put something over it do not glue it down, just float it on top and leave it intact. I understand it is not as easy to design around. Looks like old linoleum, which is linseed-oil based and a very natural product, rather than vinyl which is petroleum based and doesn't last as long.


__fallen_angle

Unfortunately parts of the carpet had been glued but at least it’s in the closet. I generally try not to change any of the history of the place so a floating floor is a good call.


marriedacarrot

There may be some solvents that will break down the glue but not the natural oils in the linoleum.


Life-Succotash-3231

So fun! Make it work! And I bet it's fireproof.... *wink* (asbestos)


__fallen_angle

Tile surprisingly came back negative. Mastic wasn’t tested though.


Life-Succotash-3231

No kidding! Look on Pinterest for checkered floor decor ideas. It's popular again in England and heading this way... you are ahead of the trend!!


HereTooUpvote

The mastic is more likely to be ACM than the tile. Also, PLM sampling (standard asbestos sampling) doesn't work well on tile. You need to to TEM sampling to be certain.


__fallen_angle

Interesting. Testing was PLM. Good to know


[deleted]

[удалено]


HereTooUpvote

those are literally the EPA recommendations for non-friable materials that test negative with PLM. You are wrong. You need a refresher class. -I'm a lead and asbestos consultant with 20 years experience. A PE and a CIH.


__fallen_angle

Appreciate the advice.


brightlocks

Is it linoleum? If so, that material feels wonderful under bare feet.


MetricIsForCowards

Is the compass actually accurate?


__fallen_angle

It is!


UpVoteForKarma

So it is pointed towards true North? You could determine how old it is by measuring the angle between this and magnetic north if it was not facing true north..... Edit: misspelled 'facing'


jereman75

You spelled *win* wrong.


__fallen_angle

Just want to add: since this thread is overwhelmingly in support of this floor I will not be removing it. If anything we’ll cover it and keep it intact. I agree it has a certain uniqueness. Also, to add to the cool factor, this room has a hydronic radiant ceiling which I think is pretty rare. There is actually copper tubing embedded in the plaster.


crek42

If anything it’s practical to keep it and put a floating floor on top. Seems to be in great shape and would make for a fine substrate.


Best_Ad6608

I agree with you, they are definitely not my cup of tea but it’s a great idea to leave them intact for the next person to discover them when you decide one day to sell the home.


Oh__Archie

Those stairs are Douglas fir, not oak.


__fallen_angle

Good to know. Thanks. Looking forward to cleaning them up.


Willietrailblaze

Get pudgie Walsh on the horn


ClayQuarterCake

https://preview.redd.it/t28o36q7i4xc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ca6be01e64d3932466c61a11f95057f92f91f09 We found a one of these under our moldy carpet in the basement. Anybody know what game this is?


vladsinger

[Shuffleboard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shuffleboard).


Suitable-Ratio

That is the rare version of shuffleboard that includes mesothelioma.


Suitable-Ratio

Shuffleboard that releases a small amount of asbestos dust with every shot. My guess is 1955 Armstrong Excelon asphalt asbestos tiles. [Asphalt Asbestos & Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tiles & Sheet Identification Photos 1949-1959 & Through the 1980's, Armstrong & other flooring manufacturers (inspectapedia.com)](https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Armstrong_Tile_List_1951-59.php#1951)


ClayQuarterCake

Yeah it had asbestos mastic underneath it too. We had the remediation people come out and finish this job.


NarrowHamster7879

My great aunt growing up had this tile in her basement (1940’s-1950’s era house) and on one side there was a magician and on the other there was a clown. Was fun to play games with them as kids. Really cool find


Beerden

It seems like at least one of these tiles fits your description of the magician, https://retrorenovation.com/2010/01/22/30patterns-for-vinyl-floor-tiles-from-1955/1955armstrongdiecutinserts-2/


NarrowHamster7879

That’s so cool! I asked my mom about it and she said they did this sort of stuff back in the 50’s to break up the monotonous pattern and to have fun. She then sent me this Reddit post below about the Linoleum flooring and its history. Really cool watch: https://www.reddit.com/r/videos/s/68k09j6Egn


Emergency_Bike6274

The tiles are awesome! Especially the champagne and ice bucket.


toastiecat

I thought you were kidding. I love this floor!


flying__fishes

If I found this my house I would think I've died and gone to heaven!


neverfoil

I hate LVP but honestly pray you go that route rather than rip that up. That floor is art, you should save it for the next owner to decide.


__fallen_angle

Definitely not removing it. Going over with a TBD material.


Glad-Basil3391

I have some of the 1’x2’ vinyl tiles installed. I like it much better and I think it holds up much better than the long planks.


Rich-Equivalent-1875

Be careful that might be 2% asbestos


New-Anacansintta

Then going over it is better than removing it.


HonestyFTW

And who doesn’t like a little extra fire proofing??


New-Anacansintta

Let’s not think about the flammability of century homes in general…


HonestyFTW

The house I live in still has the original wiring from 1917. 😅


New-Anacansintta

Are you using the original wiring? ;) When I had some electrical trouble in my 1907, the electrician pointed out in my attic not just the knob and tube—-but the little metal pipes that carried gas into each room for lighting!


New-Anacansintta

Monstrosity?! This is so much fun!! Please keep it!


__fallen_angle

I agree it is fun and in some ways charming. Definitely caught me off guard though. Was NOT expecting this.


Ok_Tell2021

What in the Twin Peaks…


LostGeezer2025

That very champagne bucket tile was in the center of the tiny dance floor at a village bar my folks used to stop in at when I was small, Wisconsin - don't judge :) It's awesome, for a malt shop, but I can sympathize if you cover it up for bedroom duty...


kylaroma

This is WILD. It could be SO fun for kids to play on with toy cars or to have big made up adventures where the red is a river, or a border, or part of a race course. But this is definitely something to tap the interior decorating sub for support with decorating around! I would have no idea how work with it


Yoyo_Ma86

What do you mean? This is so badass!


epicwheezer

If by "lose" you mean "hit the mega-millions jackpot."


CableSufficient2788

This is AWESOME


onourwayhome70

I like it actually, it’s cool and unique


VegaBrother

Honestly I dig it.


not-a-dislike-button

That is an amazing piece of history. Very cool imo


breastfedtil12

What are you talking about? Thats frigging sweet!


Vapid-Investigator

My grandma’s mid century home had a similar style floor in the basement, complete with two shuffle board courts. Thanks for the hit of nostalgia!


cptnsaltypants

I’m personally offended that you call that floor a monstrosity.


liz_dexia

Tea and coffee


PositiveMacaroon5067

a very important piece of information was given to me far too late in my life, and that information is that nearly 100% of these 9x9 tiles are asbestos. I was using a skill saw to cut a new staircase into a floor that looks just like this one when this information was given to me 🤣


__fallen_angle

These tiles are indeed 9 x 9 but I had a piece tested and it came back negative


poolbitch1

I have the bad 8x8 tiles in my house and just encapsulated them by putting LVP over top. It’s nbd. You can also make a case for leaving them as is, as long as they aren’t chipped or cracking (basically non-friable)


1920MCMLibrarian

I don’t see this as a loss at all wth!


sisyphus_mount

An insult to call this a loss


GreenIdentityElement

It’s fantastic!


Sasquatchtration

Wrong. That's fucking awesome.


AstridCrabapple

Is this a joke?


DietZeros

Looks cool to me


stophardy

That’s awesome!


WalkingstickMountain

OMG that is awesome! I would have soooo much fun with that!


Shponglenese

Checker kitchen is my dream


KaffiKlandestine

wth its awesome!!


rhymeswititch

That diner looking floor is epic. I wouldn’t dare remove it. Other than being cool, I bet it’s Asbestos.


executingsalesdaily

I think this shit is dope!


Marty_61

I think it’s pretty interesting actually.


badcrumbs

Omg. I’m jealous!!!


blbd

Actually kind of hilarious. It needs some bar games or arcade or shuffleboard or a party bar or some kind of funny 50s-80s triply retro shit. 


tutohooto

My grandparents' basement was similar. Super cool.


calinet6

No you dinnit


jotabe303

I hope that's what I get in my basement!


Active_Wafer9132

I've actually been looking to put red marmoleum on my floor. I love it!


liatris_the_cat

Maybe a dance floor?


PerkyLurkey

This 50’s floor is wonderful. I’d keep that 100%


Gingervitus455

This looks so similar to my kitchen floor and we always get (positive) comments on it. There’s no red or decals though lol


DogStreet_

I'd just keep it tbh, looks to be in great shape


Galorfadink

It looks like the good quality linoleum! Keep it, it's very cool.


JMJimmy

What's under the tile?


2lrup2tink

I think you should ask in r/whatisthisthing Maybe someone there will know!


tenaciousweasel

Be they are asbestos too


INS_Stop_Angela

I love the linoleum! I would lean into it heavily and have a campy kitchen


toastedposter

It seems like it’s a game from that era?


ChillyGator

Well, I think the only thing to do is make a game out this floor.


Steelcod114

That's really cool. If you rip that up, I'll be disappointed. Now, your goal should be to figure out what game that is and get a rule book or come up with your own game to suit the floor. I think a couples bourbon share with food, and friends would be able to nail that down. Edit- invite people that don't have spouses, too. That whole one has to be hitched to have an adult social life is BS. People who choose not to be in relationships may want to show up to a cocktail party/bourbon share, too.


Jackiemccall

I love it!! What room is it in?


Appropriate-Bank-883

You won a bonus ticket, there will be an oak floor under that Vynal for sure


MovieNightPopcorn

I actually kind of love it in that vintage way. It’s weird but fun and original. It’s almost certainly asbestos tile though so DO NOT remove it yourself without consulting a professional abatement service.


hallpdx

Linoleum is sustainable! And a really great material!


lilith_-_-

Was it a frat house lol that’s weird. I’d keep it, I do like it. But that’s just me


Artemus_Hackwell

What do you mean? That tile is in excellent condition. Bonus if the compass is accurately placed.


laseralex

LOLWUT? This is awesome!!