Vinyl tiles for plywood?

[griz]

Received a completed highgrade plywood enclosure the other day for free. After washing it down and disinfecting it, I started making the needed repairs in order to house an adult BCI. I knew some of you had success with laying down multiple layers of poly or epoxy on the plywood to waterproof it. In reviewing this, I have found that sometimes cheapness can be the mother of inventions.

While at Lowe's I found 12x12 vinyl floor tiles that have the adhesive already attached with a regular price of .24 cents a piece and they were fairly thick. After 5 minutes I had them installed on the floor of the enclosure. I then ran a small bead of clear silicone inbetween where each tile met up. I then cut the silicone tube for a wide bead and ran that along the outside as well as about 2 inches up the walls. After letting this cure for a few days I poured in 1 inch of water and left it there for 5 days. I drained the water and looked for signs of any deterioration in the enclosure. The vinyl tiles were still firmly in place as was the silicone. I then carefully cut the silicone around one of the tiles and pulled the tile up. There was no water of any kind underneath it.

After seeing this and especially after comparing the costs of plywood vs melamine, I don't forsee any reason why this is not only a better alternative but also more attractive. The vinyl tile gives a very attractive clean look to the enclosure. I realize the downside is that I will need to check the silicone beads inbetween the tiles more often but other than that I don't see a downside. I still lay paper over the tiling when a I have a boa inside which will help absorb anything the boa offers.

Thoughts? Opinion?

Griz