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Vinyl tile is made with several layers, including a strong vinyl backing, a thin layer that holds the design and texture, a clear protective layer, and typically a urethane topcoat for added protection. The least expensive, no-wax vinyl floor, does not have the urethane coating and is therefore the least durable.
Vinyl tile is versatile and can be used in any room in the home, including basements and bathrooms. The tiles are waterproof, but the adhesive is not, so care should be taken to quickly mop up any large spills of water that can get into the cracks.
The basic rule of thumb for buying vinyl tile is that the thicker the backing, the better the quality of the tile. Consider paying more for tile, and you'll have flooring that can last 20 years, rather than the mere 5-year life expectancy of thinner tiles. -
The vinyl tile selection increases every year, with styles and shades to suit every taste and home design. Simple, plain tiles are available, as well as a wide variety of floral and geometric patterns, in neutral, pastel or vibrant colors. Some vinyl tile designs mimic the appearance and texture of stone, wood or other natural materials. Eco-friendly cork tiles are available, made with a vinyl backing and protective coating for extra durability and long life.
Tiles are made with repeating designs that can be laid in a uniform pattern, alternating patterns or a staggered design. Decorated tiles can be interspersed with plain ones, or different-colored tiles can be used to make a checkered design. Vinyl tile comes in 12-inch squares, larger formats and plank styles similar to wood laminate flooring. The options are endless. - Vinyl tile is inexpensive, comes in styles to suit any room, can be used on any floor of the house, is water-resistant and is the easiest tile to install. It's durable and not as susceptible to the cracking and chipping problems that affect other flooring materials, such as ceramic. If a vinyl tile is damaged, it's fairly easy to remove and replace with a new one. Vinyl tile requires little upkeep, and higher end tiles can be warrantied to last up to 25 years.
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Vinyl tile can be installed over a variety of surfaces, including concrete, subflooring and another layer of vinyl tile. The most important step is surface preparation, as the area must be clean, dry and level. Remove the baseboard trim. If the underlying floor has cracks, chips or dents, use a leveling compound made for that material. Lowe's recommends you leave the new tile in the room where it will be laid for 24 hours before installation. This will allow it to expand or contract according to the temperature and humidity of the room (see Resources).
Some higher end vinyl tiles require adhesive applied with a trowel, similar to laying ceramic flooring. Peel-and-stick tiles have traditionally been the preferred choice for DIY homeowners, because they are as simple to install as the name implies. Armstrong carries a glueless style of vinyl tile that is attached with adhesive tabs or spray adhesive. Glueless Armstrong tiles come with an underlayment that includes a grid to follow, making installation even easier (see Resources).
Lay the tiles out first, to decide on your pattern and to check that you have enough material to finish the project. Tiles should be arranged so that at least half of a tile remains where the row meets the walls. Any less, and the pattern won't look right, and the integrity of the tile may weaken, leading to gaps between tiles.
When laying the tile, start at the center and work your way out to the edges. To avoid wasting tile, use cardboard templates for any tiles that need to be cut to accommodate fixtures or corners. Do not walk on the floor immediately after installation; allow it to set for the manufacturer's recommended time. -
Vinyl tile requires little maintenance. Sweep up dirt and mop occasionally with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Some general cleaning products and floor waxes can dull or damage vinyl tile. Do not use a vacuum unless it has a bare floor setting designed to avoid scratching the tile.
Mop up spills immediately to prevent water damage to the adhesive or subfloor. Use floor protectors on furniture to prevent indentations in the flooring. Avoid rolling casters or dragging furniture across the tile, as these can scratch the vinyl. Use only cloth or vinyl-backed rugs; rubber or latex-backed mats can stain the flooring underneath.
