How to Install a Self-Stick Vinyl Tile Floor

Self-stick vinyl tiles are a great, inexpensive option for kitchen, bathroom, and entryway flooring. High quality vinyl tiles can mimic the look of ceramic or stone tiles, but are typically much cheaper and are easier and faster to install. If you want to update the look of your home and stay under budget, visit your local home improvement store to see your options in peel-and-stick vinyl tile flooring.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Sandpaper
• Floor filler
• Cleaner
• Self-stick vinyl tiles
• Tile roller or rolling pin
• Utility knife
• Measuring tape
• Chalk line

Prepare the Underlayment

1. Remove the old flooring, if necessary. Self-stick vinyl tiles can be laid over dry concrete, undamaged vinyl and linoleum, or plywood.
2. Lay a plywood underlayment over the existing damaged floor, if necessary.
3. Fill and sand any nail holes, cracks or low spots in the floor.
4. Remove any bumps in the floor with a chisel and/or sandpaper.
5. Fill low spots in the floor or textured vinyl using a commercial leveler.
6. Clean the floor to remove all dirt and grease.
7. Remove any glossy surface or adhesive with the appropriate commercial product.

Lay the New Floor

8. Store the new self-stick vinyl tiles inside your home 24 to 48 hours prior to installation. This ensures that the adhesive is acclimated to the proper temperature.
9. Find the center of the room by measuring the center of each wall and snapping a chalk line between the opposing walls.
10. Lay a row of tiles to each wall from the center chalk line cross without removing the paper from the back of the tiles.
11. Adjust the center starting point of the tiles so that there is not less than a half tile where the rows meet each of the four walls. Re-snap chalk line to mark the new starting point.
12. Remove the paper backing from the first self-stick vinyl tile in the center starting point and firmly press the tile in place.
13. Continue laying whole tiles in rows from the center of the room to the walls. Be careful to lay the tile edges as close to the last tile as possible.
14. Cut tiles with the utility knife to fit at the end of the row if necessary. Use cardboard to make patterns when fitting tiles around difficult shapes.
15. Use a tile roller or rolling pin to firmly press the tile to the underlayment, especially the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Any bumps, dips, or holes in the underlayment will eventually transfer to the new vinyl tile floor.
• A good underlayment is clean, non-glossy and smooth.
• If you decide to remove the old flooring, be careful of asbestos. If you suspect your flooring might contain asbestos, have it tested or leave it intact.
• You can lay tiles diagonally for a different look. Snap chalk lines from the corners of the room to find your starting point.
• Save damaged tiles to cut for edge pieces.

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