How to Install a Vinyl Tile Floor
Self-adhesive vinyl tiles are a simple, inexpensive alternative to installing tile floors. Since these tiles don’t require expensive special equipment to cut or install, this type of remodeling is typically considered a perfect do-it-yourself project. Most home improvement or hardware stores offer a good selection of self-adhesive tiles that will work with almost any project. These stores are also great resources for tips on selection, installation and care of your new floor. In the following steps you will find easy, step-by-step instructions for installing a vinyl tile floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Kneepads
- Box knife or other model of razor knife
- Straight edge or T-square
- Chalk line
Instructions
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1
Begin by preparing the floor for installation of the vinyl tiles. Sweep, mop and clean the surface so that it is free of dirt, chemicals or old adhesive that might interfere with the installation. You may need to sand or cut down bumps or other obstructions to clear the area.
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2
To ensure proper alignment of your tiles, you will want to begin your installation in the middle of the floor. You can find the exact middle by measuring the length of each wall and marking the center with a pen or chalk. Once you have each wall marked, nail chalk line at the middle point of one wall and connect it to the middle of the opposite wall. Repeat this process with the remaining walls and snap each line to the floor. The intersection of these lines should be the center of the room.
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3
Remove the tiles from the boxes and lay them out on the floor. With the backing still in place, lay a row of tiles from the center of the room to one wall, using the chalk line as a guide. Repeat this procedure until you have four rows of tiles, stretching from the center of the room to each wall. Each row should be perpendicular to the adjacent wall. If not, recheck your chalk lines and lay out your tiles until you have a good alignment.
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4
Once you are happy with the alignment, you can begin installation by peeling the protective backing from the center tile and placing it square with the chalk lines. This first tile must be square to ensure that the other tiles will be installed correctly.
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5
Remove the protective backing from the second tile and place it square with the first tile, flush on the chalk line. Continue this procedure until you have one line of tiles stretching from the center of the room to one wall. Depending on the floor dimensions and size of the tiles, you may end up with a gap between the last full tile and the wall. Leave this empty for now, as this will be completed later.
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6
Install the next row of tile perpendicular to the first from the center to the wall, as in Step 5. Once you've completed this row, you can begin to fill in the middle with tiles. When completed, you will have one quarter of the floor tiles installed.
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7
Continue the installation by installing a row of tiles from the center to the third wall and filling in that section of floor. At this point you will have half of the floor tiles installed.
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8
Move on to the final half by installing a row of tiles from the middle to the fourth wall and then filling in the third and fourth quarters of the room. This should complete the installation of the tiles, leaving only a narrow gap around the walls.
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9
Fill in the gap by measuring the width and cutting the tiles with a razor knife to fit the space. Continuing this process will complete the installation of your vinyl tile floor. You can now install kick boards or molding to suit your taste.
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Tips & Warnings
Larger-dimension tiles will make the room look larger once installed.
Laying the tiles out prior to removing the protective backing will allow you to check for issues and get an idea of how it will look once installed.
Use a kitchen rolling pin or hand weights to remove air pockets in the tile and provide better adhesion.
Lay out all tile prior to installation to check for color or manufacturing defects.
Don't install furniture or slide heavy objects on the floor until it has had time to properly adhere to the floor base.
Don't use any adhesive other than what is on the tile already. This can cause problems after installation.
