How to Install Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT tile)

Vinyl Composition Tile is often used in commercial applications like offices and grocery stores.

Vinyl composition tile, also known as vinyl composite tile and VCT among other names, is a vinyl flooring used mostly in commercial applications like offices, grocery stores and playrooms because it is very durable and comfortable to stand on and walk on. It is also a great option for high traffic areas of the home like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Vinyl composition tiles come in 12 inch squares and are inexpensive, virtually indestructible, and easier to install than most other types of flooring. Vinyl composition tile differs from consumer grade vinyl tile in that it is thicker, installed with adhesive instead of peel-and-stick backings, made of more durable materials, and is about an inch thick. It can be waxed and refinished as needed.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl Composition Tile
• VCT tile adhesive
• Notched trowel
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Putty knife or scraper
• Utility knife and blades
• VCT cutter (optional)
• 100-lb. floor roller
• General purpose joint compound
• Sandpaper
• Heavy leather work gloves
• Knee pads
• Damp cloth
• High quality acrylic floor sealer or polish
• Hammer and nails
• Plywood for the underlayment (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the floor and multiply the numbers together to get the square footage.

2. Purchase supplies from a local home improvement store or flooring specialty store. Purchase 15 percent more vinyl tile flooring than you have calculated, just in case you need to repair or replace vinyl tiles later. You'll probably have many vinyl tile designs to choose from at the store, so be sure to have an idea of what you want before you go.

3. Remove the old flooring, shoe molding and any obstacles like cabinets, appliances, or metal carpet strips before you start installing vinyl floor tiles.

4. Make sure the subfloor is clean and smooth. Installing vinyl flooring over concrete is the most ideal scenario. If the subfloor is made of wood but is uneven, you may need to install plywood over it to achieve a flat surface. If so, be sure to use general purpose joint compound to cover the seams and nail heads once you install the plywood underlayment. Sand the compound when you're finished and vacuum up any debris.

5. Use a pencil and a straightedge to draw two perpendicular lines from the center of each wall to the center of the room. This will establish the starting point for tile installation.

6. Dry fit the vinyl flooring tiles on the floor to make sure the edges are straight and the perimeter border tiles are even. Pick up the floor tiles when you are done.

7. Use a notched trowel at a 45 degree angle to apply adhesive to the floor. You'll have about 6 hours to lay the vinyl tiles before the adhesive dries. If you want to take your time installing the floor tiles, apply adhesive in 4 foot square areas instead.

8. After you apply the adhesive to the floor, give it some time (usually between 10 and 30 minutes) to become tacky before you lay the vinyl tiles down.

9. Start laying vinyl tiles at the starting point, and work your way to the outer edges of the room. You should be able to see the pencil lines through the clear adhesive to help guide you along.

10. Use a utility knife or VCT cutter to cut the vinyl tiles for the borders. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges after cutting the tiles.

11. Wipe away any excess tile adhesive with a damp cloth.

12. Use a 100lb floor roller to adhere the vinyl tiles firmly into the adhesive.

13. Reinstall the old base moldings or install new ones.

14. Let the vinyl floor tiles cure in the adhesive for 5 days, then clean the floor thoroughly.

15. Apply several coats of a high quality acrylic floor sealer or polish after installation.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, heat the room so the vinyl tile and adhesive seal together better.

• Use a hair dryer to soften the vinyl tiles before you cut them.

• If possible, use an adhesive that is made by the same manufacturer of the vinyl tiles.

• Turn on a flashlight and lay it on the floor to reveal any high points in the floor surface. This will help you find areas that need to be leveled. If the high points are not leveled, they will be prone to worn spots after the tiles are installed.

• If using a utility knife doesn't result in accurate vinyl tile cuts, use a tile cutter instead.

• If you need to lay a subfloor to achieve a flat surface, don't forget to cut off door casing bottoms to allow enough room for the new tile.

• Wear knee pads to protect your knees when installing vinyl tile.

• Old floor coverings and their adhesives installed prior to 1986 may contain asbestos, so consider having a professional flooring company remove the old flooring for you or simply cover the old floor with a plywood underlayment instead.

• Wear heavy leather work gloves to protect your hands and fingers when cutting tile.