How to Install Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT tile)

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

Vinyl composition tile (also known as vinyl composite tile, VCT, resilient tile, and commercial grade vinyl tile) is a vinyl flooring used mostly in commercial applications like offices, grocery stores, hair salons, 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. Unlike consumer grade vinyl floors, VCT flooring is so durable it can be waxed and refinished as needed. Here’s how to install vinyl composition tile:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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)

Step 1

Measure the floor.

Measure the length and width of the floor and multiply the numbers together to get the square footage.
Step 2

Purchase vinyl tile and related supplies.

Purchase supplies from a local home improvement store or flooring specialty store. Purchase 15% more vinyl tile flooring than you need 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.
Step 3

Remove the old flooring.

Remove the old flooring, shoe molding and any obstacles like cabinets, appliances, or metal carpet strips before you start installing vinyl floor tiles.
Step 4

Make sure the subfloor is clean and smooth.

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.
Step 5

Use a pencil and a straightedge to mark the starting point.

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.
Step 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.
Step 7

Apply the adhesive with a notched trowel.

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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 10

Use a utility knife or VCT cutter to cut the vinyl tiles.

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.
Step 11

Wipe away excess tile adhesive.

Wipe away any excess tile adhesive with a damp cloth.
Step 12

Use the floor roller to press the tiles into the adhesive.

Use a 100lb floor roller to adhere the vinyl tiles firmly into the adhesive.
Step 13

Reinstall the base moldings.

Reinstall the old base moldings or install new ones.
Step 14

Let the vinyl floor tiles cure in the adhesive for 5 days, then clean the floor thoroughly.
Step 15

Apply a floor sealer or polish.

Apply several coats of a high quality acrylic floor sealer or polish and enjoy your new vinyl flooring!