How to Install Stick-On Vinyl Tiles

Vinyl tiles are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastic-based materials. They are an affordable and easy-to-install alternative to traditional sheet flooring or ceramic tile, and require only simple tools. Modern vinyl tile installation is made even easier with the use of peel-and-stick materials that require no trowels or adhesives. These tiles can be installed over any type of subfloor as long as it is dry and free of dirt and debris.

Things You'll Need

• Stick-on vinyl tiles
• Measuring tape
• Leveling compound
• Hammer or grinder
• Chalk and string
• Utility knife
• Tin snips
• Straight edge
• Floor roller

Instructions

1. Measure the room to determine how much material you'll need, in square feet. Add about 5 percent to this quantity before making your purchase. The extra material will account for material lost when cutting, and will also be helpful for making future repairs.

2. Prepare your subfloor. Fill any holes or cracks in concrete using an epoxy concrete caulk, allowing it to dry before proceeding. Grind away any bumps or ridges, or chip them away with a hammer to ensure they don't show through the vinyl. Remove stray nails or staples from wood floors, and use a leveling compound to cover up highly textured surfaces like linoleum or ceramic tile.

3. Use chalk and string to snap a chalk line across the center of your floor. Snap the line from one corner of the room to the opposite corner. Repeat this process between the remaining corners to create a cross shape that allows you to find the center point of the room. This center point is the best place to start installing your tiles, as it will help to mask the appearance of uneven or crooked walls.

4. Lay out your tiles without removing the backing. Start in the center of the room and lay the tiles to create your desired pattern or design. Lay out the entire floor before proceeding.

5. Cut tiles as needed using a straight edge and a utility knife. To cut around objects, create a paper template and use it to trace a cut-out on the tile. Cut these oddly-shaped units using tin snips.

6. Remove the paper backing from your tiles and press them firmly to the floor, starting in the center of the room. As you finish installing each row, roll it with a floor roller to ensure it is completely adhered. Floor rollers can be rented from most home improvement and hardware stores.

Tips & Warnings

• It is safe to walk on your new vinyl floor right away. There is no need to let the adhesive dry or cure overnight.

References

• Do It Yourself: Installing Peel and Stick Tiles
• This Old House: Laying Vinyl Floors