How to Install Vinyl Flooring to Cement
Laying vinyl tile over a cement floor involves similar issues to those of laying a ceramic or other hard-tile floor over cement. The main issue is to make sure the cement is solid, unbroken and flat, and that it's free of any grime or other materials that could interfere with the adhesion of the tiles. A liquid floor leveler (very thin cement) will help even out any variations in the cement surface. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Floor leveler (liquid)
- Cement trowel
- Trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleanser
- Bucket
- Scrub brush
- Chalk snapline
- Carpenter's square
- Tile adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Vinyl tile cutter
Instructions
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1
Mix a batch of liquid floor leveler according to the instructions on the packaging. Pour it over any cracks, holes or low spots on the cement floor, smoothing it out with your cement trowel. Get the surface completely flat. Let the leveler set for 48 hours.
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2
Scrub the cement thoroughly with a solution of 1 cup TSP and 1 gallon warm water. Rinse and dry it completely. Let it dry for up to a week to ensure no moisture remains.
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3
Hold your chalk snapline over the center of the cement floor, between the middle of two of the walls. Snap the line. Hold the snapline in the opposite direction, so it intersects the first line at the center of the room. Square the second line against the first with a carpenter's square before snapping it.
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4
Lay floor tile adhesive over several square feet at the intersection of the two lines with a notched trowel. Set four tiles into place at the intersection, pressing the edges of the tiles against each other.
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Spread more adhesive and lay additional tiles, first along the lines and then building outward. Cut the tiles by the walls with your vinyl tile cutter, as necessary. Do the whole room.
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Tips & Warnings
If the cement you're tiling is below grade (as in a basement), there could be moisture issues with the cement that will interfere with the proper adhesion of the tile. For below-grade cement, glue down just the first vinyl tile, then wait a week to ensure that it is still properly adhering. If it comes up, have the cement inspected by a professional to address the moisture issue.
