How to Lay an Armstrong Vinyl Floor
Armstrong vinyl flooring is a floor covering material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is similar to linoleum, but will generally last longer and require less maintenance over time than linoleum. Armstrong vinyl is available in many different colors and patterns, and can be found in tile or sheet form. For DIY homeowners, vinyl tile is often easier to install than sheet flooring. It also allows for more design choices and is easier to repair. Vinyl flooring is often used in bathrooms, kitchens and hallways to provide a moisture-resistant, easy-to-clean floor covering in these high-traffic areas. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Armstrong vinyl flooring
- Floor scraper
- Leveling compound
- Heat gun or hairdryer
- Broom or vacuum
- Tape measure
- Chalkline
- Armstrong flooring adhesive
- Notched trowel
- Vinyl tile cutter
- Utility knife
Instructions
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1
Prepare the subfloor for vinyl installation. Use a floor leveling compound to smooth out the floor surface and fill low spots. Scrape away any old adhesive that's covering the floor using a floor scraper. You may need to soften the glue first using a heat gun or hairdryer. Clean the floor thoroughly using a broom or vacuum to remove all dust and debris before proceeding.
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2
Measure the floor to determine how much material you'll need. Buy about 5 percent more tile than you plan to use. This extra material will allow for some tile to be lost to cutting, and will also be useful for future repairs.
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3
Find the midpoint of each wall using your tape measure. Snap a chalkline from the midpoint of each wall to the opposite wall. The point where these two lines intersect is where you will begin installing your tile.
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4
Layout the tiles to determine your desired pattern. Do not use any adhesive during this step. Decide whether you will use borders, patterns or special designs, and lay them out so you'll know where to install each tile.
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5
Stack the tiles into piles based on the row they will be installed in. Keep the tiles in order, especially if you plan to use a complex design or pattern.
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6
Spread Armstrong flooring adhesive over half the floor surface using a notched trowel. Allow the adhesive to set for up to an hour. Press your thumb against the adhesive every 15 to 20 minutes. When the glue feels tacky to the touch and does not stick to your thumb, you can begin installing your tiles.
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7
Press each tile firmly into the adhesive by hand. Line up the tiles so that the edges butt together tightly but do not overlap. Be careful not to let the tiles touch the glue until you have them in the desired position.
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8
Cut vinyl flooring as needed using a vinyl tile cutter or a utility knife. When cutting with a utility knife, you'll also need a straight edge (like a metal ruler) to guide your cuts.
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9
Repeat Steps 6 through 8 to tile the second half of the room.
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Tips & Warnings
There is no need to roll Armstrong vinyl flooring unless you are installing it in a high-traffic commercial application.
