How to Lay Out & Cut VTC Floor Tile
Vinyl composite tiles, or VCT, are flexible, durable flooring tiles that can be installed nearly anywhere in the home and don't require special mortars or grouts the way hard floor tiles do. While VCT is a softer material, it should be laid out much the same way as other floor tiles to achieve an even installation. Cuts should be made with special tools to avoid ragged edges or dangerous slips with razor blades. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Locate the wall farthest from the entrance of the room. You will lay the tiles starting at this point, working your way back out the door to avoid tiling yourself into a corner or stepping on the tiles that are newly laid.
-
2
Measure the wall where you will begin laying the tiles. Locate the center point of the wall and dry-lay the first tile so its center matches the center point of the wall. Lay out the next tiles equally to each side to create a balanced installation.
-
-
3
Lay the tiles in the pattern or order you desire until you reach the edges or perimeter of the room. Bend the VCT to fit it against the edges of the room and use a grease pencil to mark where the cut will be made to fit the tile into place.
-
4
Raise the handle of a vinyl tile cutter and place the tile on its bottom plate, with the grease pencil mark located over the depression on the cutter. Depress the handle of the cutter as if it were a paper cutter to slice the VCT cleanly with no jagged edges.
-
5
Lay the cut tiles out with the full tiles to double check the layout before beginning to install them.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Vinyl tile cutters can be rented at most home improvement stores.
