How to Create a Pattern With Vinyl Tiles

Sturdy vinyl tile floors don't have to be boring.

Vinyl tiling is an inexpensive and practical flooring option for many homeowners. Vinyl tiles are easy to install, hold up well to wear and tear and can be laid in creative patterns for a polished look. Vinyl tiles can be purchased in a variety of colors and designs. Homeowners should consider the type of pattern and design they want before installing vinyl tiles. After deciding on a pattern, the vinyl tile installation should be easy for almost any homeowner.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• ¼-inch graph paper
• Vinyl tiles
• Chalk line
• VCT adhesive
• 1/16th-inch notched trowel
• Utility knife
• Steel straightedge
• Mineral spirits

Instructions

1. Measure the room where you are planning to install the vinyl tiles with a measuring tape. Write the measurements down on a piece of paper.

2. Draw up a scale plan of the floor on ¼-inch graph paper. Make it so that 1 foot equals ½ inch on the graph paper. Because vinyl tiles are typically 12 inches square, create of grid of ½-inch squares on the paper. This is a good time to decide on a pattern for the floor. You can add a border around the perimeter of the room, alternate the tiles for a checkerboard look or create some other design.

3. Decide on the colors of the vinyl tile. The easiest way to create a pattern with vinyl tile is to alternate the colors. Most stores will have a few basic colors of vinyl tiles. You can also special order specific colors. Most home improvement stores will be willing to do this if you simply ask.

4. Prepare the subfloor for the vinyl tiles. The surface of the floor needs to be smooth and clean. If the floor is unlevel or dirty, it will make the vinyl tiles crack or look lumpy.

5. Snap two intersecting chalk lines in the middle of the floor. Use these lines to give you a good starting point for the vinyl tile installation. Dry fit the vinyl tiles. Using the scale plan drawing of the floor, lay the vinyl tiles without adhesive. This will give you a good idea of what your tile pattern will look like. If you do not like the pattern, it is simple to change it around before you apply the adhesive to the floor.

6. Apply a thin layer of VCT adhesive with a 1/16th-inch notched trowel. Let the glue dry until it is clear and tacky. Press the tiles into the glue, following the prearranged pattern for the floor. Cut the tiles with a utility knife and a steel straightedge.

7. Allow the glue to dry per the manufacturer's directions. Remove dried glue from the floor with mineral spirits.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Lay a Vinyl Tile Floor