How to Lay Self-Sticking Tile
Transform the floors in your home easily and economically with peel-and-stick tiles. Manufacturers make vinyl floor tiles in a myriad of styles, colors and textures, and self-stick tiles are ideal for short-term flooring solutions. Renters and homeowners who are not prepared to spend large amounts to install flooring materials will appreciate the benefits of self-sticking tiles. Laying adhesive tiles is a do-it-yourself project. Make an effort to measure precisely, prepare the site properly and choose well-made tiles to derive the greatest benefits from the project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Measure the length of the floor. Divide that distance in half and use that point as the starting point to measure the width of the floor. Divide the distance in half to locate the center of the floor. Mark the center of the floor.
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2
Multiply the width and the length of the floor to determine its square footage. Calculate the number of tiles you need to cover the floor by dividing the room size by the tile size. Take note that the standard tile size is 1 square foot.
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3
Move the tiles into the room at least 48 hours before you begin laying the tiles to give the them time to acclimate to the temperature in the room. Keep the temperature in the room between 65 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit for 48 hours before, during and 48 hours after the tile installation.
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4
Remove all of the furniture from the room.
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5
Clean and dry the floor. Remove all paint, varnish, wax, oils, solvents and foreign matter.
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6
Place the tile on the floor without removing the protective paper backing. Evaluate the pattern and reorient tiles to suit your preference.
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7
Cut tiles to fit irregular walls or door trims by roughly cutting the tile larger than what you need. Place this tile so the excess amount covers the adjoining full tile. Draw a line to indicate the overlap. Score the line with a utility knife or other sharp blade. Bend the tile back and forth to snap it along the scored line. Remove the tiles.
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8
Apply a self-leveling compound to the floor according to the manufacturer's specifications.
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9
Peel the paper backing away from the tiles. Start with the center tile and lay out the tiles according to the pattern you determined in Step 6.
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Press all parts of the tile firmly in place against the floor. Repeat the process, pressing the tiles tightly against one another, until you complete the room.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear knee pads to save some strain on your knees.
You can lay new tile over old flooring, but don't build so many layers that they will create problems with transitions to adjoining rooms.
