How to Install Self Sticking Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile was once a utility flooring used mainly for schools and office buildings, but has evolved to simulate the appearance of ceramic tile, stone and wood flooring with a much lower material and installation expense. If you wish to update a kitchen, bathroom or basement floor in your home on a tight budget, self sticking vinyl tile is a great alternative that is durable and easy to maintain. After making certain the subfloor underlayment is properly installed and sealed, installation of the self-sticking vinyl tile is easy to complete for a great looking floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Check the subfloor underlayment. Make certain all screw or nail heads are installed flush with the underlayment's surface and that any uneven seams between sheets have been sanded or leveled.
-
2
Mark the tile layout on the floor surface. Mark center lines at each wall length and connect the lines between opposite walls using a chalk line. These will be used as preliminary layout lines.
-
-
3
Spread out full-sized vinyl tiles, without removing the backing paper, across the floor along the chalked layout line. Shift the row of tiles, as needed, to equalize the space at each end. Return to the perpendicular chalked guideline and measure from the line to the nearest edge of the the tile that spans it. Offset the chalked guideline by measurement to define the starting tile guideline for that direction.
-
4
Repeat Step 3 for a row of vinyl tiles in the other direction across the room to establish the guideline for that direction. This will complete the two center rows of full-sized tiles across the room in both directions.
-
5
Start the vinyl tile installation at the the intersection of the two guidelines by peeling off the backing paper and placing the tile onto the floor surface with the appropriate corner and edges aligned with the chalked lines.
-
6
Complete the installation of full-size vinyl tiles along the entire length of the chalked guidelines in both directions. Leave the remaining space at each end to be filled in with cut tiles later.
-
7
Install the remaining full-sized vinyl tiles following the same procedure, keeping the edges tight to the adjacent tiles. Work from the center rows of tiles outward toward the walls in all directions until all the full-sized tiles are laid. Keep the edges tight together as each tile is set in place, then press or roll the surface to complete the adhesive seal.
-
8
Measure and cut the edge tiles using a utility knife. Measure the tile space and transfer the measurement to the tile surface, then square the line using a framing square. The edge of the framing square also serves as an excellent straightedge for guiding the utility knife during the cutting. When the piece is cut, peel the backing paper off and install the tile in place.
-
9
Go over the entire floor surface with a floor roller to maximize the adherence of the tile's adhesive to the underlayment surface.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The manufacturers of self-stick vinyl tile products recommend that the tile be stored for a minimum of 48-hours in the room where it is to be installed to give the material and adhesive an opportunity to acclimate to the normal room temperature.
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
