Vinyl Tiles: Easy Way to Install Tips

In deciding how much vinyl tiles you will be needing, measure the room (space) in square yards. Draw a sketch of the room and transfer the measurement of the room onto the sketch. Increase the room's dimensions by a few inches to provide extra material for centering the pattern, cutting and trimming the tile in the room. With your sketch you could easily estimate how much tiles you need to buy.

If you are buying online look online sites that offer free estimate services such importflooring.com and naturalhomerug.com. All you have to do is let them know the dimension of the room where you wanted to install tiles and they will provide you with number on how many vinyl tiles you will need.

Prepare the room by removing the furniture, appliances or plumbing fixtures. Make sure floor surface is completely clean, and that the sub-floor is in good condition, completely smooth and flat. It is also necessary to repair any existing cracks, holes or indentions in underlying concrete and even any raised spots with a grinder.

Vinyl tile can be laid on top of existing linoleum or vinyl floor if it is in good condition. If there are damaged or loose vinyl sections, they should be removed. And if the existing sub-floor is not in repairable condition, install a new underlayment.

Measure the entire area of the floor before cutting the vinyl tiles. Cut the vinyl tile approximately 3 inches wider than the measurements in every side to make the necessary allowance. In cutting the vinyl tile, use heavy-duty scissors or utility knife. Support the corner cut of the tile by placing two pieces of masking tape, this will protect the corners from tearing when the tile is placed in position.

Place the tile in position, leaving excess around each wall. Cut semi-circles on inside corners until the vinyl tile will lay flat, and then make straight relief cuts for the outside corners. Pull the vinyl tile back from the wall, exposing the underlayment or sub-floor. To make an accurate cut, make pattern along the wall by rolling craft paper on the length of the wall.

Line up the craft paper along the wall with small masking tape; place it in about 2 to 3 feet interval. Apply a strip of double-sided tape to the top of the lined-up craft paper. Then roll the flooring over the craft paper and press firmly, the craft paper will stick at the back of the flooring. The stuck craft paper will be your guide in cutting the vinyl. Cut the vinyl along the outer edge of the craft paper.

Spread vinyl adhesive using a notched trowel about 6 inches wide. Lay the vinyl into position, flush to each wall, and then press the vinyl flooring to the adhesive material using a hand roller.

Clean adhesive left on the floor, but avoid washing the floor for 3 days. Keep the foot traffic to the newly installed vinyl tile flooring to a minimum for at least 24 hours to let the adhesive settle firmly.