Rubber flooring tiles have long been used because of their durability and noise absorption qualities. Many homeowners are now using rubber floor tiles in area like home gyms, bathrooms, and kids playrooms. Rubber flooring is made from recycled rubber, making it a green choice for the home. These tiles last for decades and are easy to clean. Laying these kinds of tiles is an easy process since they interlock and don’t require an adhesive. They are also easy to cut and some systems require no cutting at all.
What You'll Need
What You'll Need
- Vacuum
- Broom
- Rubber tiles
- Chalk Line
- Utility Knife
- Steel Ruler
- How to Install Tiles
Step 1 – Clean the Floor
Sweep or vacuum the floor where the tiles are to be laid. It should not have any dust, oil or debris on it when you begin laying the tiles.
Step 2 – Prepare the Guidelines
Use a chalk line to make a line 2 feet from the wall. Then, make another chalk line 2 feet out from the wall adjoining it. You now have two lines intersecting at a 90 degree angle.
Step 3 – Lay the Tiles
Use this grid to begin laying the tiles. Interlock the tiles as you lay them. The outside of the room nearest the walls will be laid last. Continue laying the tiles and interlocking them until you have covered the entire floor except for the perimeter.
Step 4 – Lay the Edge Tiles
Once the room is covered, you will fit the tiles in the perimeter of the room. Lay the tiles and cut them as necessary to fit into the space, using the utility knife and straight edge. You should not butt the tiles up too close to the wall. Manufacturers recommend that you leave a gap that equals the thickness of the tiles. The floor needs this extra space so that it can expand as needed.
Other Tips
These tiles are not meant to be used with any adhesive. This makes them easy to remove or replace if one becomes damaged. If it is necessary to secure them to the floor, use carpet tape that is double sided under the tiles around the edge of the room to minimize movement. Do not use any glue or adhesive since the tiles do need to contract and expand and are interlocked.
There are kits available that require no cutting. They have tiles designed to be placed at the corner of the room and make a border around the perimeter. Then, regular tiles are laid in the center to complete the floor. When ordering this kind of kit, careful measurements of the room should be taken, and the room should be relatively straight with no walls out of alignment.
Rubber flooring tiles can be a functional and attractive part of the home. They are a popular choice, especially in modern homes. They come in various colors and styles and can be made into interesting patterns. The ease of installation makes them a perfect do-it-yourself project.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
