There are hundreds of designs and colors to choose from when installing vinyl tiles. The installation technique varies from one type to another. Below are the instructions for how to install self-adhering sticky tiles. If you are using dry adhesive tiles, the directions will be different.
What You'll Need:
- Chalk line
- Carpenter's square
- Utility knife
- Scissors
- Hair dryer
- Pencil
- Tiles
- Pry bar
- Utility knife
- Handsaw
- Hammer
- Leveling compound
- 3/4 inches
- Plywood
- 1/4 inches plywood
- 6 penny ring
- Shank nails
General Preparation
When you are replacing the floor in a room, be sure to clean the old flooring and remove any uneven places. The biggest mistake people make is not properly cleaning the floor before installing the new flooring.
Extra Cautions Before Installing
Self-adhesive tile requires more floor preparation than sheet tiles. Self-adhesive tiles have to be placed on a clean flat surface. Be sure to start in the middle of the floor for a more even finish. Your pattern will be staggered so you don’t have a straight seam across the floor.
Measure the Midpoints
Measure from wall to wall, creating a midpoint. Midpoints can be found using chalk lines or running string from one joist to another. This midpoint will be where you start to lay your tiles.
Start to Lay Tile
Start at the midpoint when you start to lay the tiles. As you work your way to the edges, remember to stagger the tile. When you get to the walls, you will have to use a utility knife to cut them to the right size. It is easier to cut the tile if you warm it with a blow dryer. Tiles are easily cut with a utility knife or a pair of scissors and will cut even easier if you first warm the tile with a blow dryer.
Sizing the Tile
When you are dealing with walls that have rounded shapes, you have to take a pencil and paper and create a template to cut by. This is easier than putting the tile up against the wall.
After you Lay the Tile
Once you have laid the flooring, go around the room replacing any wall trimming or door trimming. If you had to use underlayment and it makes the edges taller than the floor, use the trim to reduce the edges.
Tip:
If you are using a pattern tile, take the process a little slower and go one tile at a time. Secure each tile as you place it to make sure it doesn’t slip. If you are starting a room from scratch, you need to be aware of the wall design before picking the flooring. If you are unsure, then go with a neutral color.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
