How To Lay Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl flooring can come in sheets, tiles or planks. It is economical and easy to install and maintain. This makes vinyl flooring a popular option among many homeowners, particularly those who want to make inexpensive home improvement projects.
2 minute read
The following are some of the advantages that vinyl flooring can provide:
- Vinyl flooring is durable and adaptable. It can withstand considerable amount of foot traffic.
- Vinyl flooring comes in a number of colours and styles, which means you will have more options to choose from.
- It is easy to clean, resistant to water and moisture and will not get stained easily.
- Vinyl flooring is easy to install.
If you’re thinking about installing vinyl flooring in your home, here are the steps you should follow:
Preparation
- Measure the length and width of the room where you will be installing the vinyl flooring.
- Decide on the type of vinyl you want to install, including design and colours.
- Prepare the old flooring by clearing the area. Take out any item or furniture that can get in the way of the installation. Remove any carpet if you would like to replace it with vinyl.
- Clean the floor area thoroughly. Remove any debris, wax, bumps and grease. Check for nail heads too and anything that may stick out and fix cracks or holes, if present. The goal is to ensure the floor’s surface will be as smooth and even as possible.
- If the subfloor is too hard or remains uneven, a quick alternative is to apply an underlayment, which will give a sturdy base for your vinyl flooring. A great option for this is ¼ inch thick plywood.
Put the underlayment over the surface of the floor. Use fillers to fill in any visible cracks or holes. Install the underlayment using a special underlay stapler or fastener. Avoid using nails and screws as they can result in bumps on your vinyl flooring. Once complete, it is best to leave the underlayment for at least two days, so it has a chance to acclimatise.
Apply the vinyl tiles
- Since you have already decided on what pattern to use for your vinyl, at this point you need to identify the application process. Typically, vinyl flooring can either be self-adhesive or glued down. Self-adhesive vinyl is easier to apply, whereas glue down vinyl will require you to spread adhesive on the underlayment before laying out the vinyl.
- Tip: To make vinyl application easier, you can create a paper pattern or template first. You should also make a reference line across the centre of the room and lay your tiles down dry to see how they fit.
- Start by spreading the vinyl adhesive over the underlayment. You can use a notched trowel for this. Lay the vinyl carefully, using your reference line to make sure they are properly aligned. Be ready to wipe off any oozing or excess adhesive using a soft cloth.
- Apply slight pressure to the vinyl so it bonds firmly with the adhesive. A floor roller is ideal for this. Continue to apply vinyl until the entire floor area is filled. If needed, cut the tiles so they fit against the wall.
- Finally, allow the adhesive to dry completely before anyone attempts to walk on it. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for how long this can take.
And there you have a completely transformed room, all thanks to versatile vinyl.
*How To articles are intended as advice only. Please refer to your completion documents for specific information on lease and covenant restrictions and maintenance of your home.*
