Tips on How to Lay Vinyl Floor Tiles

So you want to replace that ugly kitchen or bathroom floor covering? But you know that you will have to do the job all by yourself. Is there anything that you can do without help?

Well, great news. There is one solution that is so easy, it can be done by one person. A new alternative to ceramic tile is the new vinyl floor tiles. These great tiles are mostly peel and stick, so you don't have to deal with that messy mortar and grout.

And even better, they can be cut with a utility knife instead of having to rent a wet saw.

Another great thing, these tiles come in many beautiful designs, colors, and even different sizes. So it is very likely that you will be able to find a design that you love.

First thing you need to do is check out the old floor covering. If it is vinyl and is secure, with no waves or lumps, then you can install the new floor tiles right over the old vinyl. Great, huh? No extra work is required cutting out the old vinyl. This job couldn't be any easier.

If you're planning on putting the new vinyl tiles over plywood, a coat of primer will help the tiles stick better. Also, fill in any knotholes or seams with caulking to help give a smooth finish to the vinyl.

Now if you're removing old ceramic, you've got a little more work before you can get to the fun stuff. A hint here: after you get the ceramic tile up, wet the mortar before starting to scrap it up. That will help keep the dust down and make the mortar easier to come up. Get all the old mortar up before attempting to install the new vinyl tiles. Remember, vinyl is not very thick, so any particles trapped underneath may end up ruining your new tile. So always make sure the floor is completely clean.

Okay, now, all you do-it-yourselfers, get out your tape measure and find the square footage of the room. Multiply the length times the width to find out how much tile you will need. Always remember to get a few extra tiles for mistakes and for future repairs. You're ready now to head off to the home improvement store to check out all that great tile.

Another great thing about vinyl floor tiles is that you can stop anytime you want and not have to worry about doing the whole job at one certain time. So if you feel like working on the floor for a couple of hours every evening, you can probably finish it in a few days.

Most experts recommend starting in the middle of the room. You can find this by measuring over half the length and marking the spot. Then measure half the width and mark it. This is your center. I have to be honest here. I don't always follow the start in the center rule. I usually lay out a row of tiles and see how they will end up. I prefer whole tiles in doorways as much as possible unless it will leave a small piece of tile on the opposite end.

Your masterpiece can now begin. Check the back of the tiles you have chosen. Some of the tiles will have arrows. It is important that you follow the direction of the arrows. You may not think there is a pattern, but there usually is. Get your tiles started by laying three or four tiles in a row, keeping them straight. Then go back to the first tile and lay several at a right angle. Fill in the tiles in a stepped fashion until you reach one corner of the room. Don't worry if this sounds complicated, most of the tile has instructions that come on the back of the box.

When cutting the tile, if it is a straight cut, then just use a ruler and score the front of the tile. Turn it over and apply pressure near the scoring. The tile will snap cleanly. When having to cut around corners, doorways or other non-straight cuts, make you a pattern out of paper. Wrapping paper works great. Just cut a square the same as a tile. Align it with the adjoining tile, then shape it to the cut you will need. It's really simple. Then lay the paper on a tile and trace it. The tile can then be cut with any vinyl cutters or tin snips.

After putting the tile down, press it down firmly. You can use a towel wrapped around anything flat and just slide over the tile to remove pockets of air.

Vinyl floor tiles are really the easiest floor covering I've ever installed. You'll be amazed and thrilled with your brand new floor in no time at all.