Installing Vinyl Tile

One of the easiest and inexpensive ways to give a new, durable look to your room floor is by installing vinyl tiles. Vinyl tiles are reasonably priced tiles that are pretty easy to install and are more commonly used for floors in bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms and foyers. These tiles are comparatively more durable than other kinds of tiles and are also water resistant, which makes them a suitable option for bathrooms and other spaces. These tiles are available in different colours and shapes thus giving you enough choice to select one that suits your style and tastes. Vinyl tiles are also easy to clean and call for very little maintenance. These tiles are the best choice especially when you have no time and patience and if you want to do the cleaning job on your own. There are however some arrangements which you will have to make before you start collecting the tools and get down to executing the installation process. This article provides you with some useful tips for installing vinyl tiles. Read on to learn more.

How To Install Vinyl Tiles

• Utility knife
• Tile roller
• Straightedge
• Measuring tape
• Self-adhesive tile
• Chalk line
• Tin snips for cutting odd shapes
• Coping saw for curves

• It is better to decide on the number of tiles required for the area you intend to use them for. In order to determine the number of tiles, multiply the length of the place by the width.
• It is advisable to purchase 20% more material than what is required. The extra amount will help cover up any miscalculations or mistakes; otherwise the extra tiles can be stored for further use or any future replacements.
• To start with the installation process, you will have to remove the baseboards, so that it becomes easier for you to remove the old flooring and fix the vinyl tiles.
• Start installing the vinyl tiles from the doorjamb. Lay down a new tile supported with the backing paper next to the doorjamb. Now draw a line at the height of the new flooring and cut out the jamb to allow the tile to slide underneath the doorjamb for a proper fit.
• Now sweep the left out area carefully. It is a tough decision to make as to where to start placing the tiles from. Though you might feel the need to start from a corner wall, it is wise to search for the centre point of the room. Once you locate the centre point of the room, mark the length and width of the room from the centre point with a chalk powder.
• Place the first tile at the intersection of the two lines which you laid down. Now start installing the other tiles along the intersection lines. Peel off the backing of the tiles, align it to the right position and then press it firmly.
• There is no hard and fast rule to work in one particular direction. You can work in any direction, but be careful with the lining of the tiles. The tiles should maintain one single line along the chalk mark or the line of the other tiles. Make sure to align the edges well for the rows to be straight.
• Once you have firmly placed all the tiles, use a tile roller to roll over the newly laid floor. This will strengthen the hold of the tiles on the floor, making them firmer and intact.

• Make use of a straightedge in order to get straight cuts. This you can do by scoring deeply on the paper side with a utility knife.
• In order to cut the tile to be placed against the wall, place the vinyl tile on top of the existing tile in the same row. When the edges of the tiles are aligned, push the tile to be cut till the time it touches the wall. Mark the tile where it has to be cut using the edges of other tiles and then cut the tile on the line you marked.