Install Vinyl Floor

Brief "how-to" info for DIY install vinyl floor tiles

Tools and Materials
Before you do anything make sure you have protective wear on while using the utility knife, handling the adhesive, etc.

You'll also be using a putty knife as well, to deliver the adhesive onto the floor.

The adhesive spreader(the gray thing on the left) you will use to distribute the adhesive on the floor surface. It has teeth on the edges just like a tile trowel, that, when placed onto the flooring surface, distributes a consistent pattern of evenly-spaced rows of adhesive on which to lay the tile.

Finally, a rag (or sponge) and warm water to wipe excess adhesive up off the newly installed vinyl.

As far as the material, I like to use Armstrong vinyl floor tiles. This is a commercial vinyl floor tile that can stand up to a lot of abuse, wears well and looks great. The tiles themselves are about 1/8" thick, and are extremely easy to lay. Believe me, if I can do it, you can do it too.

As for the adhesive, I prefer to use the adhesive made by Armstrong (#S-750 Premium Tile Flooring Adhesive), the same people who make the commercial vinyl tile that's being used in this example.

It's recommended, so go ahead and use it, as it spreads evenly, and cleans up rather easily with water.

Clean The Area
Okay, your tools and materials are ready. Now make sure your work area is very clean and free of all debris. Even tiny little pieces of hard grit and dirt. Little rocky particles, let alone bigger stuff, can cause the vinyl to form a tear or rupture due to something working it's way to the surface. Simply vacuum the area really well before you install vinyl floor tiles.

Align Tiles
It's generally a good idea to start your layout pattern at the front part of the floor, say as you are walking into the room. In the example shown (small laundry room), I have decided to lay the first tile at the upper left (looking into room) part of the floor, and work back from there. You this so that when you in fact have to cut any tile, you want those cut pieces to terminate at the wall, where shoe mold, or some other trim piece will cover and hide the cut ends.

If you are doing a larger area, such as a kitchen, you would be doing the same thing. Just understand you will be probably cutting edge tiles on at least three walls (in most scenarios). Since the entrance to the room is the part of the floor you see the most often, I see no reason to start the tile in the exact center as some floor installation experts suggest. You would then be terminating on all walls. That's certainly fine, but you're just creating more work for yourself to install vinyl floor.

I guess it really doesn't matter that much though, as I doubt if anybody is paying that much attention to how you try to install vinyl floor.

Laying Floor Tiles
With your putty knife, distribute the adhesive onto the floor, and with your spreader, swirl the material around in an area big enough for about two to three tiles. You don't want to get to far ahead of yourself with the adhesive. Just do a few at a time, then spread as needed.

Lay each tile down, and firmly press your fingers into each corner and around the perimeter, and finally in the middle. Wipe off any excess adhesive that might squeeze through.

Don't worry, as this is totally expected. Make sure that each tile is aligned end to end, with no gaps showing at all. Also, be sure to see that the surface is perfectly flat in relation to the other tiles. In some cases, you might have to press down a rogue tile that may not behave the way you want it to. Just press down firmly and hold for a time (30 seconds to a minute) to ensure it will adhere correctly.

Note
The pencil mark is just a guide to use, but the straight edge is the means to get your precise cut.

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You will need to run your blade over the score mark a couple of times. Now, you will not cut into the tile itself that much (at all). You just want to cut a place in the tile (pretty much just as you would cut drywall) enough to separate your unwanted piece from the finish piece.

Once you've scored the piece, snap off the unwanted part with your "needle-nose" pliers (they're the long, skinny ones).

Be sure to align the plier head along with cut mark. This will ensure a straight edge.

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Update!! ...

Here's a great vinyl cutting tool to use for your next DIY vinyl floor laying job. I just happened upon it while shopping in Home Depot.

I picked it up for around $50 (plus tax). It looks just like the old-fashioned paper cutter your grandfather use to use way back in the day.

For all I know, that's exactly what it is - just repackaged as a vinyl tile cutter!

Whatever it is, it works really well. Cuts clean, straight edges in one easy motion. No need to score and clip like I used to do (see above).

If you want to install vinyl floor tile in your house flips yourself, this tool is probably something your going to want right away.

Heck, it might even cut paper too:)

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When you've got the tile cut, use your utility knife to lightly scrape and clean the edge. Then, wipe off with wet rag.

You are then ready to set the tile.

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Tip
It's probably a good idea to use a piece of tile to practice your cuts with. With just a few scoring and separation (using the pliers) attempts, you should be getting the hang of it. You'll find it's really pretty easy.

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Install Vinyl Floor - Final Step

Once you're done with the step to install vinyl floor, all really need to do is clean up with a rag rinsed in warm water. This will get any excess adhesive up that still may be on the floor. Then, let dry overnight.

Try not to walk on floor as you need to let the adhesive dry properly.

At this point you are now ready to install floor trim.

Also ...
Make sure that before you install vinyl tile, the subfloor is in good shape. If not, you will need to address this part first, before any floor is laid.

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