Vinyl Floor Repair

Nifty alternative for vinyl repair situations using ceramic tile

Here's a great vinyl floor repair solution for small-to-medium-sized areas involving torn or separated vinyl in the existing floor covering.

The Problem

If you've ever had to remove worn-out bathroom vanity or kitchen cabinets, you've no doubt seen what could possibly result from doing just such a thing. Because of the difference in cabinet sizes (that vary among some manufacturers), you could install a cabinet that is smaller than the original, leaving a gap showing between your new cabinet base, and the existing vinyl surrounding it.

Another possible scenario is that over time, some small rips have begun to develop that would need to be addressed before it gets too big.

If existing floor covering is in good overall shape (as is with floor pictured), removing the old floor, and installing a new one just wouldn't make sense given the time and expense. For this type of vinyl floor repair option, use ceramic tile.

The Solution

Use ceramic tile pieces to repair and finish the rough and damaged edges of your existing vinyl.

Do the following steps:

Measure Tile Width
Measure about a quarter-inch less of the total width of the tile for when you trim back damaged vinyl. You will also want to set your tile piece around an 1/8" off the cabinet kick plate (edge), so keep that in mind when doing the trim work.

In other words, the finished tile will be set an 1/8" off the cabinet edge, while sitting on top of approximately a half-inch of remaining vinyl.

Trim Vinyl
As stated above,trim back the damaged areas enough to allow the tile to comfortably rest just over the cleaned-up edge of the vinyl.

Tile Starting Point
If a corner is involved, cut tile pieces (diagonally) for your corner first, and work outwards toward each wall (as pictured). This will allow for an even, consistent look to the lay of the tiles.

(To cut the tiles, a used a simple wet saw that cost around $90)

Lay Tiles
I spread mortar out for no more than three tiles at a time. I don't like to get too far ahead with spreading mortar because it starts to set-up right out of the can, which can then become hard to work with. I just do enough to set two or three tiles, and then spread some more as needed.

Let Dry
I like to let the tiles dry for 48 hours in a well-heated space. I prefer to really let them set-up and firmly anchor to the floor before grouting.

Apply Grout
Apply grout to the tiles, and wipe away excess haze with a sponge and clean water. Be sure to apply grout to the outside edge to specifically ensure no moisture would enter from the outer edge, and end up getting under the tile and vinyl.

Clean Tiles
With a clean wet rag, wipe away any remaining grout haze that will inevitably be present. Let the grout dry for a little bit (half hour to an hour) before your final rinse.

Once you're through with your vinyl floor repair, you'll see that not only did you save your floor from further damage, but you also saved yourself a few hundred dollars with removing the old floor and replacing it with new vinyl.

Plus, it looks pretty good too! (See for yourself)

Total Expenditure

The total expense for this particular job was the cost of the material (tiles, pre-mixed mortar, sanded grout), which came to about $40 for everything.

I had about 3 hours of my personal time involved including the purchase of materials as well as the actual labor involved.