Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tiles - Floor Preparation

Floor should be level within 1/8 inch and with gaps no larger than 1/4 inch.

Most Common Mistakes

Not making needed repairs before beginning the job.

Not leveling the floor and/or applying an underlayment, if needed.

Not purchasing 5 to 10 percent more tiles to account for border waste.

Self-adhesive tiles require a bit more floor preparation than sheet vinyl. They need a flat as well as a smooth surface upon which to adhere.

When laying a tile floor, you will have a more balanced floor if you work from the center of the room outward. You will need to establish layout lines and find the center of the floor. You must also be sure the seams in the tiles do not line up directly over seams in the under floor.

First, measure to find the midpoints of two opposing walls. Stretch a chalk line between the midpoints of these walls and snap it (Line NB). Measure for the midpoints of the other two opposing walls (Wall C and Wall D);

Before snapping the second line (Line C/D), place a carpenters square in the center where the two lines would intersect If necessary, adjust the second line (line 01)) so the two intersect at a 90-degree angle. These lines must be perfectly square. You can check this easily with the 3-4-5 triangle technique. 3-4-5 Triangle. Start at the intersection of the layout lines and measure 6'along line NB. The measure 8' along Line C/D. The measurement between points A/B and C/D will be exactly 10' if the lines are perfectly square. (You can use any multiple of 3-4-5, but it is best to use the longest possible, to assure the greatest accuracy.)

If the lines are not perfectly square, adjust Line C/D until they are. Do not adjust Line A/B! Lay loose tile from the center point along Line A/B to the wall. If the space between the last tile and the wail is less than half a tile, offset Line C/D one-half tile (6 with 12 tiles) closer to the one wall and snap a new Line C/D. Repeat this process by laying tiles along Line C/D and adjusting Line NB. This will assure equal borders on opposing walls. And all borders will be more than half a tile.

This website and the materials and information you find on this website are provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation any warranty for information, services, or products provided through or in connection with the service and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, expectation of privacy or non-infringement. For safety, use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this website. This website can not assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided. Consult your local building department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to your project.