Vinyl floor tile?

Question

I'm looking for an inexpensive floor for my kitchen. I'm leaning toward vinyl tile because I can install it myself quickly. Does anyone have any advice on installation. I don't want the corners of the tile to peel up in two months.

Answer 1

tell us what your floor is now. If wood, and not in good shape, I would paint the floor. I have heard the vinyl tiles eventually peel up. If it were me, I would use extra adhesive, even though the tiles already have glue on them. that is just my opinion, but be ready to immediately wipe up any glue that seeps through the cracks.

Answer 2

Vinyl tile is probably the way to go. As it's been mentioned it's probably best to spread the glue even if the tile is self-stick. The glue is spread very thin (purchase the proper trowel and pay attention to the recommended spread rate) and it sets up before installing the tile so there should be virtually no chance at glue coming up between the joints if done right. Make sure the subfloor is clean and smooth and press the floor into the glue after to installation. Minimize cleaning with water until the glue has time to cure and you should have no problems.

Answer 3

Not at all my fave, but I do install it.

Obviously the sub floor, no matter its substance should be flat; smooth; clean. If it happens that old; curling tiles are the sub floor; I remove them.

I advise this often; and you can see that if you check my previous answers.

Even if it's peel and stick; I use a water based contact cement. I often say DuPont might make it? What I buy is a nice shade of aqua, is the consistency of milk; applies easily; brushed and/or rolled; has less of a noxious odor than the lacquer based; initially will clean up with water; drys rapidly; and is as effective as any other form of adhesion I've ever used. It also allows more permanence.

Square the area; defining where the most full pieces will show, and be aesthetically pleasing. Work Backwards and Out of the area. Apply the adhesive perhaps 4 tiles at a time to the tile and the floor that exists; allow dry time; place; press, and move on. Cutting is easy, but measure and install the cust last. If you have cove base molding you can remove it, to account for any oops but it might not strictly be neccesary.

Steven Wolf

I also advise snapping two perpendicular chalk lines for a start point; virtual or not; and DO NOT use the lines of old tile squares ( if they exist) as a guide fot the new. Offset the new; where possible to span current joints/seams.

Answer 4

If you are looking for inexpensive yet durable, I would recommend a sheet vinyl, LVT, or VCT tile. Check installation and maintenance specifications on any product you purchase. The finish on the peel and stick tiles will not last 2-3 years. The edges peel up and the tiles shrink causing gaps. Don't waste your money.

Answer 5

The problem with vinyl floor tiles are 1)The sticky back is not always sufficient to keep the tile firmly in place
and 2)if you use a floor tile adhesive,when it is time to remove the tiles you will have a very difficult time getting them up.I would reccomend buying a good name /brand of tile and take your chances using just the factory applied sticky back and see how you go

Answer 6

There are brands of vinyl floor tiles that have a dry back - put the adhesive on the floor, put the tiles in the adhesive. I've installed these type commercially and they've lasted for years.
I inherited the peel and stick in my old house....they were junk and would not stay on the floor.

http://www.tarkett-floors.com/floors/site/en-us/topic/nafco/offer.asp

http://www.metroflorusa.com/

http://www.karndean.com/intro1.asp

http://www.roppe.com/eco_products.asp

http://www.armstrong.com/resflram/na/tile/en/us/

Answer 7

I wouldn't go with individual tiles. Go with sheet linolium (sp).
If you use individual tiles, make sure they're truely square. Also, if you don't butt them up "exactly" square, there will be a gap. This gap will attrack dirt and it'll be bit-ch to keep the joints clean.
In my 1st home I got a deal on tile. After the 2nd year, I replaced it with Congolium, best move I ever made. It was still looking good when I moved 12 years later.