Install A New Floor Quickly And Easily With Peel And Stick Vinyl Tiles

By Tracie Knight


One of the easiest ways to upgrade your home, whether you plan to sell or you just want a more appealing home, is to replace an old, ugly floor. You may choose to change the flooring material. There are many options on today's market to help you get the look you want.

No longer does getting a new floor involve working with smelly and messy adhesive, or difficult to manage flooring. With peel and stick vinyl tiles, you get ease and convenience, combined with excellent, colorful design possibilities. Even a less that pro do-it-yourselfer can work with them to get that perfect floor.

This new material makes installation easy and long-lasting. It is durable and flexible. The colors are beautiful, with almost any color being available. In the past it had to be a dull brown, green, gray, or other neutral color. No longer is that true. Now the installer can design intricate patterns and borders, using a mixture of colors as desired.

It is not difficult or time-consuming at all to install this new flooring. Start with a 1/4" plywood layer to which you have used leveling compound and sanding to provide a smooth, level under layer to which the adhesive will adhere well. Any shoe molding, door jambs or other architectural impediments should be removed or cut down to fit. Stagger joints of the under layer so that there are not long, visible seams under the flooring.

Before beginning to lay the floor, it must be divided into four quadrants. Marking them off will give the exact center. Lay the first tile in each quadrant against this marked line, then work outward toward the wall. This will keep any partial pieces from appearing in the center where they would be so noticeable. Butt each piece of flooring against the previous one, being careful to not leave gaps.

When you get to where a whole tile doesn't fit between the previous one and the wall, it will need to be cut it to fit. To measure, the easiest way is to lay a full tile over the last one laid, matching it to the exposed edge of the laid tile. Place another full tile on top, butting one edge against the wall and overlapping the one to be cut. Cut along the overlapped edge. You will have the right size to set into the opening.

Once all tiles are laid, you should go back and cut out any that cover openings in the floor, such as heat registers. Use a sharp utility knife or a tile cutter so you will get a smooth, straight edge. Cut with a slow, sawing motion so the edge won't tear. Replace any vent covers, or anything that is located in the floor. Carefully replace the shoe molding, repairing or replacing any that is damaged.

Once you get everything put away, lightly damp mop your new floor. Sit back and admire your handiwork and expect to enjoy your floor for many years to come. Save some spare tiles to use for repairing damaged places that may occur with use.




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