Luxury vinyl tile is softer underfoot and easier to install for do it yourselfers than traditional ceramic tile. The following 5 steps are all it takes to install your very own luxury vinyl tile.
Prep the Floor
Strip away old floor coverings, smooth out any areas that are not level, and prepare the trim. Trim can be measured and notched using an upside-down tile as a guide. It is important to assess and address the soundness of the base floor during this time. Any sections that are no longer sound should be replaced before continuing and may require a professional.
Install Underlayment
Luxury Vinyl Tile can be installed onto and over just about any surface. The tile can be glued directly to some surfaces, while a vinyl underlayment will allow the installation of a floating floor over any surface. Floating floor installations are not recommended in rooms that will have multiple heavy pieces of permanent furniture.
Set the Pattern
Take the time to measure out the spacing for the tiles before laying any glue down. Plan to center a tile or a seem with the door to the room and try to minimize needed cuts by spacing the tiles to be as near full sized as possible along the walls. Mark on the underlayment where outline of the guide tiles, as well as the center points of the room.
Set the Tiles
Apply the adhesive to the underlayment or base floor, starting at the back wall working toward the guide door. Set the luxury vinyl tile on the adhesive following the guidelines from the previous step, starting at the guide door working to the back. Spacers ensure a consistently square application across the room. Luxury vinyl tiles are fairly fixed once laid flat against the adhesive. To fit tiles under trim, hold one end aloft while the other skims over the adhesive into place beneath the trim.
Finishing
After all the tiles are in place, ensure all spacers have been removed and apply a floor weight to ensure even adhesion to the underlayment or base floor. After the luxury vinyl tiles are in place, keep close to the seams while grouting. Unlike traditional ceramic tiles, the entire tile doesn’t need to be covered over with grout to ensure a smooth and even seal. After the grout is cleaned up, let the adhesive set according to manufacturer directions.
That’s it!
Take advantage of low pricing and call or come to Callaghan’s Flooring Design Showroom today for a complete selection of Luxury Vinyl Tiles, cash and carry.