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Five Simple Steps For Installing Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tile

Mon 12 Mar 2007 - 16:11

Five Simple Steps For Installing Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tile
By Marie Stark

Self adhesive vinyl floor tile, also known as peel and stick vinyl tile, is simple to install. But there are a few things you can to do to make the process even easier and most of all, successful.

First, Prepare Your Surface

Before installing your new self adhesive vinyl floor tile, you must prepare the surface, What type of floor do you currently have? Do you have carpet? If so, you'll need to spend some extra time scraping the old glue off the floor and removing the wooden carpet strips around the edge of the room. Make sure that you spend the time to thoroughly prepare your floor. If you already have a smooth surface, such as concrete or old vinyl tile, you can lay your new floor directly on top of it as long as the surface is flat and the old flooring is securely fastened. If you want your new tile floor to stick well, make sure that you spend the time to thoroughly prepare your floor. It must be flat, dry and clean to achieve optimal results.

Second, Mark Your Floor

Before laying your new self adhesive vinyl floor tiles, find the center point of the room and mark your floor into a grid. To find the center of the room, measure the width of the room and mark the midpoint. Measure the opposite wall and mark the midpoint again. Then using a chalk line or other marking tool, make a line on the floor going across the room from one midpoint to the other. The line should divide your room into two sections. Repeat this process to measure the length of the room. The two lines you have drawn should cross each other in the center of the room, creating four distinct sections.

Third, Install the Main Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tiles

Beginning in the center of the room, start with your first piece of peel and stick tile. Before removing the paper backing, notice the arrows that point in one direction. Always lay your tiles so the arrows point in the same direction. The corner of your first tile should be placed exactly on the crossing point of the two lines you created with the edge of two sides of the tile lining up with two lines. Press the tile down firmly with your hands. For additional security, roll a rolling pin across the tile. Place the second piece of tile tightly against the first tile and continue laying tile until all whole pieces of tile have been laid. Watch the line at the seams of the tile as you go along for extra guidance.

Fourth, Cut and Place the Edge Tiles

Cutting the edge tiles can take a little bit of practice but it in no time at all your work will look like that of a pro. The most important thing to do is to ensure that as you cut the smaller pieces to fit snugly between the wall and the whole pieces of tile that you have already laid, you want to cut them in such a way that the uncut side of the tile fits up against the tile you've already laid on the floor. To do this, take each piece of tile one at a time. Turn it upside down and use it to measure from the wall to the piece of tile that it needs to fit in between. Cut the tile to size and then remove the backing, Turn the tile over so it's right side up and so the uncut edge lines up against the edge of the whole tile already lying on the floor. As you move around the room, you'll take each piece of tile and individually cut it and slip it into place. If you have to cut more than one side of a piece of tile, try to keep the uncut edges of the tile as the visible sides and the sides that you are cutting up against the corners and the wall of the room.

Fifth, Enjoy Your New Room

Now that you're done, look around you and enjoy your beautiful floor. If you've followed these simple steps, your floor should look fantastic and should last you for many many years to come.

Don't choose your new self adhesive vinyl floor tile, or any other flooring, without taking a few miniutes to find out what's available and what will fit your lifestyle and budget the best. Visit http://www.MakingHomeImprovements.com to get tips, recommendations and home improvement advice.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Stark
http://EzineArticles.com/?Five-Simple-Steps-For-Installing-Self-Adhesive-Vinyl-Floor-Tile&id=483414


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