There are many types of vinyl flooring tile with many different prices and qualities. In this article we will discuss some of the properties of different vinyl flooring tile, evaluate the costs of different brands and make some recommendations for your next vinyl flooring tile project.

Self Stick Tiles

For the average do-it-yourself person, we recommend using self stick, peel and stick vinyl flooring tiles. They come in a variety of thicknesses ranging from .045 to .125 inches thick. The thicker the tile, the higher the quality and the stronger they will be.

The most common dimension of tile is 12 by 12 inches. They also come in 16 by 16 inch and other odd sizes for certain special patterns. The prices of individual tiles can range from $0.29 to $4.00 each. The cost is determined by thickness, wear, coatings, style and color as well as brand.

One brand that has a good range of products, ranging from cheap to luxury, is Armstrong. They are a well known brand name and carry many different types of tile. They would be a wise choice for your home. Seek out the advice of a reseller for what tiles are perfect for your situation.

Installing Self Stick Vinyl Tiles:

Installing self stick tiles is considered a job of intermediate skill level and can be accomplished successfully by most people who are experienced a bit in do it yourself type work around their home. Next we will outline several steps to installing self adhesive tiles such as Armstrong makes:

1. Measure your room and take the measurements to the store to purchase your tile.

2. Choose what size and style of tile you want and figure out how many you will need. Most come in boxes of 45 tiles per carton.

3. Prepare your old floor. Self adhesive vinyl tiles can be installed over old vinyl flooring that is in good shape. If there are any noticeable imperfections, you should repair them accordingly. Remove any old tile that is pealing or falling apart. If the floor is not level, you should use an embossing leveler. If the floor is too damaged for the embossing leveler to be affective then consider recovering the floor with a new layer of ¼ inch plywood where local building codes allow it.

4. Set out your tile in the room where they are to be installed at least 24 hours before you start laying them. The tiles will expand and contract with temperature change, so you have to be sure they are at the proper room temperature to avoid problems after they are installed.

5. Find the center of the room by measuring to find the center from opposite walls. Snap a chalk line across the floor in both directions so you have an x in the middle that is square. Check the center lines with your carpenters square to be sure.

6. Lay down rows of tiles without peeling off the backs to see if you will have at least a half a tile length for the tile that goes into the walls. If not, adjust your starting lines accordingly (the x in the center of the room).

7. Begin laying your tile from the center of the room. You will have your floor divided into four sections by the x you made earlier. Do one section at a time.

8. When you have several tiles lain down, roll over them with a floor roller or rolling pin to make them stick firmly.

9. After you have all of the whole tiles laid, start cutting tiles and laying your perimeter.

10. Allow the tiles to set before allowing foot traffic. The tiles should say how long in the instructions or on the box. Different types have different periods. If you are not sure, allow 72 hours to be safe.

That’s it, in 10 easy steps. If you are using the types of tiles that require glue, then you will have to clean the mess up that squeezes up between the cracks while laying the tiles. Other than that and spreading the glue, installation is about the same.

Other Brands of Tile

There are countless other brands you could use besides Armstrong. Some worth mentioning are. Nafco for luxury vinyl tile, Cryntel for inexpensive tile and Congoleum as a good all around brand.