PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Vinyl tiles are an inexpensive way to renovate your room's floors. With peel-and-stick tiles, installing your new flooring can be simple and time-efficient. By measuring the room's floor and marking the tile layout, you'll make an easy-to-follow blueprint as you lay the tiles out. Once you've cut and adhered the vinyl tiles to the floor, your DIY vinyl flooring will look like the work of a professional!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Measuring the Area

PDF download Download Article
  1. Keep the furniture in storage or an adjacent room until you cut and install the tiles. This will give you a clearer view of the room to ensure accurate measurements. [1]
    • Vacuum or mop the floor as well, and throw away any trash or debris covering the ground.
  2. Beginning from the center helps you keep the tiling pattern balanced. Mentally divide the room into 4 different quadrants and start measuring in the approximate middle.
    • Finding the center is easiest for square or rectangular rooms. If your room is oddly shaped, start in the approximate middle.
    Advertisement
  3. If you are adhering many tiles, making layout lines on the floor can help you make the tile patterning even. Use a tape measure to record the length and width of your tile. Make this measurement your guide as you record how many peel-and-stick tiles you will need to cover the floor. [2]
  4. Beginning from the center of the room and outward, use chalk to record where you will lay out the peel-and-stick tiles. While measuring the layout lines, mark them in chalk to use as a guideline when you cut and adhere the tiles.
    • Make partial lines around the sides and corners of the room so you know what shape to cut certain tiles.
  5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Cutting the Tiles

PDF download Download Article
  1. Leave the tiles in the room for at least 2 days before you plan to cut and adhere them. This will help them acclimate to the room's temperature so the adhesive remains sticky.
    • Do not leave the tiles in extreme hot or cold temperatures, as this can damage the adhesive.
    • Check the tile's installation directions for specific temperature-related instructions.
  2. If you need to adjust your tile's size, make a line for your scissors to follow in chalk. Set a measuring stick on the tile where you want to draw your line and run your chalk across the line for accurate measurements.
    • If you don't have a measuring stick, use another object with a flat and firm side as an alternative.
  3. Use a utility knife to score the lines, following the chalk lines you made as a guide. When you're finished cutting, compare your newly-cut tile to the floor's layout lines.
  4. If, while aligning the sides and corners of the room, you notice that your tiles are the wrong size, you may need to make adjustments. Cut the new tile size with the utility knife and align it with the floor measurements.
    • Adjust the sizing before before taking off the tile's adhesive backing.
    • Buy at least 1-2 additional tiles in case you accidentally cut a tile too small.
  5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Adhering Peel-and-Stick Tiles

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before removing the adhesive backing, place the tiles within their chalk measurements to make sure they align. If a tile is too large for a side or corner piece, you will need to cut them to size. [3]
  2. Remove the adhesive tile and align it with the chalk measurements. Press on the tile firmly with your hands to keep it secure. [4]
    • Align the tile on the floor slowly to avoid misalignment.
  3. After pressing down on the tile, use a rolling pin or floor roller to help it adhere on the floor. Roll back and forth over the tile several times, pressing into the pin with your body weight to apply firm pressure.
    • You should roll the tiles one at a time after you adhere them to the floor.
    • If you don't have a rolling pin, you can also step on the tile. Your body weight will help secure the tile in place. [5]
  4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Installing vinyl tiles generally takes between several hours to an entire afternoon without factoring the time they take to set.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Vinyl tiles
      • Tape measure
      • Chalk
      • Utility knife
      • Rolling pin or floor roller

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 77,809 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement