Vinyl floor tiles are a practical, affordable choice for many homeowners. With options such as cork, stone or ceramic appearances, vinyl floor tiles can make sense for a number of projects. Whether looking for a quick, do it yourself option, or for a floor covering for an old home, new vinyl tiles will get the job done.
Why Choose a Vinyl Floor?
Vinyl floors are a great solution to many common floor problems. Older homes that may have uneven substrates that would result in cracking large format stone or ceramic tiles can still get the look of these tiles in a product that can flex along with the floor. Vinyl tiles can also be installed safely over old asbestos tiles, containing the dust and making a costly and hazardous floor replacement unnecessary.
Vinyl tiles are also extremely easy to clean and maintain, durable and inexpensive, making them a great product for children’s bathrooms, playrooms and basement floors. With their quick adhesive floor tile backing, a do it yourself homeowner can easily install these tiles anywhere in the home with quickly and easily.
Designing with Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl floor tiles are available in many styles, patterns and colors, making it easy to find a floor that will suit the space being tiled. Try using a patterned tile, with a repeating abstract pattern for a play room, rec room or basement floor. Ceramic and stone appearing tiles with built in “grout lines” will work well in kitchens and bathrooms that may contain more traditional wall tiles.
Look for soft, brightly colored tiles for children’s bath and playrooms. Bright, solid colored tiles can be laid in a checkerboard pattern, or with one color framing the other around the outside of the room for a more decorative look.
Installing Vinyl Tile
There are several ways to install a vinyl floor, ranging from easy and accomplished by the most novice do-it-yourselfer to difficult and best left to a professional installer. Homeowners looking to tackle the project themselves should look for peel and stick adhesive tiles. These tiles can be easily cut and installed to any clean, dry substrate. Simply begin installation from the center of the furthest wall, and move out to the sides. Other easily installed vinyl tiles include pressure sensitive and locking tiles. These products are all installed without use of glue, staples or mortar.
For the more experienced installer, look for vinyl tiles which use mortar and grout. Laminate tiles should be left to an experienced installer, and care should be taken if installing tiles over old tile floors.
Vinyl floor tiles can be purchased in sheets, planks or in 12” or 16” tiles. All formats are easy to clean, and extremely durable, making this a great option for any high traffic area in the home. Visit a tile showroom and take a look at the new styles and formats of vinyl tiles today, and get started on a new floor renovation.
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