PVC floor tiles are durable and fairly simple to install.
Commercial PVC tile, made of plastic material, proves a popular choice for flooring installations everywhere. From residential garage floors to laboratory installations or even dance floors, PVC tile is durable, fairly low maintenance, and relatively simple to install. There are two styles of PVC tiles for installation--flexible, interlocking tiles and traditional glue-down pieces. The planning and preparation is virtually the same for both; the only difference is the way you apply the tile to the floor.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Sweep the linoleum to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure the floor is stable and flat, without holes in the linoleum. Fill in any holes with mortar, caulk, or similar material; level thoroughly when dry. Remove any varnish, polish, wax, or other added products when installing traditional adhesive PVC floor tiles--these may cause the adhesive to ruin and the installed tiles to come loose.
2. Measure your room and purchase PVC tiles accordingly. Divide room measurements lengthwise by length of tile desired, and width-wise by width of tile. Purchase extra tiles to make sure you have room for error. Choose the style of PVC tile you wish--either interlocking or traditional adhesive style. Read manufacturer's instructions thoroughly before beginning, noting when directions deviate from general guidelines.
3. Decide if you want to apply a hard layer over the linoleum, if using interlocking PVC tiles. Mix (according to directions) and apply a thin layer of mortar--called a skim coat--over the entire surface of your linoleum. Use your trowel to spread a light coat: make the coat look like butter on bread to apply correctly. Wait about 15 or 20 minutes, then smooth with a putty knife to make it level.
4. Measure the room to determine the center. Mark your center line in at least two spots along the width of the room. Snap a chalk-line to represent your middle line. Use this as a starting point for installation and to keep your PVC tiles parallel to your walls. In addition, this ensures that as you work out from the chalk-line on either side, any partial tiles at the sides will be of equal width.
5. Measure your room and mark center--work out from this point.
Mix the PVC tile adhesive recommended by your tile manufacturer, according to instructions, if using traditional PVC tiles. (Skip this step for interlocking PVC tiles.) Spread on top of the linoleum with a trowel. Mark your room off in fourths and glue and install an entire section before proceeding, if dealing with a very large room, so that the adhesive does not dry before you can install your PVC tiles.
Lock or Glue Tiles
6. Start at the center line marked on your floor. Place interlocking PVC floor tiles in place as desired. Tap firmly with a rubber mallet to make them lock into place, connecting each with the other through interlocking tabs. Repeat across the room until one row from the edge.
7. Place your first adhesive-style PVC tile in the center of the room, against your chalk-line. Push gently but firmly into adhesive, making the tile butt up against the adjoining tile completely. Avoid any gaps across the floor. Work out from center towards wall on both sides. Stop when you are one row from the edge.
8. Check the space left between tiles and wall on both sides of your chalk-line. Proceed to installation of this last row.
Finishing PVC Tile Installation
9. Cover your linoleum with durable PVC tiles.
Cut the tiles, if necessary, that will be next to your walls. Use a sharp knife or saw, and cut slightly less than the distance involved. You will want to leave a space equal to about one-eighth of inch to leave expansion room.
10. Seal gaps at the side of the room or to adjoining surfaces with caulk, putty, or silicone sealant. Remove any extra adhesives or other materials with alcohol and a rag before it hardens.
11. Roll the newly installed adhesive-style PVC floor tile with a 100-pound roller if possible. Do not roll the interlocking floor--it serves no purpose. Allow your floor to dry before using.
Tags: interlocking tiles, your room, both sides, center line, durable fairly