How to Lay Vinyl Floor Tiles on Cement
- 1). Test the adhesion of the tile to the cement. To do this, you will need to take a small piece of the tile and allow it to sit undisturbed on the floor for seventy-two hours. After the time has elapsed, try to pull the tile up. If the tile is easy to remove, the surface has too much humidity to install vinyl. In this case, you may need to lay a moisture barrier over the concrete before proceeding with the installation.
- 2). Set your thermostat to 75 degrees for seventy-two hours before installation. Leave the tiles and any required adhesive in the room during this time, allowing the materials to acclimate, promoting the best adhesion.
- 3). Make sure the floor is level. Use a hand-leveling tool or laser level to accomplish this step. If the floor is level, you may proceed. If the floor is not level, you will need to purchase a commercial leveling paste and apply it to the area of the floor that is not level. Allow this to dry according to the instructions from the manufacturer.
- 4). Remove baseboards and trim for a professional look. This allows you to install the tiles directly up against the walls, and when replacing baseboards and trim, the installation will look as if a professional had completed it.
- 5). Begin in the center of a room. Use a measuring tool with a chalk line, run it down the center of the room and snap the line to ensure a straight line for the first row of tiles. If a measuring tool like this is not available, draw a line down the center of the room using a measuring tape as a straight edge. This is your installation start point.
- 6). Apply the adhesive for the tile according to the manufacturer's directions. Most adhesives will need to set for a minimum of five minutes. If the tiles are self-stick, simply peel off the backing and lay the tile on the line you drew in the center of the room. Complete the row installing the next tile in the same manner and so on, until you have completed the first row. Continue placing the tiles in rows until you have reached the edge of the room. It may be necessary to cut some of the tiles at this point to line them up with the wall. Cut the tiles using a sharp utility knife and press down the edges to prevent peeling.
- 7). Roll the tiles to complete the process, using a 100-pound floor roller. This will keep any air bubbles from forming and ensure that the tiles adhere to the concrete.
