How To Lay Luxury Vinyl Tile
Congrats, you are looking to renovate your floors and have found your way to LVT, one of our favorite flooring materials. Laying luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a great DIY project that can give your home an updated and stylish look. Here are the basic steps to follow when laying LVT:
Prepare the Surface: The surface that you'll be installing LVT on needs to be clean, level, and free of any debris or imperfections. If you're installing LVT over an existing floor, make sure it's completely clean and smooth. If you need to level the surface, use a self-leveling compound to fill in any low spots.
Measure and Mark the Room: Measure the length and width of the room and determine the center point. Mark this point on the floor and use a chalk line to snap a line from one end of the room to the other. This will help you to ensure that your tiles are laid straight and evenly.
Lay Out the Tiles: Starting at the center point, lay out your tiles in a dry run to determine the best layout and pattern for your room. Make sure to leave a 1/4 inch gap around the perimeter of the room to allow for expansion.
Cut the Tiles: Use a utility knife and a straight edge to cut the tiles to fit around the edges of the room or any obstacles, such as cabinets or doorways.
Install the Tiles: Starting at the center point of the room, peel the backing off the first tile and lay it down firmly, following the chalk line. Continue laying tiles in a staggered pattern, using a 1/4 inch spacer to maintain a consistent gap between tiles. Use a rolling pin or a flooring roller to press the tiles firmly into place.
Finish the Edges: Once you've laid all of the full tiles, you'll need to cut and install tiles to fit around the edges of the room. Use a quarter round or other trim to cover the gap between the tiles and the wall.
Clean and Maintain: After installation, clean the LVT with a damp mop or cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that could scratch the surface. Maintain the LVT by sweeping or vacuuming regularly and using doormats to prevent dirt and debris from being tracked onto the floor.
Overall, laying luxury vinyl tile is a relatively simple and straightforward process that can be done by most DIY enthusiasts. By following these steps and taking care to ensure that the surface is properly prepared, and the tiles are laid straight and evenly, you can create a beautiful and durable new floor for your home.
However, if you are running into issues and want to pick an expert’s brain or need to bring in the big-guns to help, stop by Exclusively floors and Cabinets for additional assistance.
- The Team at Exclusively Floors and Cabinets