Tips on Preparation:

• For the best visual results, lay your vinyl tiles out across the entire floor before actually installing them.
• Shuffle the tiles before you start. If you’re using one box, shuffle that box. If you’re using more than one box, shuffle the boxes together. Shuffling the tile distributes any color variations that may have occurred within and between dye lots.
• Some tiles have a directional pattern. Look on the back of the tile for arrows. For the most uniform-looking installation, lay the tile with the arrows all pointing in the same direction.
• If you want to create a checkerboard pattern or help disguise sub floor issues, alternate the backside arrows in different directions.
• No matter what kind of tile you’re installing, the sub floor surface must be prepped so that it is smooth, flat and dry.
• Any bump, ridge, or indentation in the sub floor may eventually show through on the surface of the vinyl tile.
• If you’re laying the tile over an embossed vinyl floor, you’ll need to level the surface with an embossing leveler.
• If you’re installing directly over concrete, it should be tested for moisture emission rates and pH level to ensure it has cured prior to the tile’s installation.
• If the tile is self-adhesive, it’s a good idea to apply a latex primer to the sub floor before installation.

Tips on Three Installation Methods

• New glueless (adhesive tabs or spray adhesive) vinyl tiles are the easiest to install. They are designed for easy placement and easy removal. These products are sold with a roll-out underlayment that has a premarked grid pattern that assists with installation. This is definitely developed for DIYers!
• Peel ‘n stick self adhesive tiles (no glue needed) are also easy to install. The backing on these vinyl tiles has an adhesive under a peel-away sheet. Simply remove the sheet to stick the tile to the floor. Peel ‘n stick self adhesive tile has a strong adhesive. Once the tile is placed on the floor, it is very difficult to remove. Measure twice; stick once!
• Full-spread (glue needed) tiles, also known as luxury vinyl tiles, require adhesive and the proper sized trowel for installation. This one is the most difficult installation methods, if you not sure to do it by yourself, better call a pro then!

After installation of your vinyl tile floor, do not forget to maintain it on daily basis, well, it is easy to keep it looking perfect. The trick is to simply keep grit and dirt off the floor. Sweep the floor regularly and wash it with a damp mop. You can maintain the satin or high gloss finish by purchasing clear coatings made by the manufacturers. These rapid drying products are easy to apply when the floor is clean. (by Early Yana)

Before we discuss any further, let’s take a look into vinyl basic materiality. Vinyl floor tile is a composite, layered construction consisting of protective wear layer, protective clear film layer, printed design layer, and tile backing:

• Protective wear layer; made of urethane and other high-performance wear layers make the product easy to clean and resist scuffs and scratches. Enhanced urethane offers the maximum amount of protection and is priced above regular urethane. Less expensive vinyl no-wax tile does not have this protective wear layer.
• Protective clear film layer; this film adds durability and helps protects against gouges, tears, and rips.
• Printed design layer; this layer creates the myriad of designs available in vinyl tile. The rotogravure printing process is the reason which makes the visuals range from very realistic interpretations of natural materials to original and unique patterns become available.
• Vinyl tile backing: This bottom-most layer adds structural strength and durability. Generally, the thicker the backing is, the more durable the product.

The modular tile format allows you to alternate different colors to create a classic checkerboard look, or use a single color for an uninterrupted visual effect. New, large format vinyl tiles are available in not only the latest looks, but with the easiest installation systems. In addition to different-sized squares, vinyl tile is also sold in luxury vinyl plank flooring to replicate the look of hardwood flooring. The combination of design options, easy installation and good value makes vinyl tile a flooring favorite for kitchens, bathrooms, utility areas, playrooms, mudrooms, below grade level basements.

Vinyl floor covering comes in tiles and sheet, and vinyl tile have many of the benefits of vinyl sheet flooring, but the modular tile format does have seams where dirt and moisture can accumulate. One of the advantages of vinyl tile versus sheet vinyl is that if a tile becomes damaged, it is easy to remove and replace. Take extra care in bathroom installations to promptly wipe up moisture and pooling water, which might soak into the seams and damage the floor substrate. Like sheet vinyl flooring, vinyl tile should not be used on stairs.

Maintenance for a vinyl tile floor is simple: regular sweeping and occasional mopping will keep your tile looking beautiful. Just remember to use a cleaner recommended by the tile manufacturer. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions: mopping with too much water can soak the tile and loosen the adhesive; abrasive cleaners can harm the tile’s surface; waxing will damage vinyl tile’s wear layer; some cleaners may actually dull the tile’s finish. Most good quality vinyl tile gives five year to lifetime warranties.

Color and design usually reflected into the pricing. At the mid- to high-levels, look for vinyl tiles that the embossing matches the grain and pattern of the design. In a tile look, grout lines are indented; in a wood look, the ridges of the wood grain are raised and indented in a realistic fashion. Some tiles have a beveled edge that helps the visual look more like natural stone or ceramic, and helps hide sub floor imperfections.

For DIY’ers, You can do it yourself at home. Setting up floor tiles is so simple. All you need are basic tools found in your toolbox. Just be sure that you have read the manufacturers’ instructions comprehensively. Follow instructions carefully and you will not go wrong.(by Early Yana)