As a modern finished flooring material, Vinyl Composition Tiles (VCTs) have proven to be a boon for commercial, and institutional complexes. Comprising chips of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), these tiles are known for various benefits, including scratch and slip resistance, eco-friendliness, and immense strength. The tiles are inexpensive, and can be designed in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, enabling the creation of different designs and logos.

Installing VCT Tiles

There is a specific process to installing these tiles. We provide the complete steps below.

• Estimate Material Requirements: Depending on the size of the project, you will need to decide on the number of tiles required. The easiest way to do this is to measure the width and length of the room. Then multiply the numbers to know the room area. For example, if the length of a room is 15 feet, and the width is 10 feet, then the total area will be 150 square feet. When looking at tile folders, divide the square foot of the room with the total square feet in one box. For example, if a carton holds 15 square feet, then you need to divide that by 15. Hence, you will require 10 cartons.

• Choosing the Tile: The most appropriate option would be to use self-adhesive tiles. They eliminate the possibility of adhesive leakage and the need for grouting. Most importantly, their installation procedure of peeling and sticking is simple and fast.

• Tools and Materials: The next point to look at are the materials you will need for the job. These will include:
  • Hammer
  • Vinyl Tile
  • Utility Knife
  • Cleaning Solvent
  • Notched Trowel

• Preparing Floor for Tile Installation: As a tile, vinyl expands and contracts with time. To ensure that tiles are acclimatized with the application area, leave the carton open for at least 48 hours. Clean the floor thoroughly; remove any traces of dirt, grease, or debris.

• Layout of Floor Area: This point consists of two sub points.
  • Find the center of the room. Using the center, draw a chalk line across the length of the room to divide the room in two halves. Create another chalk line perpendicular to the first so that both lines will cross the center of the room.
  • To ensure a proper fit of the tiles, simply lay them out in the room without installing them. This can help you decide on the number of tiles required. Use as many full tiles as possible. Use half tiles only for small corners and floor space next to the walls.

These are the preliminary steps performed when installing vinyl composition tile flooring in a home or commercial center. The next post will provide information on the actual steps to install the tiles.