How To Install Vinyl Tile On Concrete Basement Floor

The seams of the vinyl floor should be invisible and smooth.

How to install vinyl tile on concrete basement floor.

Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. Skip this step and we guarantee your new tile will crack right over the cracks in the concrete. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles. Mortar is basically the adhesive that helps the tile stick to the concrete so choose the one that best suits your needs and your current situation.

Fortunately concrete floors can be covered with a variety of more attractive materials including vinyl tile which is simple to install. Vinyl plank flooring which appears wood like is another option that makes for easy installation and repair when needed. Place a second uncut tile over top of the open space overlapping the tile you just placed below make sure it is flush with the wall then use the bottom to mark the tile beneath. You should tap gently and protect the planks to avoid marring the edges.

The concrete floor must also be free of cracks or the vinyl tile will eventually sag into the gap. Fill large cracks and dips with a floor leveling compound designed for concrete. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4. The commercially available mortars generally need to be mixed with a proportional amount of water.

Tape a large piece of plastic over the concrete floor securing all edges with duct tape. For vinyl tile skip the 15 pound felt and apply mastic directly to the plywood. A thicker grade is a good idea if the concrete is uneven to keep people walking on the surface from feeling the bumps beneath the tiling. Sweep and vacuum the entire floor thoroughly before rolling out the vinyl.

When you reach the walls and have to start cutting your vinyl tile to fit simply line up an uncut tile perfectly with the one just below the open space. This is where the pull bar or tapping block comes in handy. You should install shoe molding once the vinyl plank flooring is down. Some planks may need additional wiggling and pushing before they snap into place.

Clean and smooth the concrete. Once everything is ready start by applying a layer of mortar to the floor. Vinyl is a beautiful and convenient flooring choice for any basement. The slab doesn t have to be level for vinyl but it must be smooth and relatively flat.