Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tiles – How to Guide

You’re already convinced of the first-class look that a tiled floor has to offer, but at the same time shy away from the disadvantages of the heavy and cold stone tiles? If you are also looking for a very simple installation option, then self-adhesive vinyl tiles are just right for you! Vinyl flooring is not only available in a slim plank format, vinyl now also passes as a handy tile. The surface of authentic tiles is reproduced completely and in detail so that there is no difference in appearance.

In addition to the aesthetic appearance, laying is one of the key benefits of self-adhesive vinyl tiles. These can be easily and quickly laid to the ground and do not require the help of a professional. Now, if you're wondering how to lay this versatile vinyl floor, pay attention! We will explain how to proceed in order to achieve an optimal and appealing result. In a few steps, you will finally obtain your new dream floor!

CONTENT

•  Self-adhesive vinyl floor tiles - What do you have to pay attention to?
• Proper preparation - The nuts and bolts of laying
• A matter of temperature - The acclimation of vinyl tiles
• Level things – How to prepare the ground
• On what surface can you lay vinyl tiles?
• Getting your dream floor – Installing your tiles
• Make the right choice - Good reasons for the self-adhesive vinyl version
• Vinyl tiles or stone tiles? - Why elastic design flooring is worthwhile!
• Sticking or clicking? - Suitable for self-adhesive vinyl tiles
• Our favourites - BRICOFLORS recommendations for self-adhesive vinyl flooring

Laying Vinyl Floor Tiles - what do you have to pay attention to?

Everyone already knows how to lay laminate tiles. The laying of tiles is difficult, but no longer a mystery. When it comes to self-adhesive vinyl tiles, things will look different! It is a practical alternative to the simple click mechanism, which definitely deserves more attention.

Vinyl tiles are not only a wonderful alternative to boring stone tiles, but you also get the self-adhesive installation method saves you a lot of time and nerves. Thanks to the practical adhesive backing, the vinyl tiles can be attached to the surface in an unusually simple way. The best part is that you do not need a professional! However, some things have to be considered in advance, so that no problems arise later. In order to guarantee that your new floor is absolutely even and beautiful, we at BRICOFLOR have summarized a few points that you should pay attention to.

Proper Preparation - The Nuts and Bolts of Installation

Before the laying of self-adhesive vinyl tiles can start, some preparations must be made. First, make sure that you have all the tools you need for the installation. Since you have opted for self-adhesive vinyl tiles, you need very little here. A carpet knife, a metal ruler or similar and a measuring tape will suffice in order to lay the vinyl tiles safely.

A Matter of Temperature - The Acclimation of Vinyl Tiles

Since vinyl is a thermoplastic material, it can change with higher temperature values. In the cold, the practical vinyl tiles tighten easily, with heat they expand. Since packages of flooring are often stored in colder locations, it is important to give vinyl tiles enough time to acclimatize.

To this end, the parcels must be brought into the room in which they will be installed, at least 24 hours in advance. Only then can the vinyl floor optimally adapt to the room temperature. In addition, you can prevent the annoying deformation and bursting of self-adhesive vinyl tiles and benefit from a long-term beautiful floor appearance.

Levelling Things - Preparing the Ground

When laying vinyl tiles, special attention must be paid to the installation height of the product. This shows how much the substrate has to be prepared before the vinyl flooring can be brought to the ground. In the self-adhesive variant, a product thickness of 2-3 mm is the standard, therefore this is a very thin material.

Although this has some advantages, it also means that the ground has to be optimized. The self-adhesive vinyl is ideal for renovations: doors do not need to be sanded off and there are no sharp offset edges to other rooms.

At the same time, the slightest bumps can clearly be seen on the surface. Minimal elevations or debris can leave unsightly marks on the vinyl tiles and reduce the overall aesthetic. For this reason, bumps, holes and cracks must be filled in order to create a levelled and even surface.

In order for the self-adhesive vinyl floor to adhere better to the substrate, it must not only be free of dust, dirt and grease, but it is also advisable to apply an additional levelling agent (a so-called primer). This primer serves to improve the adhesiveness of the floor so that the vinyl tiles adhere unyielding to the ground and also do not slip afterwards.

On what surface can you lay vinyl tiles?

Depending on the circumstances, the question of the suitability of the substrate can be particularly important. Fortunately, self-adhesive vinyl tiles can be laid on top of other floor coverings. Above all, one thing is crucial: the ground must be levelled!

Self-adhesive vinyl tiles can be laid correctly on the floor screed. However, bumps over 0.5 mm must be completely compensated. The soil is then completely sanded off and vacuumed so that dirt and irregularities are removed and the self-adhesive vinyl floor can be moved.

The laying of self-adhesive vinyl is also possible on existing PVC flooring. However, it must be ensured here that the PVC has been fully bonded to the substrate. The covering must not be loose on the ground, otherwise, it may slip under the vinyl tiles. If the existing PVC floor has been glued, it can easily be laid on it. However, the floor should be thoroughly cleaned beforehand to avoid dirt deposits.

Unfortunately, if your floor is linoleum,  rubber, laminate or carpet, we have bad news for you: these floors are not suitable as a backing for the self-adhesive vinyl tiles and must be completely removed.

If you want to lay the self-adhesive vinyl floor on the wooden floor, this is possible without any problems. However, this only applies if your wooden floor is completely joint-free, otherwise, the fine recesses on the surface will become visible and ruin the look of the flooring.

Getting your Dream Floor! – Installing your Flooring

Unlike the preparation, the actual installation is very simple! Once the substrate has been levelled and the vinyl tiles have become acclimatised, you can start laying out the design.

First, measure the centre of the room, as the laying starts here. The protective film of the first vinyl tile is removed and this is then pressed gently onto the ground. The process is repeated until the entire room is lined with vinyl. After the first vinyl tile, it is easy to follow the laying direction of the manufacturer. It is usually marked with an arrow on the underside of the vinyl flooring.

If they observe increased release of the adhesive, this is not problematic. Even a few days after installation, the adhesive may continue to bleed. Even if it may seem annoying at first, this ensures a perfectly bonded joint. With the aid of a little bit of benzene, the glue can be easily removed from the surface.

Make the right choice - Why pick the Self-Adhesive Vinyl

Now that you know how practical flooring is laid, the only question left to answer is why you should use self-adhesive vinyl tiles. If you still have doubts, let yourself be convinced of the versatility of the small vinyl tiles. Apart from the quick and easy installation, there are a couple of other reasons regarding why it pays to consider the vinyl version!

Vinyl tiles or stone tiles? - Why elastic design flooring is worthwhile!

If you like the look of stone tiles, you probably already know about their shortcomings. Although they are particularly robust and resilient, the disadvantages are obvious. Tiles are especially prone to scratches and breakage.

If a heavy object slips out of your hand, not only will it be damaged, it will also damage the tiles underneath. However, replacing the tiles is out of the question, because the heavy tiles are firmly connected. In addition, the overall feel of the stone tiles is characterised by how cold they are, which particularly degrades the comfort of the room.

Self-adhesive vinyl tiles will help you overcome these problems! They are much more manageable than the heavy stone tiles and sturdier too! The vinyl tiles resist scratches and abrasion damage thanks to their strong wear layer. In terms of durability, they are in no way inferior to their external role model! Self-adhesive vinyl tiles can withstand even greater damage and pressure without looking damaged. In addition, they are warm, gentle on the joints and waterproof!

The many technical advantages combine with the first-class appearance, resulting in a unique product combination that suits every room. The design offer is even bigger and more varied than you would ever find in stone tiles! From bright marble decors to authentic concrete replicas, everything is there. Put your design ideas to work, with self-adhesive vinyl tiles at BRICOFLOR!

Our favourites - BRICOFLORS recommendations for self-adhesive vinyl flooring

The steadily growing market for vinyl floor coverings offers an extensive selection of products and a gigantic assortment of manufacturers and collections. So that you do not have to figure it out for yourself, we have listed some of our personal favourites just for you!

The manufacturers Gerflor and Tarkett are particularly impressive when it comes to self-adhesive vinyl tiles. The self-adhesive vinyl tiles from Gerflor show how important the technical progressiveness and inimitable appearance are to the manufacturer. Tarkett self-adhesive vinyl tiles can be both sustainable and all-around successful alternatives to classic stone tiles.

We hope that we could help you to find your individual floor solution! If you have further questions, please contact us by phone, e-mail or via our contact form! One of our friendly and helpful service staff will take care of your request and advise you in your renovation project.

Until next time! Your team from BRICOFLOR, the No. 1 for wall and flooring solutions!