You need to replace some flooring in your home, but you don’t want to use carpet. You aren’t real confident about installing tile, and at the moment it’s a little out of your price range anyway. Hardwood floors would be nice, but even though they are well worth the cost, they aren’t really in the budget at this point. What else is there?
Peel and stick tiles are a great flooring option. Today they are made in many beautiful styles, colors, and even nice textures that mimic wood or stone. They are much higher quality than the peel and stick tiles of the past, and they are not as difficult to install as you might think.
In fact, removing the old flooring and cleaning and preparing the sub floor are the most difficult parts of the process. The actual installation is quite simple, and here are some tips:
-After removing the old flooring, patching any spots that need it, and making sure the sub floor is completely clean and dry, mark a grid on your floor. Measure to find the exact center of the main part of the floor and mark it. This is where you will start.
-If you are using 12″ square tiles, make a mark 6″ from your center point, in each direction (adjust measurements accordingly for other tile sizes). Draw a line connecting the marks if you feel it will help. Remove the backing and apply the first tile within those marks. Roll a rolling pin back and forth over the tile to make sure it is securely in place.
-Begin adding more tiles, directly up against the first tile, and continue this process. If a whole tile won’t fit between the edge and the tiles you have already laid, measure this distance precisely, and cut a tile to fit.
-To cut a tile, flip it over, measure the distance and mark it. Use a straight edge or square, and slide a razor or utility knife over the mark. Do not cut all the way through the tile. Repeat this process two or three times then fold the tile until one piece breaks easily and cleanly away from the other. Apply the cut tile the same way you applied the whole tiles.
-You may want to rent a roller to go over the entire floor and make sure the tiles are secure.