Being a manufactured floor, vinyl floors come in a massive range of colors and styles and can even emulate wood grains or stonework. The material comes in both a roll out sheet and tile flooring pieces. To get the most out of a vinyl tile floor, a homeowner has to be aware of the proper installation preparation.
What Lies Beneath
The key to installing vinyl tile floors or sheets is the floor underneath. Vinyl installation requires a smooth foundation to rest on for the best finish and feel. Sanded plywood makes an excellent base.
One great way to utilize vinyl tile flooring is to install the new floor over the previous floor, totally removing the need for a demolition of the previous flooring surface. However, when going this route, be careful about the surface that will become the foundation of the new floor.
Bumps, indentations, and textures will eventually show through a vinyl tile floor. Because of this fact, most manufacturers recommend only installing over one flooring layer. After you have laid down two layers of vinyl, it is best to remove them and start fresh if another installation is desired. Previous vinyl layers and concrete floors make a good base.
Remember, when installing vinyl tile flooring, a smooth foundation is the key to success.
