Vinyl flooring is a flexible, durable and fairly inexpensive flooring option that's available in a wide range of colors and styles. For these reasons, it's frequently used in all areas of the home, and occasionally out of doors. Before attempting to install vinyl flooring outside, make sure the climate is suitable for the material. Vinyl's adhesive can crack in cold weather, pulling the tiles up. A warm or moderate climate will ensure that your vinyl floor stays where you lay it.
Instructions
1. Install the vinyl tile in an area that doesn't receive a great deal of direct sun or inclement weather. Sun will fade the tiles over time, and standing water can damage the tiles. Installing them under the cover of a porch or gazebo will help protect the tiles.
2. Clean the installation area well. Use a pressure washer on any wooden porch or gazebo floor to remove loose paint, mildew or dirt. Clean concrete slabs to remove dirt or rocks, which can interfere with the tiles' adhesion. Let the area dry thoroughly.
3. Lay out the vinyl tiles to check their fit within the area. Cut the tiles to fit the perimeter, using a vinyl tile cutter. Lay the vinyl on the cutter as you would paper on a paper cutter and depress the handle for a clean cut. Take up the tiles and number them on the back to ensure they're installed in the same pattern. Use a grease pencil so the marks show up well.
4. Spread vinyl tile adhesive directly onto the installation area with a trowel. Line up and press each square into the adhesive following the numbers to recreate your layout.
5. Roll the tiles with a heavy vinyl tile floor roller. This will bond the tiles directly to the porch or patio on which you're installing them.
Tags: vinyl, flooring, vinyl tile, installation area, porch gazebo
