Is vinyl tile always a DIY project?

Question

I've heard that the vinyl tile with the adhesive on the back is a no brainer to install DIY. But what about the other types that don't have the adhesive? Would it be a total waste of money to have a contractor install vinyl tile for you? Also, if there was old carpet there that you needed to rip up first, are there any of the leveling problems with what's underneath the carpet, that you might encounter with trying to put in ceramic tile? Thanks!

Jeffrey K. · Answer

These are two products you are talking about.  Could be three.  There is the peal and stick stuff that you should do youself.  If the floor is not level use a self-leveler.  Also use a tile primer to help it stick.

If you are going to go vinyl, have a pro put down sheet vinyl.  They will level the floor.  This is a better way to go.  It last longer and the edges will not peal up.  Most of the tiles have bad adhisive.

Ceramic is real tile.  You need a breaker or saw and other tools for this.  i use this in all of my units unless I am in a huge rush.  You can level the floor by putting more thinset under the backer board in the areas you need to level.  I use versabond with 1/4in Hardibacker.  If you want to save time on laying the backerboard you can use a roofing nailgun and dont need the screws.

Jon Holdman · Answer

There is also commercial vinyl tile (CVT).  You see this in most institutional buildings.  Usually 12" squares, about 1/8" thick.  It does require a flat surface, but holds up well and you can replace individual tiles.   Not as much variety as the peel and stick, but fine for a rental.

I certainly would not pay someone to do peel and stick.  If you're going that cheap, just slap it down yourself and expect to replace it.  A solid, flat surface will give much better results.  Any unevenness will show through both the stick down tiles and sheet vinyl.  And I do many ANY unevenness.  If you stick it down over textured tile, the texture will eventually show through.

Timothy W. · Answer

If you've already got carpet down you probably don't have any problems with the floor being level.  You will have problems with getting self stick tile to adhere to the remnants of the foam pad underneath.  Sounds like a job for sheet vinyl.  Once a tenant destroys the sheet vinyl, you can put a new layer of stick down on top of the sheet vinyl and replace individual tiles as you go through tenants.

Jeffrey K. · Answer

I have high end units and my tenants are picky about colors.  The cheapest I can find is $2.  I also use semi custom cabinets with quiet close drawers and Kohler toilets and rainshower heads, so I am not the norm.  If you dont care about the color, John is right.

Try looking for a MK Diamond wetsaw used from the rental department at HD.  They are pro grade saws and can be had for around $300.  It will save you a lot of time over a breaker.

Jon Holdman · Answer

I've been able to get porcelain for about $1.20 a foot or so.  The key is to not be picky about colors.

I use a wet saw I bought on Craigslist to cut tiles.  Really, I use a tile guy for bigger projects. He charged me $3.50 a foot on the last project, for all the work.  But it probably chopped two weeks off the project, so that's two more weeks of rent and a bunch of work I didn't have to do.

Once you figure in the cost of morter, grout, and backer board, an extra 75 cents a foot isn't a big increment, IMHO.

Account Closed · Answer

If you are gpoing to pay someone to install flooring, use something better than peel and stick.

From experience, a peel and stick floor won't last long with tenants. If you choose a good pattern, they seem to be OK for a fix and flip. They won't stop a buyer from buying.

The vinyl plank that is laminated (Allure) is also a do-it-yourself. So far (touch wood) it's holding up to tenants. Just don't believe the bull that it's easy to cut with a linoleum knife. Next time I install it, we'll be using a fine blade on a chop saw. That stuff is tough. A 600 pound gorilla would struggle to cut it with any sort of knife.

The vinyl composite tiles might be a job for a professional if you aren't a handy man. But be aware, those are tough but have the downside that they must be waxed.

If I'm going to pay for labor, I'll use tile.

Justin Case · Answer

C Martinez,,
Can you post a picture?
I am researching what to put in a bathroom floor in a few years.

Thanks

C Martinez · Answer

Hey I use Allure Resilient floor from Home Depot.  Seriously I'm not advertising for them but I love this stuff.  Eveytime I have to replace vinyl tile it is a nightmare.  I have seen Allure used in grocery store chains so it is definitely durable.   I like it because the pieces interlock and dont require messy adhesive.  Seriously tools needed are a measuring tape, straight edge, and utility knife.  Oh yeah last tip is "replace the base."

Jeffrey K. · Answer

Why not just put down thinset and real tile if you are going to go through that much work?

I thought he was talking about peal and stick.  Those dont stick so well and are a one tenant project.  Plan on doing it again soon.

Brian Haskins · Answer

You can buy the adhesive pre-mixed for vinyl tiles its super easy to install. Just make sure you have a clean level surface.

Brian Haskins

Is vinyl tile always a DIY project?

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