The Low-down on Vinyl Tile Flooring

A vinyl tile floor is often installed in commercial settings where high traffic is a constant, or where a clean or static-free environment is desired. It can also be a versatile and cost effective choice for any household. In the home, vinyl tile flooring is often used where a significant amount of moisture is expected. It is also frequently used in remodels to replace higher maintenance flooring, like carpet.

Vinyl Tile Flooring Composition
The makeup of a vinyl tile floor is made in one of two ways. Inlay vinyl tile has multiple layers of the same colored vinyl that are fused together. With inlay tile, the color or pattern goes all the way through to the backing. This is a plus because the color will be the same, even if a layer or two wears away.

"Rotogravure" vinyl tile floors are less expensive than inlaid floors. The tiles in this type of floor have a thin layer of vinyl on top that is colored with vinyl paint and covered with a protective coating. Over time or under extreme amounts of traffic, the layer of vinyl can wear through and the color will be compromised.

The Lay of the Land
A vinyl tile floor is considered a "resilient" floor type. This means that the tile's flexibility lends the floor a softer feeling underfoot, and breakable objects are less likely to shatter when dropped on it. Additionally, vinyl tile flooring is slip and skid resistant, and it dampens bounced sound, so a room transmits less echo.

DIY Vinyl Tile Floors
Vinyl tile is an excellent flooring material for DIY installation. Unlike linoleum or sheet vinyl, the cutting involved is minimal and easy. Vinyl tile is usually about 12" by 12", so they are easy to handle, and large enough that it doesn't take a million of them to cover a whole floor. The adhesive used in vinyl tile floors varies by the brand and model of tile. Many are self-adhesive; others need a separate spray or paste to stick. Self-adhesive tile is a huge time and energy saver, and it is simple enough to put down that the project can be done by a first timer.

Making a Pattern
One of the best things about vinyl tile (or any other tile, for that matter) is the ease with which you can customize the look of your floor. If you get more than one color of tile, it's easy to make a pattern that will give the room a look that has a little personality. Many homeowners have made their own designs with fantastic results using nothing but graph paper and a few colored pencils or markers.

Durability and Value
A vinyl tile floor can be expected to last for 20 or 30 years, depending on the quality of the tiles you purchase and how well they are maintained. The number, obviously, will change due to excessive traffic or constant exposure to high heat or moisture (though vinyl itself is moisture resistant, the adhesives used in installation often are not). Though vinyl flooring won't add as much value to a property as would wood, it is a much smaller initial investment and will require significantly less upkeep.