DIY Network

Tiling the Floor Tiling the Floor From "Weekend Decorating" episode WDC-208

The flooring that went with the old woodgrain cabinets no longer complements the new glazed cabinets. So the old floor will be replaced with self-stick tiles that will replicate the look of a maple parquet floor (figure A), adding warmth to the kitchen. This type of tile is available in a range of colors and designs and can be easily installed by simply peeling off the backing paper, lining up the directional arrows and setting in place on the floor.

Tip: Floors need to be level before installing this type of flooring. This is a great way to add a colorful point of interest to a room, especially in high-traffic areas, since this type of flooring is impervious to bumps, scuffs and scrapes.

Figure A

This view of the partially finished floor shows what a difference the new floorcovering makes.

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Each floor tile features a directional arrow on the back.
	Figure D
	Figure E

Steps:

1. Remove shoe molding so you can fit the tiles as tightly as possible against the baseboard (figure B).

2. Make sure that your subfloor is smooth and solid to the floor. Make sure there are no wrinkles or bumps that could affect the top layer of the floor. The top layer of this floor is not glued down, so it is cut away in sections with a utility knife and removed (figure C).

   Tip:You can cover a floor with as many as three layers of flooring; after that, all layers would require removal before adding a new layer.

3. Clean the floor thoroughly. Anything left on the floor could someday work its way up to the top surface and damage the new floor.

4. Next you need to measure the floor. This kitchen has two points of entry, so Golden decided to have a full tile from the breakfast nook into the kitchen. Since it is the largest entryway, using a full tile will give a more cohesive look to the entryway. If you have a large square kitchen, you may just want to break it up into quadrants, start from the center and work to the outer edges.

5. Measure the center of the room and find the location of the center line (figure D). Place a tile on either side of the line, then continue laying out tiles. Since there are two entrances, this ensures the tile will always be going in the same direction.

6. Center each tile, remove backing and press into position. Wipe away any excess adhesive as you go.

7. When you need to cut a tile, measure and mark it and use a utility knife to cut it from the back (figure E).

8. Continue working until the floor is finished.

Next: Finishing Touches