I'm using peel and stick tile in my kitchen. I'm putting it over existing square tile. Is there anything I need to do before sticking down the tile?
Rachel from Holtsville, NY
I put peel and stick tiles in our bathroom, and the floor looks great. The adhesive is very sticky, no additional glue needed.
Also, if you'll be cutting any pieces to fit around the toilet, etc., two things will make it easier. First, warm it up a bit with a hair dryer. Secondly, if you have an old pair of kitchen shears you no longer use, your hands will thank you. Regular scissors aren't quite good enough to cut through the tiles.
Of course I'm presuming you already know to be sure the area to be tiled is free of dust, dirt and debris, as well as anything you don't want permanently attached to the new tile.
I just installed "premium" vinyl tiles in my kitchen. Per manufacturer's instructions, using additional glue will VOID the WARRANTY. Also, they will not warranty tiles used anywhere there is water (duh, okay that pretty much wipes out the warranty, but still good to know).
They also do not want you to use any "harsh chemicals" or wax on the tiles. Our local Walmart has used vinyl in the shoe department and they wax it as they do the regular "store type" tiles and the edges are curling after just a couple of years. "No wax" means "No wax".
I recommend having old linoleum under the tiles for the water proof factor of the sub-flooring beneath. Also, I watched videos on HGTV before starting and got some very helpful tips on how to measure around corners and such. I'm super happy with my tiles.
I've used the Cryntel peel-n-stick tiles (from Lowe's) in my entry way, stair landing and all bathrooms and they've held up well.
I did however pull up the old linoleum flooring and cleaned the sub-floor before installing. A mistake. Water can seep through to the sub-floor (as I've witnessed). I've now put a clear sealer over the flooring, which is holding up well.
Since you are cutting the tiles to fit, make sure to keep the spare pieces. I decided to use the spare pieces along with some full size (12x12) tiles, cut into 3rds, to redo the backsplash in my kitchen. It looks fantastic. I used wood trim below and above to even it out and give it depth. I still have to spackle/wood fill the screw holes in the trim, caulk and then put a couple coats of polycrylic over to seal and protect from water, but the transformation is amazing.
If you are considering using peel-n-stick, most home improvement stores will let you buy one, or a few pieces. This way, you can put in different areas (before installing) to see how it will go. The tiles I used have the grout line in them also, making them look more like real tile.
I tried putting it on the sides of my white laminate kitchen cabinets. It doesn't stay up, unless you use a 2nd strong adhesive and some small screws. I decided against it and used textured wall paper.
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
