Laying self-adhesive vinyl floors on tiles | Tips & Tricks!

When you move into an older property, outdated tiles often cover every surface. These are usually dark, patterned tiles, not sleek, modern stone. If you want to refresh a room or are tired of your current tiles, self-adhesive vinyl planks offer an ideal solution.

For renovations, flexible vinyl flooring is a popular option. Self-adhesive vinyl provides versatility and comes in a wide range of designs. But can you install it over existing tiles? We’ve gathered the key facts to help you decide whether to remove those old stone tiles or lay your stylish new vinyl right on top.

Self-adhesive vinyl tiles - advantages that make them unique

Before delving into various installation methods, it’s essential to understand the features of self-adhesive vinyl flooring. The benefits of vinyl should match your specific needs to achieve optimal interior design. Thus, it’s vital to evaluate the adhesive properties of the vinyl in advance to ensure it meets your requirements.

Self-adhesive vinyl tiles in various decors

The variety of self-adhesive vinyl flooring designs is nearly endless. This versatile option comes in a vast array of shapes and colours, from realistic wood effects to stylish stone replicas. It offers limitless possibilities for interior design, allowing both classic styles and modern trends to be beautifully showcased with these easy-to-install, elegant floors.

Self-adhesive vinyl - quick and easy installation

Unlike other flooring options that are often complicated and costly to install, self-adhesive vinyl panels are much simpler to lay. They require minimal materials, as the adhesive is already applied to the back of the panels, eliminating the need for any additional purchases. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can install this type of flooring.

Plan the Layout

Begin by accurately measuring the dimensions of the room to determine how the tiles will fit. Mark the centre point of the space—this is where you’ll start the installation. Starting from the centre ensures the tiles are laid symmetrically, creating a balanced and visually appealing design.

Before sticking down any tiles, consider doing a dry layout—arrange the tiles without adhesive to see how they’ll fit, particularly around the edges and corners. This helps you avoid narrow, awkward cuts that can disrupt the flow of the design. Adjust the layout as needed to ensure larger, more uniform cuts along the walls, giving the room a more polished and professional finish.

Also, factor in any features in the room, such as doorways or permanent fixtures, to ensure the pattern or tile placement complements these elements. Careful planning will save time, reduce waste, and enhance the overall aesthetic of the installation.

Peel and Stick

Once you’ve planned the layout and are ready to install, begin by peeling off the backing from the self-adhesive tile, revealing the sticky surface. Be careful not to touch the adhesive too much to keep it clean and tacky. When placing the tile, start at one corner and gradually lower it onto the floor, ensuring it aligns perfectly with your layout marks. Take your time to position it correctly, as repositioning may weaken the adhesive. Once in place, press down firmly, applying even pressure across the entire tile, especially the edges, to ensure it sticks securely.

Trim Edges

When you reach the edges of the room or irregular areas like door frames, vents, or corners, you’ll need to trim the tiles for a precise fit. Use a sharp utility knife or a vinyl tile cutter for this task. Measure and mark the tiles carefully before cutting to avoid mistakes. For best results, score the tile lightly on the surface along your measured line, then apply more pressure to cut through. For curves or more detailed cuts, consider using a template or trace the shape onto the tile before cutting. Proper trimming ensures a seamless look and prevents gaps that can affect the overall finish.

Seal the Deal

After placing all the tiles, use a floor roller to go over the entire surface. This tool applies consistent pressure across the tiles, ensuring they’re fully adhered to the subfloor. Rolling helps eliminate any air pockets or loose edges that could cause the tiles to shift or peel over time. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas or spots where tiles meet at the edges. By rolling the floor, you’ll enhance the bond between the tiles and the subfloor, giving the installation greater durability and a professional-quality finish.

 

Installation methods comparison

Vinyl flooring is typically available in three forms: self-adhesive, click vinyl, and glue-down vinyl. Each has unique benefits, allowing you to choose based on your requirements.

Self-adhesive vinyl flooring vs. click vinyl flooring

Unlike self-adhesive vinyl flooring, vinyl click flooring requires no glue for installation. The panels feature a click mechanism that varies by manufacturer, making the installation process just as straightforward as that of self-adhesive vinyl, without the need for professional assistance. The stability of the connections is comparable to that of self-adhesive options, providing a seamless and well-aligned finish. Additionally, the click system comes in various styles.

Reinforcing vinyl with an HDF backing allows for easy installation over uneven surfaces. The added thickness of the HDF layer hides small dirt particles, ensuring a smoother finish. Many click vinyl panels also feature built-in sound insulation, often made of cork, which not only improves acoustics but also makes walking more comfortable.

Self-adhesive vinyl vs. glue-down vinyl flooring

Glue-down vinyl flooring and self-adhesive vinyl share similar properties, both relying on glue for strength. However, glue-down vinyl needs separate adhesive, unlike self-adhesive vinyl. Both types have a low construction height, making them ideal for renovations. You must prepare the substrate carefully for both, as uneven surfaces will show and cause damage over time.

While installing self-adhesive vinyl is simpler, glue-down vinyl demands more effort. You need precise planning, the right amount of glue, and careful timing for placement. It’s best to work with an expert for glue-down vinyl.

So, can self-adhesive vinyl flooring be laid over tiles?

In rented flats, tiles often can't be removed or damaged. Any new floor must come up easily and leave no marks when you move out. Vinyl flooring is known as the go-to solution for renovations, especially flexible vinyl. But can self-adhesive vinyl work on tiles?

The short answer: No, in most cases, it’s not suitable.

This is due to the nature of self-adhesive vinyl. Its thin material makes any uneven surface, like tile joints, visible over time. These joints will eventually show through, affecting both appearance and durability. Pressing down on uneven tiles can even damage the vinyl, leading to costly replacements.

If you're trying to cover tiles, it’s better to explore other options. Self-adhesive vinyl isn't a long-term fix for stone tiles. Fortunately, we have plenty of alternatives to help you with your renovation!

Why vinyl flooring is still a great choice

Even though self-adhesive vinyl isn’t ideal for tiles, vinyl flooring remains a fantastic option! Ripping up old tiles is a tough, messy job. Stable tiles are hard to remove, and the process creates a lot of dust and noise. But you can avoid all that. Some types of vinyl can be easily laid directly over tiles, offering a simple, hassle-free alternative. You won’t need to remove the old tiles, and these vinyl floors don’t require adhesive.

Vinyl flooring for tiles

Choose a vinyl floor with thicker construction to smooth out small tile joints and avoid visible imperfections. Vinyl click flooring with an HDF core offers a higher thickness, up to 10mm, much more durable than self-adhesive vinyl. The sturdy HDF backing levels uneven surfaces and often includes built-in sound insulation for added comfort. If you’re installing HDF vinyl in a bathroom, apply an extra sealant to protect it from moisture and prevent swelling.

Our favourites and recommendations from BRICOFLOR

Thanks to our many years of experience in the field of flooring, we already have some of our favourite ways of laying stone tiles. We particularly recommend vinyl click floors with the Gerflor HDF carrier plate. The Gerflor Topsilence Design collection is particularly suitable for laying tiles and allows your room to shine in a modern and attractive design. The multi-layered vinyl floors of the Wineo 400 Multilayer Collection are also characterised by their great stability, which allows you to walk carelessly through everyday life. Say goodbye to old tiles and create a new atmosphere in your four walls using vinyl flooring with HDF backing!

If you have any questions or would like an individual consultation, please contact us! Our friendly and competent team is available via e-mail, phone or our contact form! We look forward to hearing from you! Why not check out our Instagram page for some inspirational pics? Follow us at @bricoflor.uk and get inspired by our projects and customers.

See you next time. Your BRICOFLOR team!