How to: Peel and Stick Flooring

  • 2-6 hours
  • Beginner
  • 200-500
What You'll Need
Measuring Tape
Crowbar
Peel and Stick Tiles
Cleaning Supplies
Razor
Box Cutter
Sealer
Cloth
What You'll Need
Measuring Tape
Crowbar
Peel and Stick Tiles
Cleaning Supplies
Razor
Box Cutter
Sealer
Cloth

As their name suggests, peel and stick flooring is made of small tiles that adhere directly to a floor surface. Not only are they very inexpensive, but they can be installed by almost anyone—even children. Contemporary peel and stick flooring can imitate many types of standard flooring, including ceramic tiles, stone, wood, parquet and even abstract patterns. You can also create visually interesting patterns by mixing different tile patterns together in a large flooring area.

Although this type of flooring is easy to install and inexpensive, there are also some disadvantages. Compared to other types of floors, especially in a side-by-side comparison, peel and stick tiles can have a cheap or fake appearance. Likewise, this type of flooring is not known to be particularly durable, particularly when compared to other types of flooring like ceramic tile, stone or hardwood floors.

Step 1

Measure the length and width of the area where you will be installing the flooring. Multiply the width by the length to find the square footage area, which will determine how much flooring you need. Add 10 percent to this number to account for overage in case you need extra material or to replace squares.

Step 2

Use a level to check that your flooring is straight. If the floor is level and you have linoleum or vinyl currently installed, you can install the new flooring tiles directly over the existing floor.

However, if you have ceramic tiles, parquet or other flooring installed, you should remove this flooring material. Use a crowbar to pry up the old materials and then use a solvent to remove the old adhesive.

Step 3

Clean the entire floor area. If you will be installing the new flooring over existing vinyl or linoleum, clean the floor thoroughly before you begin to install the new floor tiles.

Step 4

Use the length and width measurements to find the center of the room. Place four peel and stick tiles at this place in the floor, all four corners aligned together at the center spot.

Begin to work outward from these four tiles, placing tiles around to enlarge the square. This will keep your tiles aligned, but you should regularly check the alignment with a tape measure.

Step 5

When you reach the walls, you will probably need to cut the tile squares so that they fit accurately in place. Measure the width from the wall to the last tile you placed. Take a tile and cut it to the measurement using a razor or box cutter.

Step 6

Apply a colored sealer to any cracks or places where the tiles do not align correctly. Wipe away any excess sealant with a clean dry cloth. Let the sealant dry completely before using the floor.