Get more from YOUR FLOOR
The Home Handyman|March/April 2023
Installing a luxury vinyl tile floor-how to do-it-yourself.
Get more from YOUR FLOOR

In this article, we'll be going over the steps to install a new luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floor.

I really like this product because it looks like ceramic tile, but it's not. It's not fragile or prone to cracking, it's not cold underfoot, it's not hard if you were to fall on it, it's not nearly as slippery when wet. At the same time, it retains much of the durability and all of the style of ceramic tile. It also doesn't require special tools to cut and it has very short dry times compared to ceramic tile. Most people will think you have a traditional tile floor until they touch it, then they'll be amazed!

LVT flooring is a popular choice for foyers, kitchens and bathrooms. It is durable, easy to install and maintain. I've installed quite a few of these floors and I've been very pleased with the process and outcomes.

What you will need

Materials:

  • LVT flooring 
  • Grout 
  • Pressure sensitive adhesive 

Tools:

  • Demolition tools (hammer, pry bar, scraper, etc) 
  • Trowel or paint roller 
  • Grout float/sponges/bucket 
  • Utility knife
  • Snips 
  • Tape measure

Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Prep floor
First, we'll need to ensure that the subfloor is suitable for the installation. Ideally, you'll have a flat and smooth surface for installing your LVT.

This foyer had natural slate tiles that were glued to a subfloor. The tiles popped off cleanly and easily. They were improperly installed and had very poor adhesion, hence the need for a new floor. After the tile and grout were removed, we were left with a relatively smooth wooden subfloor; perfect for installing LVT.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE HOME HANDYMANView all
MAKE SOME NOISE!
The Home Handyman

MAKE SOME NOISE!

Are you ready to embark on a musical adventure and create your very own drum kit from recycled materials? Get ready to unleash your creativity and make some noise with this fun and eco-friendly DIY project. Let’s dive into the step by-step guide and bring your mini band to life!

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2024
DIY HOME APPLIANCE REPAIR
The Home Handyman

DIY HOME APPLIANCE REPAIR

From the whirring of the washing machine to the gentle hum of the refrigerator, our trusty home appliances keep our households running smoothly. But what happens when these essential gadgets start to falter?

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR A PEST-FREE HOME
The Home Handyman

EFFECTIVE METHODS FOR A PEST-FREE HOME

Pests, those unwelcome guests, can turn our homes into uncomfortable environments, disrupting our peace and posing health risks.

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
COMMON SEALANTS FOR DIY USE
The Home Handyman

COMMON SEALANTS FOR DIY USE

By familiarising themselves with the diverse array of sealants available, mastering proper application techniques, and prioritising safety at every step, DIY'ers and homeowners in South Africa can tackle sealing projects with confidence and achieve lasting results that enhance the comfort, efficiency, and aesthetics of their homes.

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2024
UNLOCKING THE POWER OF ANGLE GRINDERS
The Home Handyman

UNLOCKING THE POWER OF ANGLE GRINDERS

In the world of DIY, few tools are as versatile and indispensable as the angle grinder. From cutting and grinding to polishing and sharpening, this powerhouse tool is a must have for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast.

time-read
7 mins  |
July/August 2024
DRYWALL DECODED
The Home Handyman

DRYWALL DECODED

Drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is a ubiquitous building material used in the construction of interior walls and ceilings.

time-read
4 mins  |
July/August 2024
DIY PROJECT IDEAS for a stylish cooking space
The Home Handyman

DIY PROJECT IDEAS for a stylish cooking space

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, a place where culinary magic happens and memories are made.

time-read
6 mins  |
July/August 2024
MÖLKKY, A THROWING GAME (NO POWER TOOLS)
The Home Handyman

MÖLKKY, A THROWING GAME (NO POWER TOOLS)

In this article we’ll be making a backyard throwing game called Mölkky, which originates from Finland.

time-read
9 mins  |
July/August 2024
Building your own SAUNA: PART 1
The Home Handyman

Building your own SAUNA: PART 1

Growing up, I was always intrigued by saunas. I usually avoid extreme temperatures, but there’s something about a sauna that speaks to the soul. They’re relaxing, cleansing, and a great way to soothe your body after a long day’s work in winter.

time-read
7 mins  |
July/August 2024
KITCHEN LIGHT MADE FROM SCRAP
The Home Handyman

KITCHEN LIGHT MADE FROM SCRAP

I made a simple and modest lamp for our kitchen table. The goal was to use scrap wood, as I like to turn things we have no use for, into something nice and needed.

time-read
2 mins  |
July/August 2024