Installation Guide

To determine border tile size, lay loose tiles from the center point to the wall (Figure 6). If two or more colors are used, the
borderline should be established so that the field will end with half tile of the same color on all sides of the room. The half
tile touching the border should be of a color contrasting to that of the border for the best appearance.
To increase or decrease the width of the border or to change the color of the half tile, start at the center line with the opposite
color. If this does not produce a satisfactory border size, move the guide lines over half the width of a tile from the established
line.
Once all guidelines have been finalized, place a straight edge over the chalk lines and pencil the lines.
ADHESIVE APPLICATION
Apply the recommended adhesive over one half the area. Use Lowe’s in-stock vinyl composition floor tile adhesive. Apply
adhesive according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Note: All warranties and guarantees for adhesive and adhesive performance are the responsibility of the adhesive
manufacturer, not Tarkett.
INSTALLING TILE
Begin laying the tile from the right angle formed in the center of the room by the intersecting lines. Lay the first few tiles
perfectly on the guidelines as this will affect the entire installation. Lay tile toward the two corners of the room laying the
field area first. Install tile in a stair step (pyramid) fashion, placing the tile firmly into the adhesive.
Complete the first half of the room laying all full tiles first. It may be necessary at times to compromise on the alignment of the
joints to make allowances for unevenness of the subfloor. Take care to place tiles as accurately as possible without sliding them
into place. Always work ahead of yourself from the finished floor, using care not to shift the tile you are kneeling on. Roll tile
with a 100 lb. sectional floor roller.
After laying field tile in the first half of the room, apply adhesive over the second half and complete installation as described
above.
INSTALLING BORDER TILE
If moldings are to be installed, border tile can be fit by measuring the distance between the wall and the last full tile
installed. Using a full tile, mark or score the surface with a sharp utility knife, then snap off the section along the scored line.
Place the tile firmly into the adhesive.
Border tiles may also be fit by placing a loose tile over the last full tile in the row. Place another full tile over the loose tile and
butt it against the wall. Use this tile as a marking tile and score or mark the bottom tile. Cut or score along the mark. Place the
tile firmly into the adhesive.
Fitting tile around door moldings, pipes or irregular shaped walls can be done by direct scribing. Whenever possible, undercut
door molding the thickness of the tile. Heat the back of the tile and cut along the scribe or pencil mark on the pattern side of tile.