How to prep concrete floor for peel and stick tile

When it comes to vinyl flooring, there are a few options to choose from: vinyl planks or tiles, luxury vinyl planks and vinyl sheets. Each option has unique characteristics and a different method of installation. You can learn more about the different types of vinyl flooring in this previous post.

Before installing your vinyl flooring, whether the subfloor of your work area is hardwood or concrete, one crucial step is to make sure the subfloor is level and clean. However, laying vinyl flooring over concrete requires a bit more preparation.

Prepare the subfloor

Repair cracks and holes

Inspect the floor and repair cracks, pits, holes, or other uneven patches. Use concrete filler or a similar floor patching compound to repair the damage. If the subfloors have large cracks, then the best course of action is to remove the large part of the slab and replace it with a new one.

Please note new concrete floors must be left to cure for at least 60 days before you can install vinyl planks over them.

Grind imperfections

The surface must also be as smooth and flat as possible. Make sure you sand down any uneven areas including humps, lumps, or bulges with sandpaper or an electric sander using a grit of 40 or 60. And once you’re done, take a damp rag and clean the remaining dust.

Wash the floor

Wash the concrete floor thoroughly using water and household detergent or degreaser. The floor should be free of greasy spots or built-up grime before you leave it to fully dry.

Conduct a moisture test

The moisture levels in concrete subfloors should be as low as possible before installing vinyl flooring. Here is a simple guide to test the moisture level yourself:

• Tape a small piece of scrap vinyl to your subfloor.
• Make sure the edges are properly sealed to prevent air from escaping.
• Leave the tape for exactly 3 days.
• After 3 days, try pulling the tape off the floor. If it comes off too easily, it means the moisture level may be too high for the application of vinyl. In such a case, the room should be dehumidified.

Apply the underlayment

An underlayment can create an extra vapour barrier above your subfloor and will also provide may added cushioning making the floor feel softer to walk on.

As always, when installing new vinyl flooring, follow the manufacturer recommendations specific to your product or contact a Parrys professional installer if you have any further questions.

About Ian Minotti

Ian is a renowned floor covering expert in product knowledge and installation. He is specialized in all types of floor coverings for many years and his knowledge in the industry is exceptional. Feel free to ask Ian any floor covering question you may have.

Installing self-adhesive vinyl tiles over concrete is not always easy, especially if you remove carpets from the concrete base. If you want to install the tiles properly, you should prepare the floor, making sure that the surface is clean, without any remains of sealers, adhesive, or anything else. Self-adhesive tiles can reduce the installation time, offering you a fully professional look.

Vinyl tiles can be a very convenient and attractive option for most people, especially for those who want to do the task on their own. They are also a rather affordable solution, and a cost-effective solution in flooring. However, you need to be very careful before installing the vinyl tiles over concrete because there might be moisture problems.

Step 1 - Prepare

Preparation is the most important part of any installation process. Use the scraper to remove any glued materials or adhesive remaining on the floor. Once you are done you should sweep the remains and throw them away. If the scraper doesn’t do the job properly, you can use the alcohol to remove any stains. Make sure that the concrete base is clean and does not have any cracks or remains from older flooring.

Step 2 - Test the Area

One of the first things you need to do after you clean the concrete floor is to test it; if you don’t do so, you might find out a few months later that the adhesive gets loose because the floor is very moist and unsafe. Taking precautions is absolutely necessary; the most reliable test you can run is the calcium chloride test which is easy to find at any local store. You must follow the instructions on the test. You should have the results within 18-24 hours. This test checks the amount of moisture and water that comes up from the concrete base. If the levels are too high, you will need to de-moisturize the floor before installing the tiles. If the number shown from the test is not high, you can start with your project and lay the tiles directly on the concrete floor.

Step 3 - Measure the Room

Measure the room and mark the center of each wall in the room using the chalk. Draw a line towards the center of the room. You do the same thing with all four walls until you draw two bisecting lines that divide the room in quarters.

Step 4 - Install the Tiles

Make sure that the concrete surface is clean and will adhere to the tile. Take the vinyl tiles and place them in the center of the room where the lines bisect. You can install them removing the back paper to expose the sticky part of the tiles. You can keep installing the tiles working from the center towards the walls. Make sure that you press them flat and firmly on the floor to ensure proper placement so that you finish the task in a totally professional way. Depending on the kind of tiles you get, you may want to rent a floor roller to make sure they're completely stuck to the concrete.

Can peel and stick tile be installed over concrete?

How do you prepare a concrete floor for vinyl flooring?