One of the most appealing qualities of snap tiles or any other interlocking flooring option is ease of installation. But, there’s always room for error. This article makes sure you know how to install snap-together flooring. Let’s start with the most basic question: What is a interlocking tile? An interlocking tile, or interlocking-tiles flooring, comes with edges that are prefabricated to physically attach to other tiles’ edges. How do you install interlocking floor tiles? In the DIY process, a rubber floor tile essentially works as a puzzle piece—it’s that simple. Rubber-Cal’s Terra-Flex interlocking flooring tiles are no exception. They are an excellent option when looking for a puzzle tile that is high-quality and DIY-friendly. Interlocking-tiles flooring made of rubber is ideal because of rubber’s natural properties: Durability, shock-absorption, slip-resistance, and water-resistance are just some of rubber’s many desirable characteristics. And generally, modular-tile flooring is coveted because consumers are seeking a flooring option that is highly versatile and adjustable. Unlike permanently-installed hardwood floors, carpet, or ceramic tiles, interlocking-tiles flooring is a modular flooring option. This means that you’re afforded more liberty to manipulate your rubber floors however you want, regardless of the size or shape of the space you intend to cover. Learning how to install snap-together flooring is an effortless learning process. In no time, you’ll have your new rubber interlocking flooring ready to go.
How Do You Install Interlocking Floor Tiles?
To install interlocking floor tiles, determine the area you want to cover and its size. Then, over this area, simply connect the edges of the interlocking rubber flooring tiles like puzzle pieces—enough tiles so that the area is fully covered. That’s the short answer. In this article, we’ll give you the more detailed, in-depth answer that may address some nuances particular to your situation. There are a few things you must prepare before you begin laying down your new interlocking-tile flooring. Begin by making sure that the surface of the area you’ve chosen has been cleaned thoroughly. A clean area is especially important for permanent installations because some industrial residue left from construction can damage new flooring. Also, installing floors over concrete that hasn’t been moisture tested can cause your flooring products to fail. Moisture-related floor covering failures are responsible for over one billion dollars in annual damages. The problems range from cupping, buckling, blistering, and adhesive failure to discoloration and mold growth. Once you’ve made these initial preparations, you’re ready to begin installing your snap-together floor tiles. To learn how to install snap-together flooring for your first time (or as a refresher), these are the materials you’ll need:
Rubber tiles (interlocking): Obtain the necessary amount of Terra-Flex interlocking floor tiles to cover the desired area. Definitely make sure you order enough rubber tiles to cover your area. But we also recommend that you have a few extra interlock tiles since they come in handy for covering any unforeseen, extra area.
Utility knife: Use this tool to trim away any extra material. A high-quality, sharp knife is imperative to the success of your project.
Straight edge: When you need to cut a puzzle tile, a straight edge helps you line your slice, ensuring that your cut piece will be smooth, as well as properly sized.
Gloves: As a safety precaution, make sure that you’re wearing gloves when you handle your sharp utility knife.
Tape measurer: Use this tool to measure the dimensions of the area you plan to cover. Then, divide this area by the area of one rubber floor-tile. The result is the number of interlocking flooring-tiles you’ll need (at minimum).
Industrial adhesive or double-sided tape: While rubber flooring usually stays in place without adhesive bonding, there are times when you’ll need a more permanent installation. In that case, use either polyurethane adhesive or double-sided tape to stick the interlocking flooring tiles to their underlying surfaces. Note that our Terra-Flex interlocking floor tiles weigh approximately 8.5 pounds per tile and are heavy enough to stay set without adhesives.
Once you’ve gathered everything you need for your DIY project, you’re ready to begin installing your modular flooring product. This is how to install snap-together flooring:
1. By now, you should have assessed the area you intend to cover—its dimensions and its state of cleanliness. When you’re ready to install your puzzle tiles, start at the wall opposite to the room’s doorway.
2. Begin arranging your snap tiles in the area. Slowly work toward the room’s doorway. If you’re opting for a permanent installation, apply your adhesive to the underside of each snap tile before you place it down.
3. After all your tiles are placed and connected, you may be left over with some excess matting, extending beyond the bounds of the area you intend to cover. Here, simply use your utility knife and straight edge to slice away any excess rubber. With this step, your snap-in flooring will fit snugly into any space.
What is a Interlocking Tile?
An interlocking tile is a flooring option that works like a jigsaw puzzle—you snap flooring-pieces together, creating a custom-sized surface to match whatever area it is that you need to cover. Plus, interlocking-tiles flooring is highly portable, so it works well as a temporary flooring, too.
How Do You Use Interlocking Tile?
To use an interlocking tile, simply lay tile over the area you want to cover. Then, as the name suggests, interlock the tile with other tiles of the same model. Usually, you don’t need to use adhesives to keep rubber interlocking tiles in place. But, you can if you want to or if you (for some reason) need to. Interlocking-tiles flooring is highly versatile and user-friendly.
Are Interlocking Tiles Better?
Whether or not interlocking tiles are better than other options depends on the application for which you intend to use them. If you value portability and DIY-friendliness, interlocking tiles are generally regarded as the go-to rubber-flooring option. Those traits are a part of their package.
Now that you’ve learned the essential information about how to install snap-together flooring, we’re sure you’ll have no problem doing it yourself. We hope that our short Q&A section answers your questions about how to install snap-together flooring. The question “how do you use interlocking tile?” should now be a thing of the past. You now know that some of the best options for flooring are interlocking tiles—better than the rest. And you’re ready to reap the benefits offered by this wonderful modular flooring option. Installing snap tiles is an easy way to create things like play areas and workout rooms, where quality, protective flooring is key. Rubber’s durable nature will help you prevent your floors and equipment from damage. Rubber-Cal’s Terra-Flex interlocking floor tiles are one of the many options you have at your disposal—they are a great addition to any area, are affordable, and are DIY-friendly. Now that you know how to install snap-together flooring, we hope that interlocking-tiles flooring is less daunting to you. Really, it is one of the best flooring options.
