How to Install Value Lock Floor Tiles

Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove dirt and debris.

Measure the width of the room from the center of the longest wall to the center of the opposite wall. Divide this number by 24 inches (the width of Value Lock tiles) to determine how many rows of tiles you'll need. Plan your layout so that the tiles along both of these walls are roughly the same width. For example, in a room measuring 9 feet wide, you'll install 4 rows of tiles, plus 6 inches of tile along both walls. Avoid uneven borders or border sections smaller than 2 inches.

Snap a chalk line to indicate where the border tile along one wall and the tile in the adjacent row will meet. In a 9-foot room with 6-inch borders, for example, this chalk line will be six inches from the wall.

Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to establish the borders for the remaining two walls. Snap a chalk line to indicate where the border tiles on this wall and the tiles in the adjacent row will meet. In a room measuring 9 feet by 9 feet, for example, you will have two chalk lines intersecting in a corner six inches from each wall. This point of intersection is where you will begin to install your tiles.

Place your first tile at the intersection of the two chalk lines, leaving the 6-inch border along both edges for the border tiles. Install the tile with the smooth side down and the stippled side facing up.

Position the next tile in the row so that the teeth along the edge of each tile lock together. Continue laying tiles to complete the row, leaving space for your border tiles at the end of the row. Work your way across the room one row at a time until only the border tile areas remain.

Measure your borders to confirm the size of your border tiles. Subtract 1/4 inch from this measurement before cutting the border tiles to allow for an expansion gap along the base of the wall.

Cut Value Lock tiles face up using a sharp utility knife and a straight edge to guide your cuts. Use a hard, flat surface, such as a 1/4-inch sheet of Masonite as a base for cutting tile.

Install the cut tiles to complete the border.

Use a rubber mallet to secure any loose or poorly-connected teeth in the joints between the tiles.

Add wall base or trim as desired to complete the project.