How to Install TrafficMaster Exodus Tiles

Preparation

• 1

  Place the cartons of Exodus vinyl tiles inside to rest at room temperature. Allow them to wait for two full days at a temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This acclimates the flooring to the indoor temperature to help prevent future swelling or shrinkage.

• 2

  Clean the subfloor. Remove all dirt and grime.

• 3

  Lay out all the tiles on the floor without peeling the paper backing from the tiles. Arrange them until you are satisfied with the appearance.

• 4

  Extend a tape measure from one end of a wall to the other. Mark the middle point. Do the same to the opposite wall.

• 5

  Hook one end of a chalk line to the middle point of one wall and extend the chalk line to the middle point of the opposite wall. Lift the chalk line up from the floor about 4 inches and let it go. You'll have a straight line of chalk dividing the room.

• 6

  Repeat the chalk line for the remaining two walls so that the room is divided into quarters.

Laying the Tile

• 7

  Start at the intersection of the chalk lines. Lay one row of tile to the first wall you measured and another row to the third wall, so that the rows form a 90-degree angle to each other. Don't remove the paper backing.

• 8

  Measure the distance between the wall and the end of the row of tiles. Do this for both rows of tiles. If the distances are less than 6 inches, move each of the rows 6 inches closer to the opposite walls. This facilitates laying the border tiles.

• 9

  Go back to the intersection of the chalk lines. Working on one row of tiles at a time, lift a tile up and remove the paper backing. Place the tile back into its position, setting it flush against the chalk line. Press the tile firmly to the floor, smoothing out the edges. Repeat this procedure for each of the tiles, fitting the edges tightly together.

• 10

  Continue laying additional Exodus tiles, filling in one “square” of the room at a time. Use a floor roller to press the tiles firmly to the subfloor. Floor rollers are often available for rent at home improvement stores.

• 11

  Lay the border tiles. Place one tile over the last tile in a row, close to the wall. Don't remove the paper backing. Lay another tile over the first loose tile, without removing the paper backing. Shift the second tile so that it touches the wall.

• 12

  Use a pencil and a ruler to make a straight mark along the top tile. Position the mark where the edge of the first loose tile meets the top loose tile. Remove the top tile and cut along this line with a utility knife.

• 13

  Remove the paper backing from the trimmed tile and press it into place along the wall. Repeat this procedure for the remaining border tiles. Roll them with the floor roller.