Installing loose-lay sheet vinyl

Loose-lay sheet vinyl does not require adhesive. Once you cut it to size and put it in place, it's installed. It's an ideal solution for covering surfaces such as painted concrete, to which adhesives don't adhere well. You can also roll it up and move it -- something you might want to do if the washer overflows, for example.

Fiberglass backing
Loose-lay vinyl has a heavy fiberglass backing that allows the sheet to lay flat on the floor without glue. You can purchase the flooring at most home centers and flooring stores. Standard sheet vinyl is not heavy enough to be installed in this fashion -- it will slip and curl over time.

To prevent loose-lay vinyl from curling up in high traffic areas, secure the material with double-sided tape at the doorways. Before installing this or any floor covering, make sure the subfloor is clean, dry, and smooth.

Checklist

Time
About 3 hours for loose-lay vinyl on a 10x12-foot floor

Tools
Scissors, utility knife

Skills
Measuring and cutting accurately, lifting

Prep
Install or repair underlayment without surface defects; remove all floor trim.

Materials
Butcher paper or kraft paper, masking tape, duct tape, loose-lay vinyl tape, loose-lay vinyl sheet