The peel and stick tiles are affordable and easy to install. They adhere well to different subfloors, making them a favorite for many DIYers. However, if you are low on budget, you might wonder if you can put peel and stick tiles over the particle board.
The short answer is yes. You can put peel and stick tiles over the particle board. However, it is not recommended as the particle board can absorb the adhesive from the tiles, causing them to peel off. In addition, the board can absorb water through the seams and swell, resulting in a bumpy floor.
That said, you should seal the particle board with a primer, and allow it to set before installing the tiles. That way, you’ll have prevented the porous board from absorbing moisture, and there will be no swelling. Keep reading to learn how to put peel and stick tiles over particle board.
Should You Put Peel and Stick Tile Over Particle Board?
The peel and stick tiles need a clean, dry and level surface to adhere well. They also need a non-porous subfloor that won’t cause the tiles to peel off. Considering the porous nature of the wood used to make the board, you might fear that installing the peel and stick tiles in it would attract huge maintenance costs.
So, should you put peel and stick tile over the particle board? Yes. You can put peel and stick tiles over particle board provided that you’ll seal it with a primer to make it waterproof and allow for a better grip. For best results, allow the primer to dry well before putting the tiles on.
However, there are times when the peel and stick tiles won’t adhere to the particle board. This problem might occur if:
- The adhesive at the back of the tile is dry: The adhesive will dry a few moments later and won’t stick to the sealed particle board if exposed to air. In that case, you’ll have to add an additional glue at the back of the tiles to stick them. To avoid this, make sure you peel off the adhesive cover when ready to install the tile.
- The installation surface is not level: Another reason your self-adhering tiles won’t stick is due to uneven floor. To avoid the problem, make sure you clear any dirt, bumps and fill any potholes on the installation floor before covering it with the particle board.
- The particle board is wet: If your particle board is wet, either from water, primer, paint or any other liquid, the peel and stick tiles won’t adhere. That’s why it is crucial to dry off the sealed particle board before installing the tiles.
- The installation area is too cold or too wet: The adhesive at the back of the tiles need above-standard temperatures to adhere quickly. So, perhaps your tiles are failing to adhere because the temperatures in your space are too low to activate the glue or are too high to melt it down.
While monitoring the temperatures will help, you also need to ensure that the tiles and the particle board have the same temperature. You can achieve this by keeping them in the installation space for at least a day or more.
What Tools Do You Need To Put Peel And Stick Tile Over Particle Board?
Installing the peel and stick tiles is easy, provided you can access the right tools.
To install peel and stick tiles over particle board, you need tools like measuring tape, primer, trowel, vinyl tile roller, vinyl tile cutter, vinyl tile adhesive, paint roller, bleach, bucket, vacuum cleaner, etc. Below is a brief description of each of the above tools.
Measuring tape: For measuring the installation space to determine the number of self-adhering tiles required
Broom/ Vacuum cleaner: To eliminate dust and other loose particles from the particle board.
Bleach: For cleaning the particle board. You need to use it with water, a scrubbing brush, and a bucket
Primer (shellac sealer): For dealing with the particle board to make it waterproof
Paint roller: For spreading the primer evenly on the particle board
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on December 1, 2022.
Vinyl tile cutter/utility knife: For reducing the self-adhering tiles into required sizes and shapes
Vinyl tile adhesive: For sticking the tiles should their adhesive dry off
Vinyl tile roller: For pressing the newly installed tiled to adhere well and remove any air spaces between them and the subfloor
What Preparations Do You Need To Put Peel and Stick Tile Over Particle Board?
Now that you understand the various tools needed to make your installation work efficient, let’s look at the basic preparations you need to do before installing the tiles.
The main preparations you need to put peel and stick tiles over particle board include cleaning and dealing with the particle board. You may also need to mark the precise installation areas to install the tiles in a linear and appealing pattern.
Below are the steps you need to prepare your particle board for installation.
Step 1: Clean The Particle Board
Use a broom or a vacuum cleaner to clean the dust or any other loose debris from the particle board. Mix a cup of chlorine bleach with a basin of water and then use the mixture to clean the tough grime, oil, and other dirt off the particle board surface. Allow the board to dry for two or three hours.
Remember, the particle board must be completely clean, dry, and leveled to allow for better adhesion of the peel and stick tiles.
Step 2: Seal The Particle Board
Use a paint roller to apply the sealant (shellac dealer) to the particle board to make it waterproof. Be sure to cover the entire board evenly and give it time to dry, as recommended by the manufacturer.
The sealant would prevent the particle board from absorbing adhesive from the tiles and moisture from the tile surface.
Step 3: Come Up With Your Layout Pattern
Now that your particle board is ready for installation, lay them in your preferred pattern. If you are installing square tiles in a square space, then I would suggest working your way from the middle of your space.
If your room is square or rectangular, the center of your room should be where its diagonals meet.
Place one tike at the center of the room and mark the perimeter within which it fits. Then use the measurements to draw grids of the same measurements. This should give you an easy time installing the tiles.
Now lay your tiles in the marked spaces, but do not peel off the cover. After you are done, you are ready to start installing the self-adhering tiles.
How To Put Peel and Stick Tile Over Particle Board
Start from the center, peel off the adhesive cover from the center most tile and then press it in the floor. Make sure the length and width of the tiles lie to their exact marks on the particle board. Repeat the process until you complete the center line, then proceed to cover the entire room.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on December 1, 2022.
Note: The adhesive may dry out if you leave it to stand for long after peeling it. To avoid the problem, make sure you peel a tile when you are ready to install it on the floor.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 1, 2022.