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Davidsville, PA on Mar 10, 2012

Is it better to use sheet vinyl or tiles on a concrete floor for a screened in porch?

I have a 13' x 6.5' porch that I want to put a vinyl floor in since my son plays there and it would be easy to clean and warmer on the feet than the concrete but wonder if there would be any advantage to sheet vinyl as opposed to the individual tiles. Also would I have to do anything to the concrete first?

9 Comments

Steve G Fort Collins, CO

You shouldn't have to do anything to the concrete other than clean it thoroughly. If you are trying to do this DIY, you are better off doing the tiles. They are much easier to manage DIY.

on Mar 11, 2012 · Like 0
Bonnie Lebanon, MO

Concrete can be a very nice surface if sealed. Then it's washable and easy to care for.
I replaced all my individual tiles in the basement (concrete floor) because the seams popped from moisture. I was continuously re-gluing them down. I put in sheet vinyl that looked like hardwood flooring pattern and it is fabulous! Sweep, damp mop, have a nice day!!!! Everyone comments on how great it looks, too! It is very easy to install, I did it myself. You can cut it to fit easiest ...»
with heavy duty kitchen shears (I had a hard time keeping the cut straight when I used a vinyl cutting blade tool. It was also difficult for me to press hard enough to cut all the way through the backing. I have weak hands.)
Preparation to the concrete before laying vinyl is sweep to make sure any tiny debris is removed, or it will poke through the vinyl and make a bump. I swept, vacuumed, and then mopped. Fan dried the floor. Applied the adhesive to half of the floor, rolled it out, and then applied it to the other half and kept rolling. Make sure the vinyl roll is set on the floor so it will roll away from you, it will work easiest that way. You can rent a roller to roll across the floor (smooths the vinyl and helps bind it to the adhesive and concrete) or you can improvise with a dust mop and books placed on the frame to weight it down. Finish off threshold seams with a self adhesive strip to match.
The hardest part was getting it from the store to the basement....but a couple of good friends make great helpers!
Easy peasy!!! Best wishes, good luck!

on Mar 12, 2012 · Like 0
Mark Potter Lagrangeville, NY

Sheet vinyl on concrete probably wouldn't be in your best interest, i think it will be to hard of a serface even if you glued it down the mosture wont hold it very well.
I would do a rug or tile.

on Mar 12, 2012 · Like 0
Mark Potter Lagrangeville, NY

Or even laminate.

on Mar 12, 2012 · Like 0
Bonnie Lebanon, MO

The sheet vinyl has been down my concrete floor in the basement for 13 years now. Still looks great, still holding just like new.

on Mar 13, 2012 · Like 1
Its Really Concrete, Inc. Marietta, GA

tile will eventually loosen & pop off due to water infiltration & subsequent freezing,,, sheet goods will stay in place once you lay it on a warm day but there will be a stained area when you finally remove it - howzabout some indoor/outdoor carpet instead ? i doubt your son OR anyone else would be able to notice a difference in temp from what's now vs tile or sheet goods - carpet would definitely be warmer for a crumb muncher ;-)

on Mar 19, 2012 · Like 0
Susan H

I would put down an indoor-outdoor rug..

on Apr 10, 2012 · Like 0
Therese C Greenfield, IA

If kids are using this area I would use one sheet vinyl. Tile squares leave small cracks that absorb stains and liquids that can eventually end up becoming mold under the edges and be very unhealthy. One sheet vinyl gives quick clean up and a smoother surface. Depending on your sons age you may want to put a big throw rug down for warmth and comfort over the vinyl. I found one that looks like a race track and town for my grandson. I wash the rug as often as necessary and he is one happy little guy!

on May 26, 2012 · Like 0
Jeanette S Atlanta, GA

On a screen porch, I would seal concrete and use an inexpensive decorative rug.

on May 30, 2012 · Like 0