I Don't Need No Stinking Tape Measure!

I started the revamp of our laundry room while our place was still vacant.  I bought the supplies, but didn't really think about what other types of tools I would need to complete the job.  Like a tape measure.  Pfft.  Who needs a tape measure?

(as the font is much too small, the top arrow says '1/2 through taping I got brave enough to try cutting in', bottom arrow says 'essential beverage for DIY')

I also felt that the 'instructions' for laying out the floor all perpendicular and straight was just lay too much work.  I do not plan, I do.  Really though, I kid, I just plan for a living, and when I get home it's the last thing I want to do.  We were also working on a timeline.

So I went all willy-nilly and layed down the first tile in that back left corner you see in the picture above.  SURPRISE!  The floor/walls/baseboard was not straight.  Le Sigh.

This is what I ended up with on 1 wall, and the exact opposite occurrence on the other wall. 

So how does one lay vinyl tile in an uneven room without a measuring tape?

Step 1: Dry Fit first 3 tiles along corner of wall

Step 2: Peal off backing and line corners of tiles up PERFECTLY on those first 3 tiles.  This will provide your lines for the remainder of the project, screw it up now and you will have gaps between the tiles further along the line.

Step 3: Lay remainder of full tiles.  Again make sure you are lining everything up PERFECT

Step 4: For Partial Tiles, use the whole tile closest to the wall as a guide.  Stand the tile at an angle and mark where to make your cuts. 

Step 5: Score tile and bend from the scored side for a clean cut.  (Tip! use a factory edge from another tile to make sure your score line is straight.  Peel the backing a bit and lay on top of the tile to be cut.  This will ensure your straightedge doesn't move while scoring).

***Be sure to always use the factory edge against full tiles.  Use the cut edge against the wall, you can always hide minor mistakes with caulking later on** 

Step 6: Repeat and lay all partial tile cuts.  (Tip! Often the cut you made on Side A of the room will match the angle needed on Side B of the room, so be sure to utilize these for less work)

Step 7: Caulk line between baseboard and tile, this will hide any imperfections or mistakes you may have made in cutting.

If you have tough, non-straight cuts (around molding) you can use the paper backings to make a template for your cut.  This way you still won't need a measuring tape!

So the a few hours later and the floor was completed.  Only 1 small paint booboo while my maiden voyage was made while not using painters tape.

And doesnt this vinyl tile look 10 million times better than the sheet vinyl that was previously installed?  Not bad for about $35 in materials and supplies.

Of course we will have a full run down of the completed project after cabinets, a new light, the upholstered backsplash, countertop, shelves and art go up this weekend.