Quick and dirty floor covering

[dontlookdown]

The floor covering in our utility room - v old vinyl floor tiles - is disintegrating. Pieces breaking off where the tiles have slipped. I need a quick and dirty replacement to tide us over until we redo the whole lot (kitchen/utiity/downstairs loo) in due course.

What's the best option in terms of ease of laying and modest cost? Hard floor not carpet. The subfloor is plywood sheets. Also, how much of a job is removing the old floor covering? Not only the tiles but also another layer of old sheet vinyl that has emerged from under the tiles too. I am guessing they will both have to come off...

Will be DIY'ing it most probably.

[OutInTheShed]

Difficulty of removal will depend on what they are stuck down with.
I'd start with chisels, scrapers and see if a hot air gun helps.

Vinyl flooring off a roll is perhaps most likely option, I'd maybe try a carpet remnants place, or a flooring co that does commercial work?
Or maybe seal and paint the floor?

[Panamax]

I'd only remove enough old stuff to give you a flat surface and then vinyl off a roll. No point taking chances until you're ready to do the new floor job properly.

[Lotobear]

Be aware that 'old vinyl floor tiles', notably of the type that start to break up (ie. brittle), very often contain asbestos in the tiles and/or the adhesive. You'd be well advised to have a sample tested before you do anything.

[PhilboSE]

Panamax said:

I'd only remove enough old stuff to give you a flat surface and then vinyl off a roll. No point taking chances until you're ready to do the new floor job properly.

This. Vinyl on a roll is a very different product from the stuff that was popularised in the 70s/80s. Depending on the area you want, you can probably get an end of roll from a shop for buttons. There are also online places that sell leftovers for small prices.

If it s all going to come up again later then rather than disturb the current floor (which might have asbestos/crysotile) you could skim it with levelling compound first.

[mikey_b]

Another vote for vinyl flooring from a roll. We have it in ours, it's actually quite nice stuff these days. Cheap, readily available in a massive variety of patterns and colours, easy to lay and cut, and waterproof/hardwearing. It's a great choice anyway for a room like a utility - we actually have it in both our bathrooms too, as it's warmer and softer underfoot than tiles.

[Simon_GH]

If the current surface is uneven with bits of broken tile etc, then you can also buy cheap bathroom carpet. It won’t look as good as vinyl but will help make the bumps.

[dontlookdown]

Asbestos in the old tiles is not what I wanted to hear! But yes the layer underneath the current layer is old enough tb be that sort of tile. Hmm.

[RGG]

I've read your post and see you don't want carpet.

I'd be tempted to put some self levelling compound down to cover the mess.

It won't add massively to the eventual proper job when that time comes.

It would be quick and easy and would be a decent temporary solution.