Step 8: Install shoe molding

installing shoe molding when installing tiles
Photo: Shaffer Smith Photography
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After laying all of the tile, roll the entire floor with a baker's rolling pin or J-roller. That will ensure that every tile is firmly bonded to the underlayment.

Next, conceal the gap between the tiles and the baseboard molding by replacing the old shoe molding or installing new molding (as shown).

Secure the molding with 1 ½-inch (4d) finishing nails.

Tip: Don't wash the floor for at least five days; that gives the adhesive time to cure fully.
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    Tools List

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    • electric heat gun
      Electric heat gun,
      for softening tiles so they're easier to cut with a utility knife
    • tile cutter
      Vinyl tile cutter,
      available at rental shops for about $15 a day
    • chalk line
      Chalk line
    • utility knife
      Utility knife
    • 16-foot tape measure
      Tape measure
    • undercut saw
      Undercut saw (for trimming bottoms of door jamb and casing
    • push broom
      Dust broom
    • framing square
      Framing square
    • sanding pad
      Sanding pad with 100-grit paper,
      for sanding leveling compound
    • hammer
      Hammer
    • rolling pin
      Rolling pin or J-roller

    Shopping List

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    1. ADHESIVE-BACKED VINYL TILE

    2. LEVELING COMPOUND

    for underlayment



    3. PLASTIC BUCKET AND 6-INCH DRYWALL KNIFE

    for mixing and spreading leveling compound



    4. KNEEPADS

    5. SHOE MOLDING

    to conceal gap along baseboard



    6. 1 1/2-INCH (4D) FINISHING NAILS

    to attach shoe molding