Can I Put Thin Plywood Over a Missing Kitchen Floor Vinyl Tile?

Plywood Tile

• You can create a temporary plywood tile to fill in the gap. Measuring all sides of the gap in the missing tile space. Measure the depth of the gap as well to ensure that the plywood tile will be flush with the vinyl floor tiles. Check that your measurements are exact. If the plywood tile sits too high on the floor, it will be very easy to stumble over. Gaps around the edges may also cause tripping and collect debris that is difficult to remove. When the plywood is cut to your precise measurements, the back should be covered with mastic to adhere it to the subflooring.

Sealing and Patching

• Sometimes a vinyl floor tile can be sealed or patched instead of prying it up and throwing it away. Liquid seam sealer that is brushed onto the vinyl tile may fix small surface scratches or cuts without the need for a plywood tile. If the tile is too damaged to remain in place, using a tile from a kitchen pantry or from under a lower cabinet to replace it may be a better solution than a plywood tile.

Accent Tiles

• Vinyl flooring tiles can be hard to match. Tile styles may go out of production long before the floor wears out. If you cannot find matching tiles, consider rearranging the tiles on your floor and buying vinyl tiles in a contrasting color to create a design. You can still use plywood tiles as a temporary solution. Do not pry up these plywood tiles and throw them away when you are ready to install the accent tiles. The new tiles may need a slightly built up subfloor to keep them flush with the original tiles. You can sand or cut the plywood tiles so they are the correct thickness before installing the accent tiles.

Plywood Flooring

• Plywood flooring may be a permanent solution if you have a vinyl tile floor in which many of the tiles are damaged or keep lifting away from the subfloor. Braitman Design, a home remodeling firm, suggests that plywood flooring may be a short- to medium-term replacement solution. These floors come in a variety of grain designs and surface finishes. While the floor may not last for the life of your home, it can provide a solution for your vinyl floor tile problem and make an attractive decorative statement.