Easy Interior Improvement: Replace Your RV's Tile Flooring
04-20-2018
Author: in RV Repairs / Maintenance / Upgrades
Whether you have carpeting or tile, very little takes more of a beating in your RV than the flooring. As gravel and mud is tracked in—especially in homes with pets—the floors require frequent sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and steaming. Plus, the more you use the floors, the more you need to clean them, and the faster they begin to scuff or wear out. Tiles or linoleum develops cracks from U.V. and items falling on them while traveling. At some point, it may be a good idea to replace it. Depending on the method you choose to replace your flooring, here are a few of the supplies you may need.
If you plan to replace part—or all—of the living space flooring with carpet, check out "Easy Interior Improvement: Replace Your RV's Carpeting."
Take your tape measure and meticulously measure the area where you are going to replace the current flooring. If you have slide-outs, take that space into consideration, as well since you may want to carpet them. Also measure around each of the cabinets and document these measurements to figure the total square footage of the area and determine how much flooring is needed.
Choose Your Flooring
Along with carpet, there are several types of materials you can use to floor your RV. A few of the most popular options—and easiest—are laminate wood flooring, linoleum, and peel and stick vinyl.
Keep in mind that if your RV has a slide, you should be careful installing flooring under the slide-out space. Since the slide-out moves in and out, you might have problems with it scraping against certain types of floors. Keeping the existing carpeting or re-carpeting the slide-out is an easy option.
Remove Furnishings
Start by taking out any pieces of furniture that you can. Although these aren't terribly easy to remove, they aren't incredibly complicated either. For the most part, sofas, tables, and chairs are merely bolted to the floor. You might, however, need assistance for the heavier items. This is especially true if you intend to take them out the front door. Cabinets and appliances are more permanently affixed. Often, the flooring stops at these areas, so unless you're planning a total renovation, it's easier to just remove the flooring around them.
Wear appropriate eye gear and a face mask or respirator to avoid getting chemicals, mold, or even carpet particles in your eyes and lungs. Then, use a utility knife to pry up the edges of the existing carpet, linoleum, or tile. Start at one corner and begin pulling it up. You may need to use a knife or a scraper to remove any backing that remains. If necessary, use a chemical adhesive remover to get rid of any glue that remains. Then use a mild detergent like Dawn dish soap with water to clean the flooring. Make sure to allow sufficient time for it to dry—probably overnight—before attempting the next step.
Peel and Stick Tiles
Once you have a clean floor, absent of any adhesive, one of the easiest flooring options is peel and stick tiles. They work exactly as the name says,
Fabricated Wood Laminate
With fabricated wood laminate, you should use an underlayment. Place the underlayment and then snap together the wood laminate sections.
Linoleum
With linoleum, you want to use an underlayment, as well. Then roll the linoleum from one side of the room to the other, affixing it to the padding.
In Conclusion
Changing the flooring is a great project for a handy DIYer. If you prefer to put forth less expense and effort, you can use runners or area rugs. These protect the floor underneath while updating the appearance of the interior. The same as bedding and throw pillows, they spruce up the interior with minimal work.
- Tape measure
- Protective gear (safety glasses, gloves, a face mask or respirator)
- Utility knife
- Scraper
- Flooring (laminate wood and laminate flooring underlayment, linoleum and adhesive, tiles, or vinyl tiles)
- Carpet you may want for under the furniture or on slide-outs
If you plan to replace part—or all—of the living space flooring with carpet, check out "Easy Interior Improvement: Replace Your RV's Carpeting."
Related Read: Easy Interior Improvement: Replace Your RV's Carpeting
Measure the SpaceTake your tape measure and meticulously measure the area where you are going to replace the current flooring. If you have slide-outs, take that space into consideration, as well since you may want to carpet them. Also measure around each of the cabinets and document these measurements to figure the total square footage of the area and determine how much flooring is needed.
Choose Your Flooring
Along with carpet, there are several types of materials you can use to floor your RV. A few of the most popular options—and easiest—are laminate wood flooring, linoleum, and peel and stick vinyl.
Keep in mind that if your RV has a slide, you should be careful installing flooring under the slide-out space. Since the slide-out moves in and out, you might have problems with it scraping against certain types of floors. Keeping the existing carpeting or re-carpeting the slide-out is an easy option.
Remove Furnishings
Start by taking out any pieces of furniture that you can. Although these aren't terribly easy to remove, they aren't incredibly complicated either. For the most part, sofas, tables, and chairs are merely bolted to the floor. You might, however, need assistance for the heavier items. This is especially true if you intend to take them out the front door. Cabinets and appliances are more permanently affixed. Often, the flooring stops at these areas, so unless you're planning a total renovation, it's easier to just remove the flooring around them.
Related Read: Choosing Replacement RV Floors
Remove the Old FlooringWear appropriate eye gear and a face mask or respirator to avoid getting chemicals, mold, or even carpet particles in your eyes and lungs. Then, use a utility knife to pry up the edges of the existing carpet, linoleum, or tile. Start at one corner and begin pulling it up. You may need to use a knife or a scraper to remove any backing that remains. If necessary, use a chemical adhesive remover to get rid of any glue that remains. Then use a mild detergent like Dawn dish soap with water to clean the flooring. Make sure to allow sufficient time for it to dry—probably overnight—before attempting the next step.
Peel and Stick Tiles
Once you have a clean floor, absent of any adhesive, one of the easiest flooring options is peel and stick tiles. They work exactly as the name says,
Fabricated Wood Laminate
With fabricated wood laminate, you should use an underlayment. Place the underlayment and then snap together the wood laminate sections.
Linoleum
With linoleum, you want to use an underlayment, as well. Then roll the linoleum from one side of the room to the other, affixing it to the padding.
In Conclusion
Changing the flooring is a great project for a handy DIYer. If you prefer to put forth less expense and effort, you can use runners or area rugs. These protect the floor underneath while updating the appearance of the interior. The same as bedding and throw pillows, they spruce up the interior with minimal work.
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Author: Carrie Todd
