Replacing RV flooring is a popular DIY upgrade for RV owners because it significantly enhances their space’s functionality and appearance. Given the unique demands of RV travel, where every square foot must endure high traffic, moisture, and constant movement, the flooring plays a crucial role in comfort and durability.
Although replacing the flooring in your RV may seem challenging, it’s a manageable endeavor for many DIYers with the right preparation. With some research and planning, you can tackle this project yourself and achieve a high-quality, professional-looking finish. Proper preparation includes gathering necessary tools, understanding the steps for removal and installation, and choosing the right material.
In the following blog post, we’ll explore choosing the right flooring material, the tools you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions on removing old flooring, preparing the subfloor, and installing your new flooring to transform your RV.
Choosing the Right RV Flooring Material
Selecting the right flooring for your RV requires balancing aesthetics, durability, weight, and ease of installation. Here, we’ll explore the most popular flooring options that suit the unique needs of an RV environment, focusing on materials that are lightweight, tough-wearing, and easy to install on your own.
Popular Flooring Types for RVs
Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl plank flooring is highly water-resistant, durable, and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for RVs. This type of flooring comes in planks that mimic the look of wood, offering a stylish appearance without the maintenance needs of real wood.
Pros
- Water Resistance: Vinyl planks are resistant to water and spills, making them great for kitchens and bathrooms in an RV.
- Lightweight: Vinyl is generally lightweight so that it won’t add unnecessary weight to your RV.
- Easy Installation: Most vinyl planks use a click-lock system that’s simple to install, even for first-time DIYers.
- Affordability: Vinyl plank flooring is often less expensive than hardwood or luxury tile options.
Cons
- Temperature Sensitivity: Vinyl can expand or contract in extreme temperatures, so a small expansion gap around the edges is necessary.
- Prone to Scratches: Although durable, vinyl can scratch if not protected, especially in high-traffic areas.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is known for its durability and realistic wood-like appearance. It’s thicker and generally heavier than vinyl but can work well in an RV if weight isn’t a primary concern.
Pros
- Durable Surface: Laminate resists dents and scratches, making it suitable for areas with high foot traffic.
- Stylish Aesthetic: Laminate’s realistic wood grain options add warmth and sophistication to the RV’s interior.
- Click-Lock Installation: Like vinyl plank, laminate often uses a click-lock installation system that’s accessible for DIY installation.
Cons
- Moisture Vulnerability: Laminate is not as water-resistant as vinyl, making it more susceptible to damage from spills or humidity.
- Higher Weight: Laminate tends to be heavier than vinyl, which may affect fuel consumption and/or towability.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
LVT combines vinyl’s durability and water resistance with a high-end, realistic look that mimics tile or stone. This flooring is ideal for RV owners who want a polished, sophisticated appearance in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Pros
- Realistic Tile Look: LVT’s authentic-looking textures and colors bring a premium look to the RV interior.
- Highly Water-Resistant: LVT’s resistance to water and moisture makes it a practical choice for kitchen and bathroom areas.
- Resilient and Comfortable: LVT has a resilient surface, making it comfortable underfoot and durable for long-term use.
Cons
- Higher Cost: LVT tends to be more expensive than standard vinyl plank flooring.
- Heavier Weight: Although lighter than stone or ceramic, LVT still adds more weight than standard vinyl.
Sheet Vinyl
Sheet vinyl is budget-friendly, water-resistant, and easy to install in large, open spaces, making it a good choice for RV areas without many obstructions. The trick is to be careful and precise when cutting to fit around obstructions.
Pros
- Lightweight and Affordable: Sheet vinyl is among the lightest and most affordable options for RV flooring, ideal for budget-conscious DIY projects.
- Water Resistance: It’s water-resistant, making it practical for kitchen and bathroom use.
- Ease of Installation: In large, uninterrupted spaces, sheet vinyl can be installed quickly, though precision cutting is needed around cabinets and fixtures.
Cons
- Seam Challenges: Installing sheet vinyl in smaller or irregular spaces can be tricky, as seams or fitting issues can detract from the final look.
- Durability: Sheet vinyl can wear out faster in high-traffic areas and may require replacement sooner than other options.
Tools and Materials Needed for Replacing RV Flooring
The right tools and materials are essential for a smooth, professional-looking flooring installation. This section outlines everything you’ll need, from the tools required to remove the old floor and prepare the subfloor to those needed to install the new flooring and finish it with clean edges and transitions.
Tools
Whether you’re installing vinyl planks, laminate, or carpet tiles, here’s a list of essential tools to have on hand:
- Utility Knife: For cutting carpets, vinyl sheets, and other soft materials. Look for a retractable knife with extra blades on standby, as they can dull quickly.
- Pry Bar: To lift and remove old flooring materials, including glued-down vinyl or laminate, and pry off any baseboards or moldings.
- Hammer: Essential for removing nails and helping remove old carpet strips and tack boards.
- Measuring Tape: Precise measurements are crucial for cutting new flooring to fit your space accurately. Be sure to measure twice and cut once.
- Straight Edge or T-Square: A straight edge is necessary for precise cuts, especially when working with vinyl planks or sheet vinyl.
- Adhesive Remover: If the existing flooring is glued down, an adhesive remover is crucial for removing sticky residue, which can affect the new flooring’s adherence.
- Scraper: A handheld scraper will help remove glue, adhesive, and any residue left on the subfloor after removing the old flooring.
- Flooring Spacers: Use spacers along the walls for floating floors like vinyl planks or laminate to maintain an expansion gap. This allows the floor to expand and contract with temperature changes without buckling.
Safety Equipment
- Gloves: Protects your hands from sharp edges, adhesives, and potential splinters.
- Dust Mask: Important when tearing up old flooring, especially if it generates dust or contains adhesives.
- Knee Pads: Since flooring removal and installation involves a lot of kneeling, knee pads will help prevent discomfort and protect your joints.
- Gloves: Wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from sharp nails, splinters, or other potentially harmful debris.
- Dust Mask: Removal of flooring, especially carpet, can kick up dust and small particles. A dust mask keeps you safe from inhaling harmful particles.
- Knee Pads: Kneeling for extended periods can be hard on your joints, so invest in knee pads for comfort and protection.
Materials
Gathering the right materials ensures you’re ready for each stage of the flooring replacement process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- New Flooring Material of Choice: Choose your preferred material based on the factors covered earlier (vinyl planks, laminate, sheet vinyl, etc.). Ensure you purchase slightly more material than the square footage of the space to account for cutting and mistakes.
- Adhesive (if needed): Depending on the type of flooring, you may need adhesive. Sheet vinyl and certain types of tiles often require specific adhesives, while most vinyl planks and laminate do not.
- Underlayment (if needed): Some flooring types, especially vinyl planks and laminate, require an underlayment to provide cushioning, noise reduction, and a moisture barrier. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to see if underlayment is necessary.
- Floor Patch Compound: Use this compound to repair and level any imperfections or holes in the subfloor. A smooth, even subfloor is critical for a professional finish.
- Transition Strips: Transition strips are used to create smooth, safe transitions between different flooring materials (e.g. carpet to vinyl) or between different rooms in the RV.
- Moldings or Baseboards: These help cover edges and gaps around the floor’s perimeter for a clean finish. Baseboards like laminate and vinyl planks are also helpful in concealing the expansion gap for floating floors.
Removing the Old RV Flooring
Removing the old flooring is crucial in ensuring that your new floor will sit evenly and adhere properly. It’s also an opportunity to inspect the subfloor for any signs of damage that may need repair before moving forward. This process requires patience and attention to detail, especially in an RV where space is limited and fixtures may be permanently installed.
Safety First
Before you begin, put on the safety gear mentioned above – dust mask, knee pads, and gloves.
Removing flooring of any kind will kick up years of accumulated dust and other particles both above and below the floor. You may find other surprises, like partial nails or loose staples. Your safety equipment will ensure you’re not finding these items with your bare hands and knees.
Removing Carpet
If your RV has carpet flooring, here’s a step-by-step guide to removing it effectively:
- Cutting the Carpet into Sections: Cut the carpet into manageable sections. Use a utility knife to slice through the carpet and padding, and start in a corner. Cutting it into smaller pieces makes removing it much easier, especially in a tight space like an RV.
- Pulling Up the Carpet: Once you have a manageable section, start pulling it up. You may need to use the pry bar to help lift the carpet attached to the floor with tack strips or adhesive. Be cautious and avoid damaging the subfloor as you work.
- Removing Adhesive and Staples: If the carpet was glued down, use adhesive remover and a scraper to remove any residue left behind. Remove all staples using the pry bar or a staple puller for stapled carpet. Ensuring all staples and adhesive are cleared will prevent lumps under your new flooring.
Removing Vinyl or Laminate Flooring
The removal process is a bit different but still straightforward for vinyl or laminate. Here’s how:
- Lifting the Edges: Find an edge or corner of the vinyl or laminate that you can lift with a pry bar. Carefully work the pry bar under the material, loosening it without damaging the subfloor.
- Prying Up Sections: Work the pry bar along the edges to lift the flooring in sections. Some types of laminate and vinyl are installed in interlocking planks, which must be pulled apart individually.
- Removing Adhesive Residue: If adhesive was used, apply an adhesive remover and scrape away the remaining glue. Getting a smooth, clean surface for the new floor is essential to prevent bumps or uneven spots.
Clearing Debris and Nails
After you’ve removed the old flooring, it’s critical to clear away any leftover debris, staples, nails, or adhesive residue. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Nails and Staples: Double-check that all nails and staples are removed to avoid damaging the new flooring or causing injury.
- Adhesive Residue: Use the adhesive remover to clear any sticky residue completely.
- Sweep and Vacuum: Once you’ve removed all the large debris, sweep and vacuum the area thoroughly. This helps create a smooth base for the next step.
By carefully removing the old flooring and clearing the area, you’re setting the foundation for a smooth and durable installation of your new flooring.
Preparing the Subfloor
Preparing the subfloor is essential to achieving a smooth, professional-looking floor installation in your RV. A well-prepared subfloor provides a solid base for the new flooring, enhancing durability and appearance. This step involves inspecting for damage, repairing any issues, and ensuring a smooth, even surface for a professional look that will last for years.
Inspecting for Damage
Before any repairs, thoroughly inspect the subfloor for signs of water damage, rot, or structural issues. These problems are common in RVs due to exposure to the elements and changes in humidity.
- Water Damage: Look for discoloration, warping, or a soft, spongy feel to the subfloor. These are classic signs of water damage and may indicate moisture infiltration from leaks or spills.
- Rot and Mold: Inspect for mold growth if you see dark spots or smell a musty odor. Rotting wood must be replaced, as it compromises the floor’s integrity and can spread over time.
- Structural Issues: There may be deeper structural concerns if the subfloor feels uneven or unstable. While minor repairs can be handled with patching, significant damage may require professional attention or replacing subfloor sections.
Repairing the Subfloor
Once the inspection is complete, address any damage to the subfloor. Here’s how to make basic repairs to ensure a sturdy foundation for the new flooring.
- Patching Small Holes or Cracks: Use a floor patch compound for minor damage. Apply the compound with a putty knife to fill holes, cracks, or small indentations in the subfloor, then smooth it out to ensure an even surface. Allow it to dry as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replacing Damaged Sections: For extensive damage, such as large areas of rot, you may need to replace part of the subfloor. Carefully cut out the damaged section and install a new piece of plywood or compatible subfloor material, securing it with screws or nails. Be sure the replacement piece is level with the surrounding subfloor to avoid bumps in the new flooring.
- Sanding Rough Areas: After repairs, sand down rough spots to create a smooth surface. An even subfloor is critical to prevent uneven planks and ensure a snug, professional fit, especially for click-lock flooring.
Smoothing and Cleaning the Surface
Once repairs are complete, take the time to ensure the subfloor is perfectly clean and smooth:
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Use a vacuum to remove all dust, dirt, and debris, as even small particles can affect the adherence and smoothness of the new flooring.
- Check for Level: Run your hand over the subfloor to feel for any lingering rough areas or small bumps that may need extra sanding or patching.
- Inspect for Final Touches: Double-check that there are no stray nails, staples, or debris, as any leftover material can damage the new flooring or cause uneven surfaces.
Installing Underlayment (If Needed)
Some flooring types, like vinyl planks or laminate, may require an underlayment. Underlayment provides extra cushioning, sound insulation, and, in some cases, a moisture barrier that helps prolong the life of the flooring.
When to Use Underlayment
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your flooring material to see if underlayment is recommended. For example, laminate often uses underlayment to provide a sound buffer and make the floor more comfortable underfoot. It’s also helpful in reducing minor imperfections in the subfloor.
How to Install Underlayment
- Position: Unroll the underlayment and place it across the floor, ensuring that it is flush against walls and fixtures.
- Secure: Tape seams as directed to keep the underlayment in place.
- Trim: Trim around any obstacles with a utility knife for a snug fit.
Installing the New Flooring
With your subfloor prepped and underlayment (if needed) in place, you’re ready to install the new flooring. This process involves careful planning and patience to ensure your new floor looks polished and fits seamlessly around fixtures and walls.
Starting in the Right Place
To achieve a balanced, professional look, start your installation along the longest, straightest wall or in a corner. This starting point helps create a clean, even line you can build from, keeping the installation process aligned and orderly.
For most flooring types, working from one side of the room to the other is advisable, moving gradually across the space. This approach minimizes the need for adjustments and ensures that any necessary cuts are made along the edges, where they’ll be less noticeable.
Installing Vinyl Planks or Laminate
Most vinyl planks or laminate come with a click-lock system that simplifies installation. Here’s how to install them:
- Lay the First Row: Begin with the first plank or tile in your starting corner, placing spacers between the plank and the wall to allow for expansion. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on the specific gap required – typically around a quarter-inch.
- Click-Lock Mechanism: Align the edge of the next plank with the previous one at a slight angle, pressing down until you hear or feel it click into place. Continue this process across the row until it’s complete, then move on to the next row.
- Trimming Planks: When you reach the end of a row, you’ll likely need to trim the final plank to fit. Measure the space carefully, marking where you need to cut, and then use a utility knife or saw to make a clean cut. Use any excess piece to start the next row if it fits the staggered pattern.
- Using Spacers: Keep spacers between the planks and the walls as you work, maintaining the expansion gap around the room’s perimeter. This small gap allows the flooring to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes, preventing buckling.
- Stagger the Planks: For a natural-looking finish, stagger the ends of the planks so that the seams don’t line up row to row. This staggering creates a more organic pattern, like natural wood flooring, and adds stability to the floor.
Installing Sheet Vinyl
Installing sheet vinyl can be more challenging due to the large, continuous sheets, but it also means you can quickly cover a lot of area (as long as you take your time with the edges).
- Lay Out the Vinyl: Roll out the sheet vinyl across the floor, aligning it as closely as possible to your chosen starting edge. Use a straight edge to trim excess material along the perimeter, leaving enough to fit around fixtures.
- Fitting Around Fixtures and Corners: For precise cuts around obstacles like cabinets or walls, use a utility knife to make small relief cuts, allowing the vinyl to fit snugly. Work slowly and carefully; uneven cuts will be more visible with sheet vinyl than planks or tiles.
- Securing the Vinyl: If using the loose-lay method, let the weight of the vinyl hold it in place without adhesive. Use an adhesive as the manufacturer directs for more stability, especially in high-traffic areas. Apply adhesive as needed, then press the vinyl firmly into place, smoothing out any bubbles.
- Trimming and Seaming: Trim excess vinyl along walls and fixtures for a clean, custom fit. If you’re working with multiple sheets, use a seam sealer or double-sided tape to secure seams between sections and prevent lifting over time.
Finishing Touches
With the flooring fully installed, add the final touches to ensure a polished, professional look. This includes transition strips and moldings that give a clean finish and protect the edges of the flooring.
- Transition Strips: Install transition strips between different flooring types, such as between carpeted and vinyl sections or where one room meets another. These strips cover height differences between materials, making the transition smooth and safe.
- Baseboards and Moldings: Reinstall or add new baseboards and moldings along the room’s edges. These hide the expansion gaps and give the floor a polished, finished look. Depending on the type, attach moldings using nails or adhesive, and ensure they sit flush against the floor and wall.
By carefully following each step, you’ll achieve a professional-looking floor that adds both style and functionality to your RV.
Enjoy Your Upgraded RV Interior
Congratulations on completing your RV flooring replacement! You’ve enhanced the durability and aesthetic appeal of your space and increased its longevity and comfort. New flooring makes a significant difference, transforming your RV’s entire look and feel.
With your upgraded flooring in place, enjoy the ease of cleaning and maintenance and the enhanced value this project brings to your RV. Take pride in your accomplishment and consider it a stepping stone for more DIY improvements. If you’re looking for further inspiration, check out other DIY RV upgrade articles on RVT.com to continue making the most of your home on wheels.
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