Updating the Flooring in Our Pop-Up Camper: A DIY Guide
Hi! Welcome to Campfire Travelers. Back in 2015, we transformed our little pop-up camper into a shining, clean, and updated home on wheels for less than $1000. We took what we learned and wanted to help others in their own DIY RV renovation. You can learn more here. And if you ever have any questions please feel free to contact us here.
In this blog post, we will be sharing our experience of installing peel and stick vinyl floor tiles in our RV. We opted for this type of flooring solution due to its durability, ease of installation, and affordability. The original vinyl floor in our RV was stained but still in good shape, but we wanted to update it to give the interior a fresh new look. After much research and shopping around, we finally settled on Armstrong peel-and-stick tiles from Home Depot. In this post, we will share with you the steps and tips we learned along the way to make the installation process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you are a seasoned DIYer or a beginner, this post will provide you with the information you need to tackle this renovation project and give your RV's floors a much-needed upgrade.
After being covered in spray paint for well over a week I decided it was time to give my lungs and nerves a break and move on to the floors. The original vinyl was stained but was still in good shape. No tears or areas missing. But we wanted to update it nonetheless.
We debated quite a bit about which way to go with the floors. Since we didn't remove the cabinets we knew we couldn't go with wood because the doors and drawers would be affected. A sheet of new vinyl seemed the smartest idea, but it did not sound appealing to work with. The next answer was peel-and-stick vinyl tiles. We have installed these before with good luck and are incredibly pleased with how well they hold up.
The next choice to make was the style - we were instantly drawn to the wood plank tiles from Lowe's that we've worked with before. Unfortunately, we agreed that the dark brown cabinets and a dark brown floor would be too overwhelming for such a small space.
Though there are a few lighter wood options, we didn't love any of them and moved on to tiles. After a few different trips to the big box home improvement stores, we finally agreed on an Armstrong peel-and-stick tile from Home Depot.
We purchased two boxes with the thought that there would be a ton of cutting and sadly lots of waste and to have some leftovers, just in case. We ended up perfectly, with just about 3 tiles left.
**2023 Update: Like most things 5 years old, both of these vinyl styles are no longer available, but there are SO many new options at both Lowe’s and Home Depot.
If you've never done peel and stick, there's nothing to it! You need a sharp box cutter, a steel framing square, and a cutting surface. Prep the old surface by giving it a good scrub. Some folks use a primer, but I have never felt a need. You can make a call based on your own research. (This blog post by House of Smiths was our reference when we first started playing around with peel and stick. I sure love those Smiths, they're awesome.) Next, pick a corner to start from - I like to work from the most concealed corner outward. Take your time. Measure twice, and cut once.
The hardest part, of course, is the fact that the camper is not square! So quite a few cuts had to be at angles or odd corners. But once I found my groove, the whole camper took about an afternoon.
DIY RV Flooring Transformation: The Best Way to Install Peel and Stick Tiles
RV flooring can take a beating from foot traffic, spills, and dirt, so it's not surprising that many RV owners look for ways to update their floors. A popular solution is to install peel-and-stick tiles, which are a great option for DIYers and provide a quick and affordable solution to tired and worn-out floors. In this blog post, we'll show you the best way to install peel-and-stick tiles in your RV, from preparing the surface to cutting the tiles to fit perfectly.
Step 1: Preparing the Surface - The key to successful peel-and-stick tile installation is a clean and smooth surface. Start by removing any old flooring and thoroughly cleaning the subfloor to remove dirt and debris. Use a sandpaper or grinder to remove any rough spots, and be sure to sweep or vacuum the subfloor to remove any sawdust.
Step 2: Measuring and Planning the Layout - Measure your RV floor, making note of any obstructions like cabinets or furniture. Plan the layout of your tiles to minimize the number of cuts and waste. Be sure to dry-fit the tiles before applying them, to ensure a proper fit.
Step 3: Applying the Tiles - Begin by peeling the backing off the first tile and placing it in the corner of the room, starting with the wall. Firmly press the tile into place, making sure there are no bubbles or wrinkles. Repeat the process with the next tile, making sure to stagger the seams for a more professional look.
Step 4: Cutting the Tiles to Fit - As you work, you'll encounter areas where you need to cut the tiles to fit. Use a sharp utility knife or tile cutter to make precise cuts, and be sure to measure and mark the tile accurately before cutting.
Step 5: Sealing the Edges - Once you have installed all the tiles, it's important to seal the edges to prevent water damage and dirt from seeping into the subfloor. Use silicone caulk or trim pieces to cover the edges, and be sure to caulk any gaps between the tiles and the wall.
With these tips, you can transform your RV flooring in no time, and enjoy a beautiful and durable new surface that will stand up to the rigors of life on the road. So why wait? Start your peel-and-stick tile installation today and give your RV a new lease on life!"
Once the floors were in it FINALLY felt like we were making progress! The colors of the cabinets and hardware came together perfectly in the color of the tiles and we instantly knew that was the right decision. Though I still wish the wood planks would have worked, we found a different way to bring in a natural element into the camper. We will talk about that next time!
If you’re curious about how we renovated any other parts of our 1999 Palomino pop-up camper please check out the links below or visit our main page here.
The BEST way to clean the canvas
Why we painted the furnace cover
Creating new blackout curtains
Creating a new nightlight and replacing outlets
And if you ever have any questions, please feel free to check out our FAQ to contact us or leave a comment below!
