Has anyone replaced carpeting with rubber flooring tiles? I've read through many threads about vinyl tile, cork, and wood floor replacments, but see no one using rubber tiles. These have no adhesive, but channels that lock them in place next to each other.... Hubby is wild about them, and I wanted to make sure there was no downside? We do not move the Airstream...it is our campsite on our farm, so I'm not that concerned about tiles breaking during movement. Sandy
I have no direct experience with rubber floor tiles, but there is every reason to believe they would have similar properties as any other type of tile, with regard to temperature swings, would.
If you plan to keep your Ambassador at a constant temperature year-round, Hubby's preference would work just fine. But if your Airstream's interior is not temperature regulated through summer & winter, I would expect that you will see gaps develop between the tiles over time.
The tiles themselves will not necessarily be damaged, but the gaps will allow dirt & water to accumulate.
I haven't seen the product yet; only on the internet. I think I will want the colour LAVA in my scheme.
Where are you located?
Heavy? Expensive? Easy to click-lay?
I think I will lay it pretty well wall to wall, front to back, even under the galley counter (before we build it). I don't like that unfinished look of raw plywood everytime you open a door.
It can only be a few square feet extra to do that.
Actually, just found out it is flexible PVC...much nicer than rubber. My hubby is an engineer, and he has investigated rubber floorings. This sample we obtained because of the wonderful range of brilliant colors and texture designs. Go to floorsurfaces.com and you will see the tile choices. They are about $3.75/ 12" X 12" tile,when you buy over 100. They also do any custom color! They have a channel lock system on 2 sides, and you push down on each corner of a channel, and then use like a wall-paper roller or spoon, to lock the rest down inbetween the ends (this doesn't stretch the tile). They lock up nice and tight. No adhesives...the best part. For areas we will go up the wall, or piece, you use a rotary blade and bend the tile, and then finish the cut. It makes a clean cut. Then up the sides of the wall, you use a Liquid Nail product. They have free samples....and will send you a whole one, too. They need to be 60 to 70 degrees to install....that makes them easier to couple.
Off the top of my head I can't tell you what other choices weigh. These are 1.20 lbs each - certainly more than Marmoleum or some other sheet product. I figure it would add about 150 lbs to my FC. Is that insignificant?
Mark
Sorry for misleading everyone....I just found out these "rubber tiles" are really "flexible PVC". I found out when I ordered them!
I just checked out marmoleum and they do have some great bright colors! I still like the flexible PVC tiles, because they have a neat cross grid texture to them. I just ordered 150 of these tiles, so we'll let everyone know how they work out. Probably won't install them til the spring. They are an Xmas present for Hubby! His favorite color is orange, and these tiles are, of course, orange! The installation is supposed to be a breeze, and they are easy to cut (or so they say). I just talked to Andy at Inland RV Center and he gave me valuable information on leveling, stabilizing and weathering the Airstream, which we need to do ASAP, apparently! Yikes! Glad I talked to him! As you can tell, we're new owners of a gently used Airstream! Sandy
You've lost me...Yes, about 25 tiles weigh 32 pounds. Are you talking about added weight for towing? I didn't think about that, but since our Airstream is in a stationary position in the field of our farm (no plans to take it on the road), I'm not bothered about towing extra weight. Is that what you were trying to tell thick headed me? I don't know what FC stands for???
Sorry I wasn't more clear, yes I was thinking of towing and I realize you don't plan on towing. But also because the frames, especially on the older trailers, are amazingly "light" (as in, I can hardly believe there isn't "more" to them), others will know better whether another 1.20 lbs per sq. ft. amounts to anything to worry about (I'd guess not). Basically I was pointing out that they weigh significantly more than a sq. ft. of sheet vinyl or marmoleum.
And FC stands for the AirStream Model Named Flying Cloud. Hope you enjoy your floor, I'd be interested to hear what you think after they are in use.
Mark
If anyone reading this thread likes the idea of a PVC floor covering but does not mind if it is in all one color then check out the following web site:
This is single sheet stuff that runs about $2.14 per square foot for a 7.5' x 20' roll. They have other sizes and patterns too. The neat thing is that I think the 7.5' wide stuff would be perfect for an AS - at least for my 1973'. If I am remembering correctly it runs about 88" wide at the widest part of the floor. 7.5' is 90" wide so there would be a little to trim off. I have been pretty frustrated with the thought that products like Marmoleum come in 7' wide rolls.
I have not bought anything from these guys so I wonder if anyone can comment on these products?
We replaced our tired carpet with solid rubber floor tiles last year. What an improvement! The rubber flooring is easy to keep clean and is comfortable to walk on. This is the same material that is used in extreme high traffic areas such as hospitals or airports. It comes in many colors and profiles.(raised squares or dots are the most popular) The tiles come in 18x18 and 24x24 sizes I believe. They are relatively easy to install and should last the lifetime of your coach. Ours are manufactured by Johnsonite--Roundel is the name of the product line. It is another alternative to ho-hum flooring!
Juergen
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Rubber floor tiles???
Not rubber tiles, these are flexible PVC!
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