Have found some great retro Armstroing linoleum I would like to us in my 72 Safari, but the best colors are in tile and not sheet. I think I would prefer sheet becuase of the lessor number of seams. Does the tile show a lot of seams? Which looks better?
I think that tiles look way cooler that sheet flooring. Tiles add to the retro look, especiallt in some sort of checker board set up. Plus I think that tiles are easier to install.
Brian
__________________ SuEllyn & Brian McCabe WBCCI #3628 --- AIR #14872 2005 25' Safari FB (Lucy) with HAHA 2005 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Olivia) & 2004 Suburban 2500 Quadrasteer (Daisy)
A PO installed tile linolem in our '66. Obviously foot traffic is dirtier when you boondock camp so the dirt collects easier in the seams. I usually have to mop really good between camping trips. If you do mostly full hook-up camping the annoying problem is probably not so bad.
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Neil and Lynn Holman
FreshAir #12407
We used VCT tiles in our last trailer and never needed to replace it after 8 years of hard use. I thought it was easy to install because as you are trimming around the edges you are only working with small individual pieces. We did a retro checkerboard pattern and never really noticed the seams. Personally I would go with the type that you glue down, not the "peal and stick."
I like the look too, of checker-boarded tiles- when new. I can't imagine they'd still look good after a couple years of use, water spills, shrinkage, dirt, etc. But I don't have them, so don't know that for a fact. Hopefully somebody who has had this type of floor, with many seasons of use, will answer your question with more authority than me. Good luck!
There are a few other threads that discuss this issue. I evaluated and decided to go with sheet linoleum. Just so that it is said linoleum is much different than sheet vinyl. I used FORBO Artoleum festival yellow (same thing as marmoleum but no marbled pattern). If you are not going for a checker board pattern, sheet is a superior installation, no seams or few seams for water, shrinkage, etc. I have friends with tile lino in their homes and it is attractive, but not as nice as a sheet. The seams are the issue. Tile seams are not close to as what can be acheived with a sheet seam. If you get a good installer (Forbo certifies them) with a seam tool you can't see the seam unless you know where to look and look close. A drawback of sheet lino is that it is a tougher install and typically takes a pro. I did all my floor prep, made the pattern and cut the lino. The installer cut the seam and glued the flooring. I think I could have done the entire install if I had a seam tool. But I paid a pro for the install about the same amount as the cost of a seam tool.
When thinking about seams remember you are installing this product in a vehicle that flexes while in transit. Seams can open and let dirt in, then allow moisture in the seams... Not saying this is an absolute, but can happen. The negative of the sheet lino product is over time lino hardens and will most likely crack at any plywood seams in the trailer. I am familiar with a 6 year old lino install with no signs of cracks.
Have found some great retro Armstroing linoleum I would like to us in my 72 Safari, but the best colors are in tile and not sheet. I think I would prefer sheet becuase of the lessor number of seams. Does the tile show a lot of seams? Which looks better?
In time, the sheets will show cracks every 4 feet, exactly where the plywood floor seams are located.
Square tile is the best if you want tile. Make sure you seam the square tiles with the plywood seams.
In time, the sheets will show cracks every 4 feet, exactly where the plywood floor seams are located.
Square tile is the best if you want tile. Make sure you seam the square tiles with the plywood seams.
Andy
Apparently this means that 4) 12x12 inch tiles or 3) 16x16 inch tiles will fall at each seam? So are all Airstream floors laid out with 4" wide sheets of plywood laid longwise across the trailer width?
And do tiles come in those exact sizes or are they a bit under or over sized?
This would sure make installing a diagonal checkerboard a labor intensive job. So who needs a diagonal anyway?
I have used Marmoleum before in a remodel and more recently a retro tile. I like both, but agree the tiles are probably better for a vehicle being towed. Tiles went down easily and with tight seams and a speckled pattern the barely show.
I have vinyl squares in my bathroom. The seams are starting to show, and I'm getting some minor swelling of the wood under some of the seams. This is outside the shower and we are now careful to have a shower rug down when we step out.
If/when I redo the flooring in this area, I won't be putting in anything with so many seams.
Dave
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AIR #15800
"Wimpy" 1/2 ton 2002 GMC Sierra 4X4 Z-71 Gasser
2000 Safari SS 25'
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