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slimitch · 12-08-2007, 09:10 AM

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?

**moosetags** · 12-08-2007, 09:14 AM

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

FreshAir · 12-08-2007, 09:16 AM

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.

BogieGolf · 12-08-2007, 09:55 AM

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."

tphan · 12-08-2007, 09:57 AM

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!

2airishuman · 12-08-2007, 10:56 AM

do glued flooring styles contribute to subfloor decline?

virtually every flooring material a/s now uses is attached only at the edges...

when i redid the carpet in the old moho, i used industrial carpet, glued and with a built in water blocking layer.

it seemed to work fine, but i've always wondered IF using glued flooring is a great idea..

has anyone who has glued down tile or carpet or vinyl had issues with the plywood subfloor as a result?

cheers
2air'

bikrmikey · 12-08-2007, 04:24 PM

Great question on the flooring.

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.

If you are looking for additional patterns you might try the Forbo lino product
Forbo Colors and Style or the artoleum collection Forbo Flooring - Prisma

Here is the link to the Forbo install guide http://www.forbolinoleumna.com/Modul...n%20manual.pdf

Inland RV Center, In · 12-08-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slimitch

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.

Andy

clancy_boy · 12-08-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

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

Good point, Andy. I seen this effect in buildings. Again, your knowledge comes out for the good of us all.

Distantdrummer · 04-21-2008, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

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?

KHarris · 04-21-2008, 08:57 PM

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.

Krista

Fyrzowt · 04-22-2008, 10:11 AM

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

Gerlach Dave · 11-18-2008, 06:30 PM

I used 12X 12 tiles from Home Despot, self adhesive type. I went over a well vacuumed floor and all looked great until the first trip where a seam opened up, not over a plywood joint either. Strange, I pried up the tiles, replaced them nice and tight and all was good for the week I was in the trailer, moved the trailer about ten miles back home and the seam opened up again. I figure there is a gremlin moving the tiles when I tow the trailer.

The gap thats opening up is about 1/2" wide and right across the galley area, really, not over a plywood joint, almost in the middle of the sheet. Very strange, I like the Linoleum floor look and will be putting that down next time I get a chance to do some work on Bella. I figure a free floating front to back floor is going to be best.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!.

Dave

gail · 11-18-2008, 07:24 PM

We need to redo our caravel's floor from carpet to?? What about a wood floor that uses the click system or the forbo click system, apparently no glue? any input would be appreciated.

Inland RV Center, In · 11-18-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerlach Dave

I used 12X 12 tiles from Home Despot, self adhesive type. I went over a well vacuumed floor and all looked great until the first trip where a seam opened up, not over a plywood joint either. Strange, I pried up the tiles, replaced them nice and tight and all was good for the week I was in the trailer, moved the trailer about ten miles back home and the seam opened up again. I figure there is a gremlin moving the tiles when I tow the trailer.

The gap thats opening up is about 1/2" wide and right across the galley area, really, not over a plywood joint, almost in the middle of the sheet. Very strange, I like the Linoleum floor look and will be putting that down next time I get a chance to do some work on Bella. I figure a free floating front to back floor is going to be best.

Thats my story and I'm sticking to it!.

Dave

You might consider dropping some of the underbelly, and checking the condition of the frame.

It's possible that the frame is separating because of severe rust.

Andy

overlander64 · 11-18-2008, 07:46 PM

Greetings Gail!

Quote:

Originally Posted by gail

We need to redo our caravel's floor from carpet to?? What about a wood floor that uses the click system or the forbo click system, apparently no glue? any input would be appreciated.

Five years ago, I had Armstrong laminate flooring with the integral pad installed in my Minuet over Armstrong Quiet Step underlayment. I am thrilled with the durability and easy cleaning of the product. I have what Armstrong called Light Wild Cherry as the finish, and it compliments the decor without competing -- my coach has many of its original Burnt Orange apointments and this did pose some difficulty. My coach also posed a challenge that you won't encounter -- my Minuet has composite aluminum floors attached with rows of rivets that had to be concealed by the floor covering.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

mrauch · 11-18-2008, 08:48 PM

I am finishing up renovation of interior on our 66 Caravel and am about to install the new floor. We have decided on marmoleum "Click" (Forbo) in the 12" squares. It will be a tan and gray checkerboard pattern. The floating floor idea makes sense to me. We shall see how it works out.

Mark

Alumanutz · 11-18-2008, 10:11 PM

Please keep us posted. Many of us are about to take this step!

NUTZ

utee94 · 11-19-2008, 06:48 AM

Many of our vintage trailers originally came with glue-down tiles. In the "unmolested" areas of my trailer, these are still present and have lasted 40+ years. Presumably these were glue-down, as I don't know how else they could have been adhered to the plywood subfloor?

I'm about to install a new floor myself, and have been considering 12" x 12" Armstrong VCT. Their "Arteffects" line has many attractive color options, and the pattern is designed such that it's very difficult to see the seams. Obviously a tight installation is necessary to produce the desired effect.

At less than $2/sqft this option makes sense to me, but if money were no object, then I'd be strongly tempted to install sheet linoleum.

Keep us posted on how your project goes.

Gerlach Dave · 11-19-2008, 12:10 PM

I'm liking all the input about the click it or strips with the glue edge floating floors. I have a friend put some strips down and when I shall find out.

I really like the idea of a front to back floating floor with no seams, hence my thoughts toward Linolium or Forbo Marmoleum. I'm hoping that there will be some posts from those who have been living with their choices fro a couple of years so we can see how it's holding up. The new flooring choices is what I'm interested in, click it and glue strip stuff.

Dave