Tiling Showers In Campers: A Worthy Upgrade?

Tiling a shower in a camper is a great way to upgrade your mobile home. It's an affordable way to add a touch of luxury and a unique design element to your RV. Not only does it look good, but it's also a practical choice—tile is durable, easy to clean, and water-resistant.

However, tiling a shower in a camper is not without its challenges. The small space and constant movement of the vehicle can make the tiling process more difficult. It's important to choose the right type of tile and adhesive to ensure that your new shower can withstand the vibrations and bumps that come with travelling.

With careful planning and the right materials, you can successfully tile a shower in your camper and create a space that feels like home, even when you're on the road.

The benefits of tiling an RV shower

Tiling an RV shower can bring a range of benefits, from improved aesthetics to increased durability. Here are some reasons why tiling your RV shower can be a great idea:

Durability and Longevity:

Tiling an RV shower offers a durable and long-lasting solution. Tiles are sturdy and can withstand heavy-duty use, protecting your shower walls and floors from water damage, scratches, and wear and tear. With the right materials and installation techniques, your tiled RV shower can maintain its quality for years to come.

Aesthetics and Customization:

Tiles provide a wide range of design options to elevate the look and feel of your RV shower. You can choose from various materials, colours, patterns, and sizes to create a unique and stylish space. Whether you prefer a modern, rustic, or classic aesthetic, tiles allow you to customize your shower to reflect your personal taste and create a relaxing spa-like experience.

Waterproof and Easy to Clean:

Tiling an RV shower is an excellent way to create a waterproof environment, protecting the walls and floors from water damage. Tiles are also easy to clean and maintain, making it simple to wipe away dirt, debris, and grime. This is especially beneficial in a small space like an RV shower, where cleanliness and hygiene are crucial.

Lightweight and Flexible Options:

When choosing tiles for your RV shower, you can select lightweight options that won't add excessive weight to your vehicle. Flexible grout and adhesive products are designed specifically for RVs, ensuring that your tiles can withstand the vibrations, bumps, and flexing associated with travelling. This helps prevent cracking and keeps your tiles looking great even when your RV is on the move.

Cost-Effectiveness:

Tiling your RV shower can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your space. With a relatively small area to cover, the cost of materials is often lower than expected. Additionally, the durability and low maintenance of tiles mean you won't have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements, saving you money in the long run.

Tiling an RV shower offers a range of advantages, from improved aesthetics to enhanced functionality. With careful planning, the right materials, and proper installation, you can create a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance shower in your RV.

Choosing the right tiles

When tiling a camper shower, it's important to select tiles that are lightweight, flexible, strong, and require little to no maintenance. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right tiles:

Weight

Weight is an important consideration when choosing tiles for a camper. The tiles should be lightweight to avoid adding excessive weight to the vehicle. Large floor tiles, for example, often require the installation of special backing materials, which can increase the overall weight. It's recommended to use small tiles, such as penny tiles, mosaic tiles, or tiles no larger than 2" x 2", to distribute the weight more evenly and avoid adding too much weight.

Durability and Flexibility

The tiles you choose should be durable and flexible enough to withstand the vibrations, bumps, and movements that come with travelling. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are good options as they are strong and can handle years of travel and use. Glass mosaic tiles are also a great choice for shower walls and floors as they can provide some flexibility and movement to avoid cracking.

Maintenance

Look for tiles that require minimal maintenance. Porcelain tiles, for example, are pre-sealed, which means they don't need to be sealed to avoid stains from dirt, mud, or spills. This makes them a low-maintenance option for camper floors.

Slip Resistance

It's important to choose tiles that provide good traction and are slip-resistant, especially if you have pets or children joining you on your adventures. Penny tiles or mosaic tiles with a lot of grout lines can help improve traction and prevent slipping.

Water Resistance

If you're tiling a shower or an area that will be exposed to water, it's crucial to choose water-resistant tiles. Water-resistant tiles will help keep the walls dry and safe from water splashes. Glass mosaic tiles, porcelain tiles, and ceramic tiles are all good options for water-resistant tiling.

Adhesive and Grout

The choice of adhesive and grout is crucial for a successful tile installation in a camper. It's recommended to use flexible adhesive and grout, such as silicone-based grout, to accommodate the movement and vibrations of the vehicle. Traditional unsanded grout and modified thinset are also suitable options for setting tiles in a mobile space.

Installation tips

Tiling a shower in your camper can be a tricky task, but it is possible to do so successfully. Here are some installation tips to help you get started:

• Choose the right tiles: Smaller tiles, such as mosaic tiles, are a better choice for camper showers than larger tiles. They are more flexible and can handle the vibrations and bumps that come with travelling. Ceramic and glass mosaic tiles are durable and come in thin sheets, making them lightweight. Resin mosaic tiles are another option for extremely lightweight applications.
• Prepare your foundation: Ensure that your foundation is sturdy and flat. For walls, use at least 1/2" thick plywood for stability. For floors, use 3/4" thick plywood with sufficient framing to prevent bending or deflection. If your subfloor has joints, try to avoid laying tiles across them as they are more susceptible to shifting.
• Use the right adhesive and grout: Modified thinset and traditional unsanded grout are suitable for setting tiles in a mobile space. You can also use latex admix instead of water to mix your grout for improved flexibility and bond strength. If using resin mosaic tiles, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the adhesive.
• Waterproof your shower: It is essential to have a waterproofing membrane behind the tiles in shower enclosures or wet baths. Schluter's Kerdi membrane system is a good choice. You can also use paint-on waterproofing like Red-Guard, especially for stationary structures.
• Mind your corners and edges: Finish outside corners and trim edges with aluminium tile trim that matches your tile thickness. Use caulk instead of grout for the grout line at any change of plane, such as corners, to allow for shifting.
• Take your time: Tiling is not a quick process, so make sure you have enough time and patience. Don't rush cure times, and allow your tiles to fully cure before using the shower.
• Consider a prefabricated shower pan: Using a prefabricated one-piece shower pan can be a good idea as it is less likely to leak if your camper shifts. The Kerdi shower kit is a customisable option that includes a formed pan for easy tile installation.
• Learn the proper technique: Most tile installations fail due to poor technique. Watch videos or read guides on the proper technique for setting tiles before you begin.
• Be mindful of weight: Tile can add weight to your camper, so consider using lightweight materials where possible.

Waterproofing

It is crucial to install a waterproofing membrane behind the tiles in shower enclosures or wet baths. While paint-on waterproofing products like Red-Guard can be effective for stationary structures, a membrane waterproofing system is preferable for mobile applications like campers. Schluter's Kerdi membrane system is a recommended option for waterproofing shower walls. Be sure to use pre-formed inside and outside corners where needed.

Shower Pan

Using a prefabricated one-piece shower pan is generally a good idea, as it reduces the risk of leaks if the shower shifts during travel. However, if a custom tiled shower pan is desired, the Kerdi shower kit can be used, which includes a formed pan for easy tile installation. Ensure that the shower pan is properly sloped towards the drain to prevent water pooling.

Grout and Adhesive

The choice of grout and adhesive is critical for waterproofing. Flexible grout, such as silicone-based grout, is highly recommended for camper showers. It won't crack or break when the camper flexes and vibrates during travel. Additionally, choose a flexible adhesive designed for tiling flexible surfaces. Silicone rubber adhesive is a suitable option.

Tile Size and Type

Smaller tiles are generally more suitable for camper showers because they can better withstand the vibrations and movements of the vehicle. Mosaic tiles, such as ceramic or glass mosaic tiles, are a good choice as they are available in thin sheets and are lightweight. Resin mosaic tiles are also an option for extremely lightweight applications. Avoid using large format tiles or natural stone tiles, as they are more prone to failure in mobile applications.

Installation Techniques

When installing tiles, pay attention to the corners and edges. Use aluminum tile trim to finish outside corners and trim edges, which will enhance the appearance and protect vulnerable edge tiles. Use caulk instead of grout for the grout line at any change of plane, such as corners, as these areas are prone to shifting. Additionally, stagger the tile sheets to avoid visible lines between sheets.

Adhesives and grouts

When tiling a shower in a camper, it's important to use flexible adhesive and grout to withstand the vibrations and bumps that come with traveling. The key to a long-lasting tile job is to use the right grout. A flexible silicone grout bends with the camper and keeps the tiles together better than concrete-based grouts.

For shower walls and other vertical spaces, flexible adhesives and grouts are more important as they are more susceptible to the wear and tear of traveling. For shower floors, it is recommended to use small tiles, as they will be more forgiving when your camper flexes.

When selecting an adhesive, it is important to consider the weight-bearing nature of the surface being tiled. For non-weight-bearing surfaces such as countertops, ledges, walls, and backsplashes, almost any tile can be used. For weight-bearing surfaces such as floors or shower pans, large floor tiles require special backing materials, and a flexible adhesive is not recommended. However, flexible grout can still be used once the large tiles are correctly installed. For small tiles, both flexible adhesive and grout are recommended.

It is also important to consider the material of the tiles you are using. Glass mosaic tiles, for example, require a glass adhesive and should be installed according to mosaic tile specifications. The grout joints can allow for some flex and movement, which will help avoid cracking as the vehicle is in motion.

Additionally, if you are using a waterproof membrane product, be mindful of the curing process and plan your products accordingly. Read the directions carefully, as some products may require exposure to air to cure, while others do not.

Frequently asked questions