Vinyl Plank Flooring: A Camper's Best Friend?

If you're looking to give your camper a makeover, vinyl plank flooring is a great option. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it's also functional, durable, and easy to clean. It can withstand normal wear and tear and is a good choice if you're on a budget. However, it's important to note that vinyl plank flooring is not meant to be installed in campers or RVs, and doing so may void your warranty. So, while it is possible to install vinyl plank flooring in a camper, there are other types of flooring that may be more suitable, such as sheet vinyl or laminate.

Vinyl plank flooring pros and cons

Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for camper flooring due to its durability, ease of installation, and affordability. It is also known for being resilient, water-resistant, and low maintenance. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of vinyl plank flooring before making a decision.

Pros of Vinyl Plank Flooring:

• Affordability and Easy Installation: Vinyl plank flooring is quite affordable and has a straightforward installation process, making it a cost-effective option for campers.
• Durability and Low Maintenance: Vinyl flooring is known for its durability and long-lasting resilience. It is water-resistant and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Design Flexibility: Vinyl flooring offers a wide range of designs, textures, and colors, allowing for customization to match any décor. It can effectively mimic the look of natural materials such as wood, stone, or ceramic.
• Comfort: Vinyl flooring has a "softer" and more "padded" feel underfoot compared to other flooring options. It provides insulation and maintains a consistent temperature, making it comfortable to walk on.
• Soundproofing: Vinyl flooring can help reduce noise and echo in a room due to its soundproofing qualities.

Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring:

• Refinishing and Repair: Vinyl flooring consists of a single wear layer, which means it cannot be refinished. Repairs can be tricky, and damaged areas may require entire planks or sections to be replaced.
• Resale Value: Vinyl floors may not always add to the resale value of a camper. In some cases, low-quality vinyl floors can even have a negative impact on the resale price.
• Environmental Impact: The manufacturing of vinyl flooring involves the use of toxic chemicals, and the installed floors can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This may be a concern for those seeking eco-friendly options.
• Artificial Appearance: Vinyl plank flooring may not always resemble traditional hardwood floors, and some buyers may prefer the authenticity of natural materials.
• Installation Challenges: While vinyl plank flooring is generally easy to install, certain aspects, such as click-lock joints, may pose challenges for some.

Installation process

The first step in installing vinyl plank flooring in an RV is to remove any existing flooring, such as carpet or linoleum. This can be done using a linoleum knife to cut through the material and then pull it up. It is important to note that there may be surprises hidden underneath the old flooring, such as vents or holes, that will need to be addressed before installing the new flooring. Once the old flooring has been removed, the sub-floor should be cleaned and any staples or debris removed.

The next step is to choose the right type of vinyl flooring for your RV. There are several options available, including vinyl planks, sheet vinyl, linoleum, peel-and-stick tiles, and cork. It is important to consider the durability, flexibility, and design options of each type before making a decision. In addition, it is important to ensure that the flooring is lightweight and waterproof, especially if it will be installed in an area with high moisture levels, such as a kitchen or bathroom.

Once the flooring has been chosen, measurements of the RV should be taken to determine the amount of flooring needed. It is important to measure each area individually, as there may be variations in size and shape. It is also important to consider the placement of seams and ensure that the pattern of the flooring is staggered to create a pleasing look.

After the measurements have been taken and the flooring has been cut to size, the installation can begin. For vinyl plank flooring, a utility knife or box cutter can be used to score the flooring and then snap it apart to fit the desired space. It is important to clean the sub-floor section-by-section with a degreasing cleaner before installing the new flooring to ensure that it adheres properly.

The vinyl plank flooring can then be glued to the sub-floor, ensuring that it is pressed firmly in place. This process should be repeated until the entire surface is covered. For floating floors, staples or glue may not be necessary, and expansion gaps should be left at the edges to allow for movement during travel.

When installing vinyl flooring in an RV with a pull-out or slide-out section, there are a few additional considerations. It is important to ensure that the flooring can slide in and out easily without leaving marks. One way to achieve this is to overlap the vinyl planks about 1" off the edge of the pull-out toward the main camper. A reducer trim can also be used to cover the transition area and give a finished look to the flooring.

Finally, quarter-round trim or baseboards can be added to the base of the walls and cabinets to transition from the flooring to the wall and give a clean, finished look to the space.

Vinyl plank flooring vs. sheet vinyl

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces due to its durability, practicality, and design options. When it comes to choosing between vinyl plank and sheet vinyl, there are several factors to consider, including cost, installation, maintenance, and aesthetics.

Cost

Sheet vinyl is typically the cheaper option per square metre or foot as it can be mass-produced into large rolls, whereas vinyl planks are individually manufactured and priced. However, sheet vinyl may cost more in the long run as it is harder to repair and replace. Vinyl planks, on the other hand, are easier and cheaper to repair—you simply need to replace the damaged plank.

Installation

Sheet vinyl is installed using one or two large sheets, which makes it bulky and more challenging to install accurately. Vinyl planks, on the other hand, are relatively easy to install and can be cut to match the size and contours of the room. They are also available in a variety of installation methods, from traditional gluing to newer click-locking systems.

Maintenance

Both vinyl plank and sheet vinyl are easy to clean and maintain. However, sheet vinyl is more prone to discoloration and may turn yellow over time. Vinyl planks are more resistant to discoloration and offer a wider range of colours and styles, including those that perfectly mimic hardwood or stone.

Aesthetics

Sheet vinyl provides a seamless look and feel to the overall design as it comes in large sheets with no seams. Vinyl planks, on the other hand, offer a more authentic and visually appealing look, especially with grout installed between the seams to achieve a three-dimensional appearance.

Suitability for Campers

Both vinyl plank and sheet vinyl flooring can be used in campers or RVs. Sheet vinyl is a popular choice for RV flooring due to its flexibility, durability, and design options. Vinyl plank flooring is also a great option for campers as it is easy to work with, affordable, and highly durable. It can withstand heavy use and is easy to clean, making it ideal for camping.

Vinyl plank flooring maintenance

Vinyl plank flooring is a beautiful, durable, and easy-to-care-for option for your camper. To maintain your vinyl flooring, you can follow these simple steps:

• Sweep or Dry Mop Daily: Dirt and debris can scratch the surface of your vinyl flooring over time, leaving it looking dull. To prevent this, dry mop or sweep daily, or invest in a robotic vacuum designed for vinyl flooring.
• Use a Microfiber Mop: Some mops and cleaning pads can be abrasive. A microfiber mop will effectively attract dust, pet hair, and dirt. Avoid using a traditional mop and bucket, as this can spread water around without properly cleaning the floor. While vinyl is waterproof, it is not recommended to soak the floors. Also, avoid using a steam mop, as it can damage and warp vinyl floors. Instead, use a damp microfiber mop with an appropriate cleaner or lukewarm water with mild soap.
• Clean Spills Immediately: To prevent staining or other damage, clean up spills as soon as they happen.
• Avoid Dragging Furniture: When moving heavy furniture, always lift it off the floor and move it, or use furniture sliders designed for vinyl flooring. Dragging furniture can damage your vinyl flooring.
• Avoid Vacuum with a Beater Bar or Abrasive Cleaners: Dry mopping is the gentlest way to remove dirt and debris. If you prefer to use a vacuum, avoid using one with a beater bar, as it can damage and scratch the floor. Also, avoid using abrasive cleaners or mop pads when mopping. Never use bleach or ammonia on vinyl floors.
• Use Floor Protectors: Use floor protectors on heavy furniture or appliances to prevent damage to the vinyl flooring. Choose non-staining or marring protectors.
• Use Mats at Entrances and Exits: Place quality floor mats at every entrance and exit to collect and trap dirt, oil, grit, sand, and other abrasive materials that can damage your vinyl flooring.
• Remove Stains and Spots Carefully: For stubborn stains, use a clean, light-coloured cloth and an appropriate floor cleaner. Scrub the area with a non-abrasive white scrubbing pad. For permanent marker, pen ink, hair dye, or nail polish, treat the area with isopropyl alcohol. For rust removal, use cream of tartar. Finally, rinse with clean water and buff dry with a clean cloth.

Vinyl plank flooring alternatives

Vinyl plank flooring is a popular choice for camper van flooring due to its durability, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. However, there are several alternative flooring options available that offer their own unique benefits. Here are some vinyl plank flooring alternatives to consider:

• Marmoleum: Marmoleum is a natural linoleum flooring material that is bio-based and made with 100% natural ingredients. It is highly durable, non-toxic, antimicrobial, and easy to maintain. Marmoleum is a great alternative for those seeking an eco-friendly and sustainable flooring option.
• Waterproof Cork Flooring: Waterproof cork flooring combines the benefits of traditional cork with added water resistance. It offers softness, hypoallergenic properties, insulation, and a beautiful appearance. This type of flooring is an excellent choice for those who want a lightweight, warm, and moisture-resistant option.
• Traditional Cork Flooring: Traditional cork flooring has excellent thermal and acoustic properties. It is beautiful, lightweight, warm to the touch, hypoallergenic, fire and insect resistant, and moisture resistant. Cork flooring provides a unique look and feel that is both comfortable and functional.
• Sheet Vinyl: Sheet vinyl is a flexible and durable flooring option that comes in large rolls. It offers design flexibility, allowing for a continuous floor that makes your camper feel more spacious and cohesive. Sheet vinyl is easy to install and typically does not require glue, making it a good choice for those who want a simple and quick installation process.
• Peel-and-Stick Tiles: Peel-and-stick tiles are a budget-friendly and low-maintenance flooring solution. They are easy to install, as they can be placed directly over an existing floor. This option is ideal for those who want a quick and affordable way to update their camper's flooring.

When choosing a flooring alternative for your camper, consider factors such as durability, ease of installation, water resistance, and cost. Additionally, think about the look and feel you want to achieve, as well as any specific features you may need, such as scratch resistance or softness underfoot.

Frequently asked questions