jodybitzz
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Post by jodybitzz on Jan 12, 2014 7:29:07 GMT -8
Help. I am in a debate with my 2 other 'rebuilders' on when to install the VCT. We are starting with a clean frame and the sub floor is going on today. I have always thought it would be easier to lay the tiles now while there is nothing in it. However, my dad, is adamant about laying the tiles at the end of the project when all the cabinets, walls, etc are constructed. He is extremely fearful of the tiles getting damaged in the rebuild process. He is not convinced the heavy paper will protect the floor and he thinks it will be a pain in the ass to cover it with Masonite. All thought, opinions and pictures appreciated!
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jodybitzz
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Post by jodybitzz on Jan 12, 2014 7:29:49 GMT -8
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Post by bigbill on Jan 12, 2014 8:12:28 GMT -8
I have to agree that it would be easier to lay the tile now while nothing is in the way, but I agree with your dad that paper would not be cool and covering it with Masonite or any other type on hard would be a pain plus if any debris somehow got under it while constructing the trailer and would tend to grind into the new tile. This is just my opinion but I have to agree with your dad on this one.
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Jan 12, 2014 8:37:25 GMT -8
I have to take your side. While you will have to be careful with damaging the tiles, you have a more solid moisture barrier. It will be easier to lay out to keep straight and lined up. Also, think of how hard it is going to be to get the small pieces in tight places, which like to pop out. With a little care, this can be accomplished, after all it is the way the factory does it in manufactured homes as well.
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Post by bigbill on Jan 12, 2014 9:19:24 GMT -8
That is a good argument but in a factory you are on a production line in a controlled environment where each piece is premade to fit in a given spot you aren't custom fitting each piece as they will be doing. Most likely this is the first frame up restoration on a trailer they have ever done.
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Post by bigbill on Jan 12, 2014 9:27:01 GMT -8
Also in a factory most times they use a single sheet of flooring and they spray the mastic on, then place the floor down, pressure roll it and move it on down the line saving a huge amount of cost/labor over a VCT floor.
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jodybitzz
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Post by jodybitzz on Jan 12, 2014 11:11:03 GMT -8
That is a good argument but in a factory you are on a production line in a controlled environment where each piece is premade to fit in a given spot you aren't custom fitting each piece as they will be doing. Most likely this is the first frame up restoration on a trailer they have ever done. Yes, this is our first time.... And most likely ONLY time for a project like this! |
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jan 12, 2014 11:24:32 GMT -8
I like to have it "under my cabinets/seats, so I would always choose "when possible" to install it first thing. It's not that hard to work around, and you can easily replace one tile if it gets damaged.
I also like to use one piece Marmoleum flooring, because the tiles tend to move around with temperature/humidity changes when installed on a plywood floor. No matter how tight I lay it the cracks always seem to grow.
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jodybitzz
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Post by jodybitzz on Jan 12, 2014 15:33:48 GMT -8
I like to have it "under my cabinets/seats, so I would always choose "when possible" to install it first thing. It's not that hard to work around, and you can easily replace one tile if it gets damaged. I also like to use one piece Marmoleum flooring, because the tiles tend to move around with temperature/humidity changes when installed on a plywood floor. No matter how tight I lay it the cracks always seem to grow. You find that the tiles move even with the good floor glue? |
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Post by bigbill on Jan 12, 2014 16:09:13 GMT -8
So what did you decide to do, your way or dads?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 12, 2014 17:52:06 GMT -8
I like to have it "under my cabinets/seats, so I would always choose "when possible" to install it first thing. It's not that hard to work around, and you can easily replace one tile if it gets damaged. I also like to use one piece Marmoleum flooring, because the tiles tend to move around with temperature/humidity changes when installed on a plywood floor. No matter how tight I lay it the cracks always seem to grow. You find that the tiles move even with the good floor glue? Mine don't but then again I cut them so tight using the professional method I show in the videos that they can not move around. There's gonna be a lot of work done. The walls can go up pre-shellacked and you can even do that with the ceiling. Finish the cabinets before you put them in and screw them down... Then up up the walls and the front, rear and ceiling which you really haven't much need to go inside for. In other words, build it just like the factory did.
The really nice thing about VCT is you can't really hurt it much. Make sure you follow the directions including stripping the floor BEFORE you put the first coat of polish on. Put 5 on, cover it up in the main traffic areas in between the already installed cabinets and finish the trailer. When you are completely done, pull the paper, strip the floor and start all over with the polish. Buff if you want with a small hand buffer. SHINE!
Walk into any Walmart. That's Armstrong VCT you are standing on.
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jodybitzz
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Post by jodybitzz on Jan 12, 2014 19:39:02 GMT -8
The really nice thing about VCT is you can't really hurt it much. Make sure you follow the directions including stripping the floor BEFORE you put the first coat of polish on. Put 5 on, cover it up in the main traffic areas in between the already installed cabinets and finish the trailer. When you are completely done, pull the paper, strip the floor and start all over with the polish. Buff if you want with a small hand buffer. SHINE!
Walk into any Walmart. That's Armstrong VCT you are standing on.
I don't think we realized there was a polish for the VCT. Do we get that from HD? And the list just keeps growing.... Feeling a little overwhelmed |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jan 12, 2014 19:46:04 GMT -8
Yes. Armstrong Excellon Floor Polish and Henry Multi-Floor cleaner (stripper)..... You have to use the cleaner on the floor after it's laid, before you put any polish on it. I usually do that twice.
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jodybitzz
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Post by jodybitzz on Jan 12, 2014 19:53:50 GMT -8
So what did you decide to do, your way or dads? We are still undecided. I see benefits of both ways. We laid tiles out tonight just to get visual and I think we are going to cut down 9x9 but we may not have enough tiles so, we thought we could leave 12x12 under cabinets, bed etc and doing 9x9 in just visual areas. If we go that route, it may be easier to go with my dad's idea. We called it quits for now and will resume after vacation next week. |
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Post by bigbill on Jan 12, 2014 20:00:04 GMT -8
Some times it is best to stop and walk away for a bit giving everybody time to think.
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