bfox
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Post by bfox on Apr 7, 2014 6:10:59 GMT -8
My main concern is that my old shasta is not temp-controlled, so the laminate boards will expand and contract during temperature fluctuations. I would guess at the extreme ends my camper will experience temps from 20F to 85F, but will mostly be around 50F-60F.
Has anyone installed laminate floors in an old camper without temp-control? How did it hold up? Any tips? Thanks in advance!
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Apr 7, 2014 13:46:50 GMT -8
The biggest problem is more moisture....wet feet comin in, it will happen. Also, if you put it in before cabinets, it will be secured down leading to buckling. If you put it in later, it will be hard to lock and keep locked. Cheaper lam insinuate doesn't fit up extremely tight and leads to a lot of cracks for dirt.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 7, 2014 14:41:34 GMT -8
I have seen trailers for sale that have it but I don't know how it holds up. I considered doing regular wood flooring but for the reasons Pirate listed I decided it was a bad idea. I just don't see how it could hold up very well and I don't see it flexing with the trailer. I also considered the vinyl that looks like wood planks. Even bought a couple to see what it would look like. I think they would work well but I will probably go with VCT in the end.
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CorvettCrzy
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Post by CorvettCrzy on Apr 7, 2014 23:04:30 GMT -8
I have seen trailers for sale that have it but I don't know how it holds up. I considered doing regular wood flooring but for the reasons Pirate listed I decided it was a bad idea. I just don't see how it could hold up very well and I don't see it flexing with the trailer. I also considered the vinyl that looks like wood planks. Even bought a couple to see what it would look like. I think they would work well but I will probably go with VCT in the end. I think that you're right, if you want the look of wood floor, vinyl is the only option, especially with the temps described. I'm kind of wondering though why so many people use the VCT on the Canned Hams, mine had linoleum originally, didn't most?
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 8, 2014 4:50:58 GMT -8
Corvett, many of the vintage trailers, including my Shasta Compact, had asbestos tiles. The VCT is the closest thing to it now. Some cut the VCT down to 9" tiles like the original asbestos tiles for the look. But overall, the VCT is durable, affordable and not terribly difficult to install.
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bfox
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Post by bfox on Apr 8, 2014 5:22:24 GMT -8
I think I'm going to try it out and see how it holds up. It's fairly cheap so if it's cracking or warping after a year then I'll just take it out. It seems like others have had success so I'm optimistic. I plan on going around all the edges and filling the gaps with a flexible silicone, which will help with expansion/contraction and keep out moisture. The underlayment will help with that too. Anyway, it'll look a lot better than the old vinyl that is in there now. Putting it in next weekend so I'll report back and let you know how it goes.
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Apr 8, 2014 5:29:10 GMT -8
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Apr 8, 2014 7:03:29 GMT -8
I would be leary using silicone as it is an adhesive. Even though it is flexible, you are basically gluing the laminate to the sub and the walls which will force expansion to the locks. That's why the recommend 1/4 in gap is recommended. I've seen it installed tight and it buckles bad. Hope it works out though
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Apr 8, 2014 7:51:06 GMT -8
I think I'm going to try it out and see how it holds up. It's fairly cheap so if it's cracking or warping after a year then I'll just take it out. It seems like others have had success so I'm optimistic. I plan on going around all the edges and filling the gaps with a flexible silicone, which will help with expansion/contraction and keep out moisture. The underlayment will help with that too. Anyway, it'll look a lot better than the old vinyl that is in there now. Putting it in next weekend so I'll report back and let you know how it goes. The stuff is terrible when it get's wet. I wouldn't do it. Use VCT. It's actually easier than laminate. Watch my videos on the subject. Takes me about 4 hours to do a trailer start to finish. |
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Post by bigbill on Apr 8, 2014 11:03:01 GMT -8
If you just want the look of a laminate floor, they make a laminate style flooring for restaurants and kitchens that contains no wood but looks exactly like hard wood and it with stands moisture.You may need to find it at a flooring store to get the proper name and company, then shop for best price. It is an interlocking, floating floor system about 3/8 inch thick. We have in the kitchen of our home and love it.
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Apr 8, 2014 12:18:42 GMT -8
If you just want the look of a laminate floor, they make a laminate style flooring for restaurants and kitchens that contains no wood but looks exactly like hard wood and it with stands moisture.You may need to find it at a flooring store to get the proper name and company, then shop for best price. It is an interlocking, floating floor system about 3/8 inch thick. We have in the kitchen of our home and love it. Similar to allure at Home Depot......we've put a lot of it down and like u I love it |
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59shastadeluxe
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Post by 59shastadeluxe on Apr 8, 2014 12:25:28 GMT -8
I was going to recommend trafficmaster allure also. There are 2 types... one with adhesive strip and another with click lock.
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bfox
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Post by bfox on Apr 9, 2014 6:54:18 GMT -8
The allure vinyl looks pretty good too. I'll look into that. Only concern there would be feeling more of the imperfections on the subfloor since it's a lot thinner than laminate. Without the underlayment, it also means it won't be as comfortable and warm. But it might be worth it if the laminate wood is just going to warp and buckle.
Still considering laminate wood, although I think I'll stay away from using silicone on the edges. It seems more scratch/scuff resistant and I like the feel of it more than plastic vinyl. Thanks for all the input, this decision is proving tougher than I thought. A little more research...
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pirateslife
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Post by pirateslife on Apr 9, 2014 9:24:51 GMT -8
The allure still gets the underpayment as well and is very scratch resistant
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bfox
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Post by bfox on Apr 11, 2014 7:16:40 GMT -8
The allure still gets the underpayment as well and is very scratch resistant What kind of underlayment would you suggest? Can I get away with a simple foam underlayment if I use a floating click and lock vinyl? Not too thrilled about laying down a whole layer of plywood throughout the camper. Adds more weight than I'd like to. |
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