RV tiling

Hello, my name is Bob Ault. This article is for RV owners that have never done tile work. If you’ve done tile work, you need to forget everything you’ve learned. Your previous tiling knowledge could get you in trouble. I’ve been a tile contractor for 45 years. I pioneered the tiling of flexible surfaces. I’ve published articles and given demonstrations at trade shows.

Let’s start by reviewing everything you’ll need to install your tile.

1)   Caulking gun

2)   Paper towels

3)   Solvent, alcohol or acetone.

4)   Marking pencil

5)   Liquid dish soap

6)   A small container for water

7)   Inexpensive wet saw. (About $65.00)

8)   Safety glasses (For saw use).

We can supply the other 5 items you’ll need. You can purchase individual items or a complete kit that will contain the items listed below. All purchases are delivered to you door by UPS.

1)   Adhesive (R&R silicone adhesive)

2)   Grout (R&R silicone grout)

3)   Grout scrubbers

4)   Hard rubber grout float (Regular grout float will not work)

5)   Tile (Adhere to the suggestions below if you purchase your tile elsewhere.)

Now we come to the most important decision (Tile choice).

There are 2 things to be considered here, weight bearing or non weight bearing.

Non weight bearing would be counter tops, ledges, walls, back splashes etc. Almost any tile can be used here, but I don’t recommend tiles larger than 3X3 inches.

Weight bearing would be floors or shower pans. Large tiles require the installation of backer board. There are several companies that specialize in this type of install. We are going to discuss a system of tiling that can be installed over your existing wooden floor.

I recommend using tiles no larger than 2X2 inches. They should be hard bisque, unglazed and slip resistant. This will disperse the weight over several tiles enabling them to slightly flex without cracking.

The tiles should be adhered with R&R silicone rubber adhesive and grouted with R&R silicone rubber grout. These products have been specially formulated for tiling flexible surfaces.

I’m currently constructing a web site to display the items for sale, a “How to tile article” and a video showing how to use the products. The adhesive and grout are packaged in easy to use caulking tubes. Please check back here for updates.

I can be reached at this number 1-352-746-6115 between 9AM and 5PM eastern time Monday through Friday. You can also e-mail me at bob@flextile.com. My technical advise is always free to anyone.