New flooring can make a HUGE difference in how a camper looks and functions. If you want to install vinyl plank flooring in an RV with a pull out, here's how I did it!
Last month, I introduced you to Our DIY Camper 2.0 - a new-to-us fifth wheel that I'm renovating for our family.
Here's what I've done in the camper so far:
- removed window cornices, wallpaper borders and MORE than I originally planned
- updated the kitchen with peel & stick back splash and countertop
- painted all the walls, trim and kitchen cabinets
This week, I've removed all of the gross carpet and installed vinyl plank in the entire main area of the camper.
To get started, I ripped out all of the old carpet (yuck!) and all of the linoleum flooring that I could. Most of it was stuck onto the sub floor really well, so I just left that and floored over top.
Vinyl plank is a great choice for RV flooring because it's easy to install and easy to clean. The flooring I chose for our RV is Kairos Duraplank in Sea Salt from Costco.
Watch my YouTube video to see how I installed the vinyl plank flooring in our camper:
If you want to install vinyl plank flooring in an RV, here's how I did it:
- clean the floor section-by-section with a degreasing cleaner (I used Krud Kutter)
- dry fit one piece of the vinyl plank to make sure the pattern works in the location
- apply glue to the back of the plank (I used PL construction glue)
- press the vinyl plank firmly in place and step on it to secure it
- continue laying the flooring in this manner
- to cut the flooring, use a utility knife to score it, and then gently snap it apart
- make sure to stagger the flooring to create a pleasing look
Here's how I installed the vinyl plank on the pull out section of our camper:
- overlap the vinyl plank about 1" off the edge of the pull-out
- floor the rest of the pull out from front to back
- find this reducer trim that miraculously matches the vinyl plank
- apply PL construction glue to the trim, and press it down onto the edge of the pull out
This gave the pull out edge a nice, finished look and covered the plastic edging beneath. The above is how the pull out looks as it's being retracted.
Here's how the sides of the pull out look:
I need to put some wood filler in the little hole by the trim, but otherwise I'm very pleased with how this looks! It functions perfectly, too.
To finish off the floor, I added some quarter round trim all the way around the base of the walls and cabinets, mitering it in the corners. I nailed it all down with my finishing nailer except for this top right corner where I'm considering building a built-in dining bench.
I love how the kitchen area looks finished off with the quarter round trim and new flooring!
I'll also have to create some sort of finished box to hide the electrical in the pull out, and do a DIY treatment to the lights to give them an update.
Up next? A fun makeover for this entertainment unit:
Stay tuned!
Tell me: What do you think of this new vinyl plank flooring?
See more DIY camper ideas:
- RV Renovation: How To Remodel A Camper (before & after!)
- Before & After: RV bedroom and bathroom get a modern update!
- 10 Best RV Remodel Ideas to transform your camper!
- RV Renovation on a Budget - From Start to Finish
- How to make Throw Pillows with Cricut Infusible Ink
- How to Install Contact Paper Countertop
- Pink & Floral Bunk Room Makeover | Our DIY Camper 2.0
- Vintage Glam RV Makeover Reveal! | Our DIY Camper 2.0
- Entertainment Unit to Coffee & Drink Bar | Our DIY Camper 2.0
- Ceiling Light DIY - $7 BOHO MAKEOVER!
- DIY Small Kitchen Makeover Step by Step | Our DIY Camper 2.0
- Kitchen counter area makeover with peel & stick tile, counter, and spray paint! | Our DIY Camper 2.0
See more DIY RV ideas →
jack
I am in love with this wreath! I better add this to my to-do list for the Fall!! 🙂 Thanks for the awesome ideas 🙂
Amy
Where did you buy the fold out couch for this project? I believe in the video you thought it was approx. $200.
Sarah - The DIY Mommy
Hi Amy! It's from Structube - you can find links to everything over here: https://thediymommy.com/shop-our-home/
Lisa
Hello,
Can you tell me the thickness of the vinyl flooring? I really love your remodel.
Thanks Lisa
Veronique
Hi,
Does that flooring have any light brown tones or beige? Or is it more grey? Also, can this vinyl floor withstand our -30 weather in the winter without cracking?
Looks great!! Thanks
Jerry
The vinyl floor will expand and contract with temp swings an cause gaps .. install floor in summer have gaps in cold weather I even glued my floor
The DIY Mommy
Christina had no issues so far, we went below -30 and above 30 in the past year 🙂
Devyn
Vinyl doesn’t expand the way wood or laminate does. You do not have to acclimate vinyl like you do wood or laminate.
phanideep D
great info, nice article
thanks for the info and keep ongoing
Michelle @ The Painted Hinge
I love your new RV floors! I want to redo a RV someday and this is giving me a ton of great ideas! Thanks so much for sharing this at Farmhouse Friday - I'm featuring you at tomorrow's party!
Sarah - The DIY Mommy
Awesome!! Thank you so much!
Emily
How did you handle leveling the uneven torn area at the edge of the old linoleum? Thanks!
bill ballantyne
hi ,
when i did my flooring, i used a belt sander to level off the edge...
Michelle Holden
How thick is the planks? I want to do my trailer floors but not sure how thick I have to be considering I have 3 slide out.
The DIY Mommy
Hi! Here's a link the flooring Christina purchased: https://www.costco.ca/kairos-duraplank-16.5-cm-(6.5-in.)-embossed-vinyl-plank-flooring.product.100432810.html
Rebecca Cardenas
We just did the same, replaced the old, gross carpet with vinyl plank. Before laying the flooring, we put an underlay of 1/4 inch thick insulation called Reflectec. (My husband's idea. He's been a general contractor for over 40 years.) It comes in rolls, about $25 per roll. We used about 3 3/4 rolls to do all but the bedroom. (When we recarpet the bedroom, we will use it there also.) So much warmer and cut the humidity by about 10%. Just some info for anyone considering replacing the carpet. A little more $ and a little more work but well worth it.
JUDITH HORNE
Hey Rebecca - Saw your post on the floor insulation suggestion. Great idea! We're getting ready to start a reno on our own RV. Flooring is carpeting that's apparently glued down. What would you suggest for a "simple" method to remove without destroying the subfloor? Any hint or tip would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Judith
Erin
Can you please tell us about how you installed this? I found the product at Lowe's. Did you just glue it down? Then glue vinyl plank on top?
The DIY Mommy
Hi, Christina linked a video in the post above, in case you're not seeing it, it's here: https://youtu.be/vdM2Clc1ADI
Eschrock
Odd question but how strong/weak is the flooring transition at the edge of the slide out? Specifically when the slide out is in. We’re doing a full remodel on a camper and my husband is nervous about that part.
Ceris
We have been researching how to replace our carpet and lino with vinyl plank for quite awhile. One thing that comes up is how the slide moves over the new flooring. Did you do anything to to the slide to aid it gliding? I have read stories about scrapes and gouges.
Mary Kelly
Looks awesome! Any problems with wear on the flooring from the slide coming in and out?
The DIY Mommy
The flooring has held up great.