Well with the encouragement of a couple of foretravel buddies, I have begun "phase I" of my coach tiling job (the bathroom/potty area). Though a little scary at first, I had fun working on it! Below are photos of my experience (I hope the photos align with the headings... here goes). Hopefully, this will encourage you on tackling your next project!
Step 1. Tile Selection Process (DW led)
Step 2. Preparation
Step 3. Starting the Tile Installation
Step 4. The Results (hit 10 photo upload limit, go to my next post for results)
Finished results below. Overall we are very happy with the results.
Things learned:
1. DW wanted 1/16 spacing but used 1/8 to help mitigate walls that were not perfectly square.
2. Fit all tile on the floor before applying thinset and use & number masking tape at each end of tile to prevent reversing tile in unsquare areas.
2. When troweling thinset, be sure to trowel such that the thinset rows are standing up (this ensure even spreading of thinset under each tile when laying). Be sure to remove excess thinset between tiles to provide sufficient room for the grout.
4. Vacuum often to prevent contamination of thinset or grout.
5. Do not push the tile down to hard but rather lay several rows and use a short wood block to ensure all tiles are level (not uneven which would cause a toe kicker). Wiggle tile back and forth to set tile.
6. Use paper templates to pencil around difficult angles, then cut paper with scissors and pencil mark tile using template.
7. The potty area had a 1x1 inch wood piece that I found could be removed and placed inside of the 4x4 inch frame covering the plumbing/electrical lines. Made tile much easier and cleaner looking.
8. Don't get in a hurry, enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and the reduced labor rate!
Hey Walter,
That looks fantastic! Now it's time to GET OUT ON THE ROAD! I especially like #8 where you cite a "job well done and reduced labor rate"!
So when can you get started on mine!
Head West!
Very sharp,, looks great and very practical. I know why they lay down carpet straight through but such a terrible idea in that area. I know ,, others as well,, how much work and planning goes into a project like this,, well done.
This is what I did in the area. ( if the pic loads)
Ron
Holy cow! That's a lot of tiling, but it looks great!
I've seen a lot of upscale tile jobs in 5 star hotels, mansions and new million dollar coaches, and this tile job puts your coach right up there amongst the best of them. Magnificent is the word that describes the impression of your install for me. 👏
I really appreciate all the kind and encouraging words. I truly learn so much from everyone's documented question's and efforts to maintain and improve their coaches. I took a chance and it worked out.
Beside Rudy, Keith, David & Brian, I hope to meet up with other members on this forum in person one day. Sure would be nice to have a Foreforum rally somewhere, meet everyone and give Michelle an honorary award for all the work involved in keeping this forum so enjoyable over the years. Even try and invite the newer model Realm coach owners!
Nice job Walt!!!
It was nice meeting you New Years in Galveston..
Keith
I got to see Walters rig and tiling job while we were both at MOT, and it really looks magnificent.