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Topic: My First Motorhome Tiling Job (Read 767 times) previous topic - next topic

My First Motorhome Tiling Job

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)
Walt, Dawn, Matt & the Poodles
99 36' U320 #5515 MC #17977 "Axle"
Not All Who Wander Are Lost (not original but I like it)

My First Motorhome Tiling Job The Results

Reply #1 –
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!

Walt, Dawn, Matt & the Poodles
99 36' U320 #5515 MC #17977 "Axle"
Not All Who Wander Are Lost (not original but I like it)

Re: My First Motorhome Tiling Job

Reply #2 –
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!

Dave & Diane
2001 U270 36' WTFE #5820
2016 Jeep Wrangler Hard Rock
Motorcade #18156

Re: My First Motorhome Tiling Job

Reply #3 –
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

Re: My First Motorhome Tiling Job

Reply #4 –
Holy cow! That's a lot of tiling, but it looks great!
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: My First Motorhome Tiling Job

Reply #5 –
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.  👏
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: My First Motorhome Tiling Job

Reply #6 –
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!
Walt, Dawn, Matt & the Poodles
99 36' U320 #5515 MC #17977 "Axle"
Not All Who Wander Are Lost (not original but I like it)

Re: My First Motorhome Tiling Job

Reply #7 –
Quote from: WBates –
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
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: My First Motorhome Tiling Job

Reply #8 –
I got to see Walters rig and tiling job while we were both at MOT, and it really looks magnificent.
2002 36' U270 Foretravel