Does the flooring in your RV need an update? Replacing old, worn flooring is an easy way to refresh the interior space.
The floors take some of the hardest wear and tear, so durability should be a top priority when choosing a replacement option. Style is also important for creating an inviting living space. You have to consider the different materials and designs that will suit your needs and tastes.
We’ve reviewed the best RV flooring replacement options that will look good and stand up the rigors of travel.
Contents
What are the Types of RV Flooring?
There are several options to choose if you’re thinking of changing the flooring of your RV. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, so you should pick the one that fulfills your needs and preferences.
Carpet
Carpet is probably the best flooring for RV with slides. It’s a great choice for areas like bedrooms and slide-outs.
It’s available in numerous colors and styles, allowing for customization. Carpet provides a warm, cozy feel, ideal for colder climates. It’s also great for traction, making it a safe option for pets and older individuals.
However, carpet can be challenging to keep clean, as it traps dirt, sand, and other debris. Frequent vacuuming is necessary, and it’s more susceptible to stains and water damage compared to other options.
Hardwood
Hardwood brings a touch of elegance to your RV floor. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odors or stains.
But hardwood is heavy, which can affect your RV’s weight and fuel efficiency. It can also warp in humid conditions and scratch easily. While it adds a luxurious feel, its practicality in an RV setting might be limited.
Laminate
It offers the aesthetic appeal of hardwood with added durability and water resistance. It’s easy to clean and can be installed over an insulating layer for extra comfort.
Laminate planks can be tricky to install in tight or curved spaces. They can also be slippery, posing a risk for kids or pets. Also, the material can warp over time and may show repeated patterns.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular choice due to its water-resistant properties. It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and available in a variety of styles. You can clean it easily, which is ideal for high-traffic areas.
But there are concerns over its durability. Over time, vinyl can warp and show imperfections. Since it’s installed directly on the subfloor, it lacks the padding and insulation that other flooring types offer, making it less comfortable underfoot.
Best RV Flooring Replacement Options: Top 5 Picks
1. Vinyl Peel and Stick Floor Tile
At a glance:
- Material: Vinyl
- Color and finish: Light gray oak, matte finish
- Installation type: Peel and stick
- Product dimensions: 36″L x 6″W
- Pattern: Solid
- Item thickness: 1.2 mm
Why we love it:
We recently decided to upgrade the dated linoleum flooring in our RV with a more modern vinyl option. After researching various materials, we decided to try vinyl peel and stick tiles due to their ease of installation and affordability.
Installing the Nexus vinyl plank tiles was effortless. Each tile simply peels off the backing sheet and sticks to the floor. They don’t require any extra gluing, which minimizes mess.
Laying out the planks in a wood-look pattern gave our RV a warm, natural appearance. The matte finish realistically mimicked light oak flooring. We were impressed by the tiles’ thickness and durability for an RV environment.
The faux wood grains look convincing but some close inspection will reveal that they are not real hardwood. The tiles also don’t fully seal against each other, leaving minor seams.
However, for a budget-friendly DIY project, we feel the vinyl floors transformed our RV interior at a fraction of the cost of wood or laminate. The flexible, waterproof vinyl is also more practical than other materials for withstanding temperature and moisture fluctuations in an RV.
Our one issue was with removing the backing sheets without bubbles or creases. Going slowly and using a straight edge helped prevent this. We also added extra adhesive along the seams for reinforcement.
We’re very satisfied with how the new floor turned out. These self-stick planks are probably the best RV flooring replacement options for people on a budget.
Pros:
- Easy, mess-free DIY installation
- Affordable price per square foot
- Available in various patterns and colors
- Waterproof and durable
- Convenient to peel up and replace if needed
Cons:
- Seams between tiles are slightly visible
- Edges of tiles can peel up in high-traffic areas
- Backing sheet removal can cause creases or bubbles
2. Bare Decor BARE-WF2009 Solid Teak Wood Interlocking Flooring Tiles
At a glance:
- Material: Teak
- Color and finish: Brown, oil finish
- Installation type: Floating installation
- Item dimensions (L x W x H): 12 x 12 x 1 inches
- Shape: Square
- Item thickness: 1-inch
Why we love it:
We’ve installed Bare Decor’s solid teak wood interlocking flooring tiles in our RV and shower, and have been very pleased with the results. Made from genuine teak wood with an oil finish, these tiles provide a beautiful natural look that enhances any indoor or outdoor space.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of these tiles is how easy they are to install. No tools, glue, or special skills are needed; the tiles simply snap together like a puzzle. This allows for a very quick and simple DIY process, even over slightly uneven surfaces.
We were able to replace our outdated bathroom flooring in just an afternoon. The floating installation also means tiles can be removed and relocated if desired.
Aesthetically, the teak holds up wonderfully no matter wherever you use it. The tiles are supposed to look fresh for years because their natural oil finish prevents cracking or warping. Also, minor scratches can be sanded smooth without issue. The solid wood also gives a very premium feel compared to cheaper imitation products.
However, we did encounter some issues using them inside our small shower. Specifically, we noticed mold growing underneath over time due to poor airflow.
Cutting larger gaps between the slats helped significantly by allowing better drying. New buyers may want to consider this if installing in an enclosed wet area. But we must admit that their ease of installation makes them better floor replacement options for RV.
Pros:
- Easy to install with interlocking design
- Beautiful natural teak wood appearance
- Scratches can be easily sanded smooth
- Floating installation allows for rearranging
- Provides a luxury hardwood look on a budget
Cons:
- May grow mold underneath in humid areas
- Cutting tiles for irregular spaces can be tedious
- Available in only natural teak color
3. Nexus Self Adhesive 12-Inch Vinyl Floor Tiles
At a glance:
- Material: Vinyl
- Color and finish: Ash gray wood, matte finish
- Installation type: Peel and stick
- Product dimensions: 12″L x 12″W
- Pattern: Solid
- Shape : Square
- Item thickness: 1.2 mm
Why we love it:
At first glance, the Nexus vinyl floor tiles seem like a budget-friendly and hassle-free option for upgrading worn or damaged flooring. The tiles are thin and flexible, making them easy to cut with scissors for irregular spaces. They also peel-and-stick without the mess of adhesives, allowing for a simple do-it-yourself installation.
Our experience was mostly positive. True to the description, the tiles were easy to cut and place wherever needed. And the matte gray finish blended nicely with our RV’s decor.
But we did encounter some issues with adhesion over time. While the sticky backing initially held well, some tiles began peeling up at the edges after weeks of use. This required going back and applying adhesive under each lifted area. The tiles also weren’t perfectly squared, so seams weren’t always even where they joined.
Nexus tiles provide a reasonably-priced RV flooring replacement. But those seeking a truly permanent solution may prefer a thicker, more rigid flooring material.
Also, some patience is needed, as installation takes more time accounting for imperfections. Still, for a lightweight, low-cost option to update an existing surface, these vinyl tiles get the job done.
Pros:
- Inexpensive RV flooring solution
- Thin and flexible tiles
- Peel-and-stick installation is quick
- Wide selection of colors and patterns
Cons:
- Not all tiles are perfectly square, causing seam issues
- Adhesion may decline over time
- May not hold up to heavy foot traffic
4. CO-Z Peel and Stick Floor Tiles
At a glance:
- Material: PVC
- Color and finish: Beige, white oak smooth finish
- Installation type: Peel and stick
- Product dimensions: 36 x 6 in.
- Shape: Rectangular
- Item thickness: 2 mm
Why we love it:
Made of thick, durable PVC, the NCO-Z floor tiles have a convincing wood-grain texture and beige color that gives our small living space a warmer, more polished look.
The tiles arrive as pre-cut planks that easily snap together. Simply peel back the cover sheet and stick the tiles in place. Their rigid backing and powerful adhesive bond securely with light pressure. You can also cut them to accommodate corners and odd angles.
The thick PVC construction feels solid underfoot and resists dents and scratches from furniture or boxes. And you can easily wipe up spills with a damp cloth. Although not real hardwood, the tiles mimic its appealing look at a fraction of the cost and maintenance.
Of course, no flooring is completely without issues. The seams between planks are somewhat more visible when you look closely. And the adhesive, while very strong, makes removal or replacing individual tiles difficult once stuck down. Some corners in high-traffic areas may peel up too.
Pros:
- Easy peel and stick installation
- PVC material is waterproof and resists scratches
- Realistic wood grain texture
- Affordable option compared to real hardwood or laminate floors
Cons:
- Visible seams between planks compared to one-piece flooring
- Hard to remove or replace due to strong adhesive backing
- Corners and edges can peel up
- Less insulating than softer flooring materials
5. ROSEROSA Peel and Stick Engineered PVC Plank Wood Tiles
At a glance:
- Material: PVC
- Color and finish: Multicolor, smooth finish
- Installation type: Peel and stick
- Item dimensions (L x W x H): 6 x 1 x 40 inches
- Shape: Wood
- Item thickness: 2 mm
Why we love it:
ROSEROSA peel and stick tiles are a great option for an easy-to-install RV flooring solution. These planks have a realistic wood grain texture that dramatically changes the look and feel of a space.
It’s quite easy to handle these lightweight tiles during installation. Their PVC material is waterproof, durable, and easy to clean, which are the ideal qualities for an RV. We no longer have to worry about spills or dirt getting trapped in carpet fibers.
Installation was effortless. The planks easily peel and stick onto the flooring surface without needing special tools or adhesives. Their pre-cut sizes mean less cutting and adjustments are needed compared to larger vinyl sheets.
Like any DIY project, ensuring a perfectly smooth subfloor is key for the best adhesion long-term. We used additional liquid nails during our install for extra security.
So far the planks have proven very durable. The thicker 2mm gauge feels solid underfoot compared to cheaper options.
Our only minor complaint is a slight detectable odor that lasted a few days during and after installation. Although a day of ventilation helped it dissipate.
Pros:
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Lightweight for easy installation
- Realistic wood grain look improves aesthetics
- Pre-cut planks are quick and simple to install
- Durable 2mm thickness
Cons:
- Slight odor during and briefly after installation
- May require additional adhesive during installation
Conclusion
Replacing your RV flooring is not a chore anymore, thanks to all the readymade floor tiles available.
Our recommended products range from budget-friendly vinyl tiles to luxurious teak interlocking planks.
Each option prioritizes durability and ease of installation, making them ideal for the unique demands of RV living.
