Can You Use Tile In an RV? [A Complete Guide to Using Tile In Your RV]

Tiles offers a stunning aesthetic in living spaces, but can you use tile on an RV?

After all, we’re talking about ceramic, porcelain, glass, or asphalt in most cases, all things that can crack over time from the frequent micro vibrations and bumps you encounter on the road.

Fortunately, there are options all depending on what rig you have and the look you’re going for. 

So, let’s dive into the world of tile and see if you can make it work in an RV.

Can You Use Tile In an RV?

Traditional tile flooring isn’t a good choice in most RVs, as the frequent bumps and impacts can cause the tile to crack. 

However, you can make tile work in other areas (such as a backsplash) as well as certain tile alternatives. 

Ultimately, whether you can use tile in your RV depends on three factors:

• What kind of rig you have
• What kind of tile (or tile-like material), and
• Where you’re installing the tile

If you have a larger Class A rig, they tend to be built with in-air suspension that makes tile fine because it’s not subjected to the same frequent impacts as a smaller Class C or trailer that takes the full force of the road. 

However, even if you have a smaller rig you can make it work if you’re willing to look at alternatives.

It also depends to some degree how your flooring is constructed. If you have a solid enough foundation and a base flooring already that the tile will be placed on top of, you might be able to make it work.

Still, even in that case it would still be best to consider alternatives that are comparable in appearance while offering better durability (as well as other benefits). 

Let’s talk about one of the main alternatives now.  

Why LVT Is a Great Tile-Like Alternative for RVs

Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is a type of high-quality vinyl that is perfect for RVing.

There are a few reasons why LVT is a great choice:

• It’s more durable and flexible than traditional tile
• Easy to clean and manage
• Generally more pleasant to walk on than most materials that traditional tile is made out of
• More affordable than traditional ceramic-based tile

Also, for those DIYers, installing LVT is relatively easy to install yourself.

Luxury vinyl tile comes in a variety of different looks and styles, so there’s a good chance you can find something that fits your aesthetic while enjoying all the other aforementioned benefits. 

Where Can You Use Tile In an RV?

It’s important we specifically touch on this question, because it’s a big part of the conversation about using tile in an RV:

It isn’t recommended to use tile flooring throughout your entire RV due to the weight, even if you can solve the durability issue. 

Instead, consider using it here and there in places such as:

• Bathroom
• Kitchen backsplash
• Or a slide-out

Using tile in one or two areas, smaller sections of the RV, will allow you to add a little pop of style and contrast to your interior without weighing it down by any measurable amount. 

Is Tile Weight an Issue?

A common concern with tile is whether you’ll be weighing your RV down too much by using it.

We’ve already made it clear that we don’t recommend laying tile throughout your entire RV. However, even if you can do so safely it’s not recommended due to the weight.

With that said, if you follow our advice above and only use tile in a few smaller, select areas of your RV than the small amount of added weight won’t be an issue.

How to Install Tile In Your RV

Let’s talk now about setting up tile in your RV.

We’re going to assume that you’re installing tile in a small area such as a slide-in or backsplash and now as flooring (outside of maybe your bathroom). 

Installing tile can be a complex process and the details highly depend on what you’re using to secure the tile (and how you’re installing it).

This is a great example for those looking for something visual: 

With that said, installing tile in your RV takes three steps: 

1. Apply tile base

Make sure to start by cleaning the surface of wherever you’re placing your tile. 

After you’ve done that, it’s time to decide how you’ll apply your tile.

Tile membrane (like this one from Mussel Bound) has become popular as a less messy and hassle-free way of securing tile safely:

However, you can use any type of peel and stick tile sheet like this one from Art3D:

In most cases, you’ll need a razor blade or similar to cut the sheets exactly to the size and shape that you need to fit the space.

You’ll also need a roller to set the peel layer. However, most adhesives come with one or both so make sure to check if the one you choose does or not.

If you’re unsure of what to do, it’s generally best to default to the instructions laid out in the membrane / adhesive set you purchase. 

2. Install the tile

Now, it’s time to get your tile down.

Placing tile is arguably the funnest part as you get to see things really start to come together. 

Depending on how you’d prefer to do things, you may want to purchase tile spacers so that your tiles are all evenly laid out and uniform:

Before installing your tile (or before finishing), you’ll likely need to cut a few pieces to fit at one end or around an outlet.

Any construction saw will work, or even taking it to your local Home Depot. However, if you don’t already have a saw and rather DIY, a wet saw like this SKIL wet tile saw is perfect and highly affordable: 

3. Grout the tile

Finally, it’s time to grout your new tile.

Start by checking your tile adhesive instructions to make sure if you’ll need to wait for it to set or not.

Once you’re ready, you’ll need:

• Grout
• Grout float
• Sponge

If you pick up grout from your local hardware store, you might find a set with grout + float. Either way the brand doesn’t really make a difference.

To apply your grout, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the grout you purchase.

If none are included, see the video we included above for a visual example.

You’ll want to work little-by-little in sections as grout dries quickly. When you’re applying grout, you’re filling in the empty spaces between your tiles but inevitably getting some of that grout on the tiles themselves.

You’ll then need to wipe that excess grout off with a sponge and some warm water. However, if you cover everything first before coming back to wipe your tiles down, the grout will likely have dried and your chance missed leading to a messy tile job.

Send Us Your Tile Job Pics!

Have an amazing DIY tile job you can show off? 

Send us pics at the Dusty Trail Instagram or Facebook to show them off. We’d love to see how you installed tile in your rig and what the finished job looks like!