Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

I was at Lowe's the other night (yeah big surprise, I know) looking at their selection of vinyl peel-n-stick tiles. They actually had some pretty good looking tiles.

I picked out 2 tiles that I want to use for my galley. For the backsplash and sides, I chose a 12x12 tile. For the counter, I picked out an 18x18 tile that gets grouted. Yes, a grouted vinyl tile. Surprised me too.

So... For those of you that used stick-on tiles, did you rely solely on the adhesive on the back of the tile, or did you use something additional? I'm concerned that the temperature variance throughout the year will take its toll on the factory adhesive.

Thanks!

While no expert on stick on tiles, I've removed plenty of them in my house that weren't correctly installed and lifted. If it were in a tear, because of the chances of more extreme daily temperature variations, I'd make sure that you sealed the plywood underneath with something like poly to give the "stickum" something good to grab, not just the ply. Me....I don't trust them, just my experience with it. Doug

Zach, you could probably use some regular vinyl floor adhesive to ensure they stay cemented to your surface and help keep moisture from intruding around and beneath seams. However, different manufacturers may use different adhesives and all such products may not work well together. I would call the manufacturer of the vinyl tile that you have chosen and ask them. They'll know what you can use.

Zach,

I recently bought some of those self adhesive tiles at Home Depot to use on a wall in my kitchen. I asked a salesperson if I needed to get something else to ensure they stay on the wall and I was told, "No." The next morning half of the tiles were on the floor! I went back to HD and asked someone else who told me to get a tube of Liquid Nails which will keep them stuck to the wall. I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I'm sure that will do the trick. I plan on using more of those tiles in my TD after I remove the ceramic tiles that the previous owner put in. (They are heavy AND very ugly!!!)

I've used vinyl tiles twice, and won't use 'em a third time. Not only do they tend to lift, but if you have them long enough they will shrink slightly and leave you with an attractive gap that fills with crud.

I would think the process would accelerate in a trailer with the temperature changes, but that's just a guess.

I've used vinyl stick on tiles many times, being a landlord, they are fairly cheap and easy to install. The cheap ones that run around a buck a piece are pretty crummy. I've also purchased better quality ones in the 2-3 range and been pleased with the results.

That being said, I've never used them where they would be exposed to the temperature extremes your talking about. I think I would use additional glue, or perhaps go with linoleum or formica instead if you can find something you like.

I used them in Rose's galley. They've been there about three years now. I did not use additional adhesive.

I used the cheapy peel and stick tiles on the floor and gally wall of #1, the ones on the floor seem to be holding up just fine, but the most of the ones on the wall have fallen off. Didn't use any extra adhesive.

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like I either need a new idea, or need to use construction adhesive. Guess I'll ponder this for a little bit.

There's a lot to be said for using laminate in those areas, Zach.

Very nice job you're doing.

Zach,

I have used several of the types of peel'n stick tiles. Most have been less than wonderful, but the last time 2 things changed. One, the local Menard's now carries a special sealer that is used to coat the substrate prior to attaching the tiles. Then once the tiles are down, I used the roller extra carefully to press them down tightly. One last thing, the last tiles I used were the sort that leave a wide gap between the tiles that was then backfilled with sanded acrylic grout, just like a ceramic tiles. These have been down several years now in our laundry room, and still look as good as the day I put them down.

Still not sure how they would do in a TD galley, but now you have me thinking.

Tom

I used them in my TD for the galley shelf horizontal surface. We'll see how they work out over the long haul - they can always be replaced with something else if needed, even if that means new vinyl tiles every few years.

I certainly wouldn't recommend using them on vertical surfaces...

Zach,


My opinion... Saving money, and using materials that are "easy" to install are both good ideas.
However, most innovative ideas can be "checked" for worthiness by looking to see what mass producers of inexpensive housing offer in their least expensive models.
Self stick tiles don't make the cut.

As JS and Tom pointed out, gaps are not a favorable condition in a food prep area.
(Wish someone could get that idea across to the Formica people who still "caulk" the backsplash to the countertop.)


Rob

jonw: Have you had any problems with them due to heat from stove usage?

Thanks Rob! The tiles that I was planning on using for the counter must be along the same lines as IndyTom mentioned - they get grouted in the joints.

These are the 12x12 tiles I was going to use as a backsplash

And these are the groutable 18x18 tiles for the countertop.

Not sure if the grout would make a difference or not.

Just out of curiosity - whats wrong with caulking the backsplash on Formica?