My husband did it! He burned a spot on the paneling by the stove and I want to cover it by installing a tile backsplash over the paneling. My concern is that the tile will not adhere properly to the paneling surface.
I don't want tiles popping loose as we're driving down the road. I've installed floors and backsplash in our home, but never in an RV. Can it be done over the current wall paneling that's there?
ANSWER: Hi Brenda, in an effort to get your husband out of the hot water he is in, I will let you know that you can install a tile backsplash in your RV. But not being able to see the exact type of paneling you are talking about puts me at a disadvantage as to whether you can put the tile directly over your existing paneling.
If the backsplash tile is installed properly using the proper tile adhesives for the material that you are tiling over there should not be a problem with the tiles cracking or falling off.
What I suggest you do is take your RV to one of the local home improvement stores in your area and show them what type of paneling you are trying to tile over. They can tell you if you need to put something else in between the paneling and the tiles. Just make sure that the tile adhesive and tile grout is flexible enough to withstand vibrations.
Since I have not had the opportunity to install a tile backsplash in my Motorhome, I cannot give you the step by step instructions, but the video below should give you an idea of how the job should be done.
Since the area that you are installing the tile in is near the stove, I would suggest that you use a real tile backsplash. If there are other areas in your RV that you would like to install a backsplash in that are not exposed to a direct flame; you can use a peel and stick backsplash which is far easier to install.
To review this process, you may want to watch the video below by RV Expert Mark Polk from RV Education 101 on how to properly install peel and stick backsplash tiles.
I've installed porcelain tile in RVs for 30 years. It isn't rocket science. You need flexible adhesive and flexible grout (rubber). Just look up flextile.
Rating
Sanded Ceramic Tile Caulk by: Anonymous
Sanded Ceramic Tile Caulk (available at Home Depot and Lowes) looks like grout but with the flexibility of caulk.
Rating
Grout by: Anonymous
Looking for ideas what to usef for 1by1 tiles to grout that has flex for use in motorhome . Be specific with brand names and product name.
Rating
WALL TILES PERFECT FOR RV by: DAVID
If you visit www.stickandgo.com you will see over 70 styles of a new self adhesive tile that is perfect for RV'S & Mobile homes. They are 2mm thick and very durable, self adhesive, made to last !
Rating
self adhesive tiles by: Anonymous
I found this site based in England maybe they can help. www.stickandgo.com
Rating
Vinyl tiles from Lowes on backsplash in RV by: Anonymous
I applied vinyl tiles on my backsplash in my RV. The tiles were the peel and stick but I used liquid nail on them also. Every tile has fallen off! I have used every adhesive there is and they will not stay. Now I have a lovely ugly backsplash. Any ideas as to what I can put on there?
Rating
Back splash by: Anonymous
I just recently did a backsplash in the kitchen of our camper. I bought the lightest ones I could find (squares on mesh). I used a caulk adhesive, by lock tite to glue them on and seal between them. We haven't taken our camper anywhere yet, so I can't tell you if they'll fall off or not while driving, but so far so good!!! I also didn't go all the way up the wall because I didn't want the tiles to make the wall too heavy. I only went about halfway up. Good luck!
Rating
Tile backsplash by: Tile Man
Use the search term RV tiling. That should take you to flextile. They have a very simple system for tiling back splashes.
Rating
tile backsplash by: Anonymous
We absolutely added beautiful tile behind our stove in our motorhome. Its been there for over a year of traveling. We did have just a tiny bit of grout break off. No biggie.
Rating
adhesive tiles by: Anonymous
We used the adhesive large tiles that look like vintage metal tiles. They are 18 X 18. We only needed one to cover our area. It looks great and hides all kinds of errors.
Rating
Rv kitchen by: Anonymous
We have installed nice wallpaper... Looks like bricks ...in our Motorhome kitchen! Looks great
Rating
Tile Backsplash by: Anonymous
I've found some 'peel & stick' tiles that would be great for a back splash although I would put them too close to the stove as they are plastic. No grout required and they would be light enough so as not to add weight to the RV. Website is www.thesmarttiles.com. Also sold at Home depot stores both in Canada and US.
Get as thin of tiles as you can. The smaller ones, mounted on mesh, seem to be the thinnest.
Today I noticed a table with a ceramic tile top - It used caulk, instead off grout, and looked fine. My favorite adhesive caulk is made by DAP - it comes in several colors and is easily smoothed out.
Rating
Tile in an RV by: Anonymous
I doubt if your tile backsplash will be that large, but if it is a bit sizable then it can add a decent amount of weight to the RV compared to what was there.
Maybe tell the tile store what you are doing and they may be able to give you some tips.
I have heard of others putting ceramic tile in an RV, but I have never seen the work that they did.
A suggestion that comes to mind is maybe use adhesive caulk instead of grout, because it is more flexible, and won't be prone to cracking.
Everything About RVing Does not sell personal information. For more information visit our Privacy Policy Page.
Amazon.com Disclosure
Everything-About-RVing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
that would be great for a back splash although I would put them too close to the stove as they are plastic. No grout required and they would be light enough so as not to add weight to the RV. Website is www.thesmarttiles.com. Also sold at Home depot stores both in Canada and US.