I HATE linoleum tiles. I have had them in my past two kitchens.
But that is exactly what I put in my 1976 Serro Scotty. Why?
Because those linoleum tiles are super easy to install and they made my vintage trailer look about a hundred times better. The existing flooring looked to be original- it was off- white with random brown lines running though it. It was not in bad shape- just ugly. Plus there was a big brown circle under the table where the tire had sat, possibly for years, and no amount of washing would take it off.
The price is right. The cost to purchase the tiles was under $40 and I got free shipping.
On Instagram I saw that someone had installed a black and white checkerboard floor which I really liked. Wish I could remember the name of the kind soul who gave me the info on where to find these tiles but alas- that was months ago. The name of the brand is Dynamix and the tile can be found here. I paid $12.99 per box of twenty 12″ tiles that have four 6″ white and black tiles within the 12″ tile. It would have been smart of me to figure out the square footage before ordering it but I got two boxes to be safe and just squeaked by. Make sure to include tiles for mistakes when calculating how much you need!
EDIT: OK- I just ordered another box- Amazon Prime free shipping! Now I can finish the floor in the closet.
I did it the hard way and laid the tiles on the diagonal because I thought it looked more interesting. Probably if you did them straight on, you could do it in half the time. It took me two full afternoons to finish but there is a learning curve for sure!
First, make sure to sweep and wash the floor.
I took a Sharpie and drew a line from the middle of the front step to the other side of the camper. Then I drew a perpendicular line going down the center of the length of the camper. I lined up the points and started peeling and sticking. The first day was easy because I did all of the easy full blocks.
The second day- not quite as much fun. I took a little more work to line and piece blocks. Here is my secret method to make it easier.
Use 12″ x 12″ sheets of scrapbook paper for templates when trimming the tiles. This works great because the paper and tiles both measure exactly 12:” x 12″.
Place the paper down on the floor where the tile is to go, fold the paper up to the wall and crease with your nail. Then fold or cut up the piece of paper into the shape you need. Place the tile on a self healing mat and with the template on top. Place a metal edge ruler over the template edges and trim around the tile with your utility knife. It’s better to score lightly several times then apply pressure than to press hard and try to cut through in one stroke.To go around complex curves, you may need to cut the paper template and work it around corners or curves. Make sure to note on the template which colors go where. This actually worked really well and I got better and better. When in doubt, I would cut it bigger rather than smaller because you can always trim down but you can’t add without having another seam. It gets easier after a while 🙂
These tiles were pretty sticky so I also had some Goo-Gone on hand to get rid of the glue in the corners. Once the glue gets dirt on it, it’s a pain to get up. There were some corners where I had to piece in tiny corners and I may go back and glue them down because they did not feel super secure.
The three stairs leading into the trailer were probably the most complex piecing job since there were multiple angles to work with, but in the end I just did my best and called it a day.
You may find that some of the original tile has bubbled out from the wall. This happened on the steps. I haven’t done this yet because my daughter had borrowed my heat gun, but the plan is to pierce the bubbled out piece and use the heat tool to re-melt the adhesive and then hold in place against the wall. I think this would work with an iron too with a pressing cloth between the tile and iron, but experiment at your own risk 🙂
The floor is done! I could have done better- it is not perfect… but I like it. The black and white checks are really bold and classic and look sharp. It is not the easiest to keep clean-I see a Swiffer in my future!
Don’t you agree though that this a lot better than we started? 
HOORAY! I love it. Please come back for another look at the next project. We are pulling out on March 26 and you can bet I am praying it does. not. snow!
Glamp along with me through New England on the #PaperTrail! Thanks for visiting…
I love the camper trailer. You did a really great job with the floor.
Thanks Mary Ellen! It really looks a lot nicer now. But lots more work to do…
Eileen, I think your floor turned out beautifully! Great job and thanks for the tutorial. Does your camper have a potty in it? I’ve got to do some more reading on your blog.
Hi Barbara- unfortunately no. There is no bathroom- just a little closet where I can put a small chemical toilet. But that’s OK- less systems to maintain!
<3 <3 <3 it~!~!~!~ Floor looks great~!~!~
I am glad it’s done! 🙂
Eileen you did a FABULOUS job on your floor!
How fun! I can’t wait to see all the pictures when your done!
There is going to be a whole lot of fun in that camper!
Can’t wait for the trip to begin, as I will be following you and Amy!
On the blog of course!
Donna- thanks for your comments- so glad you will be following us on the trip 🙂 Just heard there is supposed to be another snowstorm next week right when we are leaving…
you are a rock star!! on point = massive work = stunning finish!
Awww thanks Pat! Kind of like piecing a quilt… And I have new respect for quilters!
Looks totally adorable!!
Thanks Dolly! It’s looking warmer today- Working on a new idea out there! Hope it works…
It looks fabulous! I am really impressed. Will you be handing out booties for visitors to wear so they don’t scuff it? 😉
That’s a good idea Marjie. Really, it’s cheap stuff so not sure how it will wear. This is all a big experiment 🙂
Eileen – it looks fabulous. I look forward to seeing it in Connecticut. Hope they have ATB dies in stock at The Great American Stamp store – safe travels – see you soon.
Go n- eiri an bother leat or May the road rise to meet you
Orla not sure if they have the dies- I hope so! Safe travels to you and hope to meet up soon at the GASS!
You couldn’t have picked out a better floor for a vintage trailer & you did a fantastic job. If you did make any mistakes don’t bother pointing them out, no one would notice, all they will be doing is admiring the floor & camper. Have a wonderful time!
Well thanks Chris! I appreciate your kind remarks 🙂
VERY stylish…Scotty is looking sharp!
oxo
Thanks Patty! 🙂 He may appear at Woolie’s. Will miss the April 1 one though…
Oh my GOODNESS!! It is so CUTE and you are doing a great job! I recognize that old floor…I know that I’ve had it in at least one of the many houses that we rented along the way! lol
Thanks for that posting. I found it at just the right time! We’ve been wanting a similar floor in our Scotty, and I was planning to order vinyl sheet flooring…….but so much more expensive and complicated looking to install! One question: did you take up the metal trim and lay the tile under it, or leave it in place and cut the tile to fit next to the trim? Whichever you did, it looks great!
Hi Cindy- thanks for reading and commenting on my post! I probably should have taken up the trim so that the tiles are anchored. I did have a few little pieces come up and had to glue them down again. But no, I just laid butted the tiles up the edge and stuck them down. The floor is holding up pretty well, after torrential rain on the first trip, but I did put down a fluffy rug I found in Target for atmosphere and also to save on the wear and tear on the floor. Good luck with your Scotty. What year is it? Maybe we have twins 🙂