Installing laminate flooring in an RV with slide outs is absolutely possible, but it requires a different approach than a regular RV or house. Slide mechanisms, floor movement, and weight distribution all matter. Done wrong, laminate can buckle, crack, or block slide operation. Done right, it looks great and lasts for years.
Below is the correct, professional approach.
Why RVs With Slide Outs Are Different?
In RVs with slide outs:
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Floors flex while driving
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Slide rooms move in and out over the main floor
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Weight shifts constantly
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Clearances are very tight
That means laminate flooring must be installed with movement and expansion in mind.
Step 1. Choose the Right Laminate Flooring
Not all laminate works in RVs.
Use laminate that is:
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Floating floor system
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Thin profile (usually 6–8 mm)
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Moisture resistant
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Rated for high movement areas
Avoid:
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Glue-down laminate
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Thick household laminate
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Cheap click systems with weak locking joints
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is often even better, but laminate can work if installed correctly.
Step 2. Remove Old Flooring Carefully
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Remove carpet, vinyl, or tile
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Take off trim pieces and floor vents
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Inspect subfloor for:
-Soft spots
-Water damage
-Uneven areas
Any subfloor damage must be repaired before installing laminate.
Step 3. Inspect Slide Out Floor Design
There are two common slide floor designs:
Slide rides over main floor
Most common. The slide glides over rollers or a plate.
Rule:
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Laminate must stop before the slide path
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Never install laminate under a moving slide unless designed for it
Flush floor slide
The slide floor aligns level with main floor.
Rule:
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Use transition strips
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Maintain expansion gaps
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Never lock slide floor to main floor laminate
Each slide design requires a different termination method.
Step 4. Prepare the Subfloor
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Vacuum thoroughly
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Ensure subfloor is clean and dry
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Add thin underlayment rated for laminate
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Do not stack underlayments
RV floors need flexibility, not thickness.
Step 5. Leave Proper Expansion Gaps
This step is critical.
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Leave at least 1/4 inch gap around all walls
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Leave extra clearance near slide openings
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Never pin laminate tight to cabinets or walls
Laminate must float freely or it will buckle.
Step 6. Install Flooring Direction Correctly
Best practice:
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Run planks front to back of the RV
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This aligns with frame flex
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Reduces joint stress while driving
Stagger seams properly and lock joints fully.
Step 7. Handle Slide Out Transitions Properly
Use:
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Aluminum slide transition plates
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Flexible T-molding
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Manufacturer-approved slide trim
Never use:
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Screws through laminate
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Rigid trim that blocks movement
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Glue across expansion joints
Slides must move without resistance.
Step 8. Reinstall Trim Without Pinning the Floor
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Trim should float above the laminate
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Use quarter round only if necessary
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Never fasten trim through the flooring
The floor must move independently.
Mistakes to Avoid:
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Installing laminate under slide rollers
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No expansion gap
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Using house-grade materials
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Locking laminate to cabinets
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Ignoring slide clearance
These mistakes often cause slide damage or floor failure.
Laminate flooring can look amazing in an RV with slide outs, but only when installed with proper clearances, transitions, and flexibility. Slide systems and RV movement must always be respected.
We Can Help!
If you want laminate flooring installed correctly in an RV with slide outs, contact Custom-way.
We understand:
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RV floor construction
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Slide out mechanics
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Weight distribution
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Hidden subfloor issues
We can access any section of the floor and slide system, repair damage if needed, and install flooring that works safely with your RV.
📞 +1 840-205-7314
✉️ customway.ca@gmail.com