RV Repair by Custom way in California > FAQ > What is the best flooring to put in an rv?
What is the best flooring to put in an rv?

What is the best flooring to put in an rv?

The best flooring for an RV is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). It offers the right balance of durability, flexibility, water resistance, weight, and ease of installation. That said, the “best” choice can vary slightly depending on how you use your RV, whether you have slide-outs, and your climate.

Below is a clear, RV-specific breakdown so you can choose correctly and avoid expensive mistakes.

Why RV Flooring Is Different From House Flooring

RVs are not stationary buildings. Floors must handle:

  • Constant vibration and movement

  • Temperature swings

  • Weight limits

  • Slide-out operation

  • Occasional moisture and leaks

Many flooring types that work fine in houses fail quickly in RVs.

1. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Best Overall Choice

This is the most recommended flooring by RV professionals.

Why LVP works so well in RVs:

  • Waterproof

  • Flexible and movement-friendly

  • Lightweight

  • Quiet underfoot

  • Easy to repair plank by plank

  • Works well with slide-outs

Modern LVP looks like real wood or tile but handles RV conditions far better.

Best for:
Full-time RV living, travel trailers, motorhomes, RVs with slide-outs

2. Sheet Vinyl – Budget-Friendly and Practical

Sheet vinyl is often used by manufacturers and still makes sense in certain areas.

Pros:

  • Lightweight

  • Waterproof

  • No seams where water can penetrate

  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Less premium appearance

  • Harder to repair small damaged areas

Best for:
Bathrooms, kitchens, entry areas, budget remodels

3. Laminate Flooring – Use With Caution

Laminate can work, but only if installed correctly.

Pros:

  • Attractive appearance

  • Affordable

Cons:

  • Not waterproof

  • Sensitive to humidity

  • Can buckle if expansion gaps are wrong

  • Risky around slide-outs

If used, it must be thin, floating, and installed with proper clearances.

Best for:
Light-use RVs without moisture issues, installed by professionals

Flooring Types to Avoid in RVs

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

  • Too heavy

  • Cracks easily with RV flex

  • Adds stress to the frame

Solid Hardwood

  • Expands and contracts too much

  • Heavy

  • Sensitive to moisture

Thick Residential Carpet

  • Traps moisture and odors

  • Hard to clean

  • Adds unnecessary weight

Important Factors When Choosing RV Flooring

Before deciding, consider:

  • Do you have slide-outs?

  • Do you travel full-time or seasonally?

  • Do you camp in wet or cold climates?

  • Has there been past water damage?

  • Weight limits of your RV

The wrong flooring choice often fails not because of quality, but because it is not designed for RV movement.

Best Flooring by RV Use Case

Full-time RV living
→ Luxury Vinyl Plank

RVs with slide-outs
→ LVP or sheet vinyl

Bathrooms and kitchens
→ Sheet vinyl or waterproof LVP

Budget remodel
→ Sheet vinyl

High-end remodel
→ Premium LVP with proper subfloor prep

So, what is the best flooring to put in an RV?

For most RV owners, Luxury Vinyl Plank is the best overall option. It handles movement, moisture, and daily wear better than any other material commonly used in RVs.


We Can Help!

If you want to replace or upgrade your RV flooring, Custom-way can help.

We understand:

  • RV floor and subfloor construction

  • Slide-out mechanics

  • Hidden water damage

  • Proper materials that last in RV conditions

We can inspect your floor, repair any issues, and install the right flooring correctly, so it works with your RV instead of against it.

📞 +1 840-205-7314
✉️ customway.ca@gmail.com

Call now!