DIY Network

Cork Flooring Installation Floating floor is installed in the travel trailer From "Classic Rides" episode DCLR-207

In this first segment host Kevin Tetz is joined by remodeling expert Nathan Haun, who demonstrates how to install a new cork "floating" floor in the project '70 Airstream. The flooring comes in 1' x 3' tongue-and-groove planks that can be cut and installed easily. Cork is a natural resource that is mold and mildew resistant, which is advantageous for a travel trailer, and it should hold up well and feel great under foot.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Kevin and Nathan did a great job installing the new cork floor.

Installing the Cork Flooring

Note: Kevin and the Classic Rides producers decided to install a cork "floating" floor (figure A) because it's easy to install, would float and move with the Airstream and provides great padding. The floor was prepped first to make sure it was level and flat. The cork planks are made of three layers: a cork underlayment, a middle waterproof exterior-grade fiberboard and a top high-density cork with five coats of acrylic finish.

1. Before laying down the new cork floor, prepare the old floor by removing any nails or imperfections.

2. You can patch areas using automotive body filler (figure B).

3. The tongue-and-groove flooring clicks together piece by piece. Line up via tongue and grove and tap the floor into place with the tapping block (figure C) the manufacturer supplies.

4. Cut the edges of the flooring with multiple tools.

5. Before laying down the new floor, make a water barrier of 6 mil. polyethylene sheeting.

6. Measure out from the back wall the width of the planks, plus a 1/4" spacer, and then snap a chalk line across the width of the room so the first row will be straight.

7. Begin with the corner piece--lining it up with the chalk line.

8. Put spacers along the edge (figure D) to create the effect of the floating floor, which creates a gap and allows the floor to expand and contract.

9. The next plank goes in. Use the tapping block to set it into place. Using a paint stick and punch holes along the flat part and use it as a guide to mark the contours of the edges in the Airstream. Follow these directions with the rest of the planks: slide plank into place and tap together. Tap the side edge also.

   Tip: If you have some contouring involved when installing your trailer's flooring, consider using a paint paddle with a point. You can simply drag the paddle with the point against the wall (figure E) and use the edge as a guide, and then scribe the mark. The paddle actually following the contour of the trailer.

10. To install trim molding, apply contact cement to the molding and to the wall. When the glue has tacked up, the molding can go on. Don't attach the molding to the flooring or the flooring won't be able to float.

    Note: The molding should be flexible enough to wrap around the curves of the RV. Gaps can be filled in with caulk.

In the next segment the '70 Airstream windows and doors are repaired and spruced up.

RESOURCES :

Dremel Tools
Website: www.dremel.com

Floating Cork Floor
Natural Cork
Toll-free: 800-404-2675
Fax: 706-733-8120
Website: www.naturalcork.com

Window Slides
Inland RV Center Inc.
391 Elizabeth Ln.
Corona, CA 92880
Toll-free: 800-877-7311
Phone: 951-734-8130
Fax: 951-734-8132
Website: www.inlandrv.com

Paint for Nameplates and Emblems
Dupli-Color Paints
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
101 Prospect Ave., NW
Cleveland, OH 44115-1075
Phone: 216-566-2200
Fax: 216-566-2947