Tile can be too heavy for a mobile home, but this largely depends on the type of tile as the weight of tiles varies, its thickness and the subfloor are most determinning factors.
It is better to install a lightweight tile in your mobile home and the best option to go for is the ceramic tiles or any other lightweight tiles. we opt for ceramic tiles because they are designed to be lightweight, which will have minimal impact and load on the structure and does not crack easily.
Note: Before installing any kind of tile on your mobile home, you have to consider the structural integrity and overall weight capacity first; this does not only include tiles but any other kind of heavy materials.
You should understand that Mobile homes have weight limitations because they are designed to be lightweight . Adding any kind of excessive weight should be discourage so at the end of the day you don’t face structural issues.
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Types of Tiles suitable for a mobile home
you might ask “which type of tiles are better option for mobile homes?”
ceramic tile is known to be lightweight hence it is considered to be a better option for mobile homes when compared to other kind of tiles like stone tile,
But your subfloor has to be strong enough to carry the weight of a ceramic tiles. a weak subfloor is likely to have issues.
mobile home’s floor are known to be made of wood and most times the joists that support the subfloor are mostly spaced 16 inches on center. making it possible to bend under heavy weight and if this happens when you install tiles, your tiles will get cracked .
To mitigate or spread the impact of such heavy weight as tiles you might consider reinforcing the subfloor and you can get this done with cementitious backer board.
larger and thicker tiles should be avoided because they tend to have heavy weight. Smaller and thinner tiles should be a better option to thicker tiles.
Tips for installing Tiles on Mobile Homes
Here are some tips for installing tile in a mobile home:
- Choose a very lightweight tile, such as ceramic which is known to have lightweight.
- Use a cementitious backer board to reinforce the subfloor, which help to distribute the weight.
- Install the tile using a thin-set mortar.
- Allow the tile to cure for at least 24 hours before using the floor.
Note : Before taking the bold step to install tiles in your mobile homes, we advise you get In touch with a structural engineer or a reputable tile installer to help you make a better choice of tiles and also the best method to install the tiles
What can you use on walls in a mobile home?
There are several options to choose from when it comes to covering the walls of your mobile home to give you that beautiful appeal you crave for. from paint to Vinyl-Coated Wall Panels to even wall paper ; everything depends on your budget and also your preference
Here are some common options to pick from when considering to cover your wall of your mobile homes:
Paint:
Paint remains one of the affordable options on our list. There are wide range of colours from which you can make your choice from to match both your taste and preference.
Wallpaper:
Wallpaper comes in various design and patterns.. easy to install options including peel-and-stick for you to pick from.
Vinyl-Coated Wall Panels:
Vinyl-Coated Wall Panels is popular choice to consider and you see it being installed on most mobile homes around , most people like me I personally prefers Vinyl-Coated Wall Panels because they are relatively easy to maintain and clean.
Wood Paneling:
Wood paneling comes in various styles, there is an endless option to pick from tongue-and-groove to shiplap and different types of wood, including pine, cedar, or oak.
Beadboard:
Beadboard features an evenly spaced vertical grooves and trust me you are going to like it and it does better job in adding a classic and elegant touch to the walls
Fabric:
If you want to add texture and softness to your walls, you can consider using fabric. This involves applying a layer of fabric over the walls and securing it in place. Fabric wall coverings can give your mobile home a cozy and personalized feel.
Tile or Backsplash:
what about your bathroom, kitchen and other areas that are prone to moisture? this is where tiles are very useful as they protect the surface area against water damage.
What material is used under mobile homes?
The material that are commonly used under most mobile homes around here is typically asphalt-impregnated fiberboard or fiberglass, cloth or heavy tar paper, and woven polyethylene. This material serves several purposes:
by using this product, you get a moisture barrier that help protect your mobile home from ground moisture.
your home is better insulated and also in summer your home is likely to remain cooler and in winter it will be cooler also.
Another advantage you are going to enjoy in your mobile home is a stable foundation that it provides.
In some cases, I have seen where simple plastic sheet vapor barrier are smartly added just under the mobile home and this does a better job at preventing moisture from seeping in.
Note : The materials we have listed above are the common and popular choice of materials that most people use although The type of material you can use, can be determine by the your local climate and likewise the manufacturer of the mobile home .