I had a couple soft spots on my 2017 320 Azdel floor, so a few months back I tried 5mm vinyl planks as an overlay. It helped the main soft area in the center of the floor, and came out looking nicer than the original vinyl sheeting, at least to my untrained eye...
![](https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/9j/qit00wey4tju.jpg)
... but I still don't like the feel. The soft spot is less noticeable, but the whole floor still has too much give.
I'm gonna try full-timing in it next year until there's a NuCamp model halfway between a 400 and Avia available, or a really awesome micro toy-hauler comes on the market. So until then, I want a perfectly flat rigid floor.
Accordingly my plan is to take the planking back out (I didn't glue it down, just a little caulk at the perimeter). Then I'll cut out the vinyl sheeting from the visible floor area, cut the perimeter of the visible Azdel, and lift or cut it out depending on how well it's glued to the aluminum frame. Hopefully the Azdel layer is not epoxied to the foam blocking.
Then after leveling the aluminum framing if needed, use a medium construction adhesive and put down an extremely hard real wood like Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) which you can find everywhere in 5.5" widths and 17 or 19mm thicknesses for building decks.
I looked at the deformation levels, sustainability, and look of Trex and Azek, and at their heart they are still composites, and still flex more than even moderate hardwoods, and can even weigh slightly more than a gorgeous hardwood like Tigerwood. And without the beauty of real wood.
I plan to only spend a few days sanding the planks once they're cut to size, then using linseed oil for additional protection and to enhance the surface appearance. So it should hopefully come out with a beautiful grain showing, and not be too dark a look against all the lighter birch in the cabin. Fingers crossed, a little lighter than this Ipe deck picture below, but with that same rich grain.
![](https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/91/vm3lzqcmn1cl.jpg)
Theoretically I can drop a 5lb sledge on the floor, and with its hardness rating it won't leave a mark. Also supposed to be highly scratch and mold / mildew / water damage resistant. Will use up 40-50lbs of my 700lb carry capacity though, but add around $5000 to the resale value.
Dumbest idea ever? The only other alternative I can think of, after removing the top few current layers, is to put down a marine plywood, then a much thinner hardwood flooring material like one gets from a flooring shop. But I suspect that combination would be just as, if not, heavier, and wouldn't have the same feel as pure 3/4" - 7/8" walnut boards.
Comments
As far as concerns, just some conjecture: I’d wonder how resilient RV flooring actually needs to be? Will something like this travel well in these rolling earthquakes, or will it be prone to cracking under the flex and strain of travel down a Forest Service road? Not something I’d personally want to experiment with, but I’ll be interested to see what others think.
It’ll look nice with the cabinetry, though I do like the grey vinyl planks you used a lot!
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
While the $5000 was an exaggeration, with the lower center of mass of a hardwood floor, I should be able to take 90 degree corners at around 120mph without flipping over.
Former steward of a 2017 T@B S Max
2018 320S Outback
Former steward of a 2017 T@B S Max
As long as you’re not anticipating a resale value bump and are willing to take a possible future valuation hit, then yeah, my one concern would be performance in a moving vehicle. Which may not actually be a legit concern, I simply don’t know. It’s an interesting idea!
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
It's interesting wood. Almost like teak the way it's got an oily kind of raw surface.
You could probably add the fireplace and ottoman to finish the upgrade...
2014 S Maxx
2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!
A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/12208/floor-rot-on-a-2016-tab-320-s-pleasant-valley#latest
We team up with your friend, hang out our shingle, and start converting small RV floors throughout North America. Only in the locations we're camping in already of course. Felt or equivalent tape between each board for contraction / expansion, and a light colored caulk between each board at the top to keep debris on top. A t-square, small band saw, oils and adhesives. Make it look like a high end boat deck. Optional truck bed matching. Now we just need a company name and logo. We can probably knock out several dozen floors at üCamp 2022 once we get efficient at it.
Former steward of a 2017 T@B S Max
Have fun.
When nücamp said they could delaminate and rebuild the whole central floor, or just the section with the soft spot, I wonder how that's done.
Former steward of a 2017 T@B S Max
2014 S Maxx
2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah!
A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
The Brazilian Walnut (Ipe) is heavier than any American hardwood, and heavier than Teak, which is looks similar to. This is going to subtract a pupound from yiur cargo weight for every point of Ipe that you install, which could add up around 100 lbs. Try getting some manufactured Cork flooring thst is on a hard backing p, and can be laid to float, it is a tongue and groove type panel, 1-foot wide by 3-feet ling, is fairly rigid, send much lighter than the Ipe planks.
I also strongly recommend not removing thr Azdel panel,under the moisture barrier material, just add a manufactured flooring product of,your choice.
cheere