Max you are a busy person

We were thinking of doing some 2'x2' stone tile in our manufactured home, but I've heard two different stories:  One says no problem, the other says I'll need to reinforce the floors somehow.  Anyone ever deal with this?

My Advice:

Okay here is some advice for you.  I talked to a couple associates and here are some of the things we came up with. 

First of all how is your home set?  On a foundation or on piers?  If the house is set on a permanent conventional foundation with footing into the ground below the frostline, I would tile it. If it is set only on block piers I would not. I don't care how well built the house is, if it isn't stable the tiles will more than likely crack.

I think yes, ceramic tile could be used on the floors of manufactured homes, if the floors meet industry standards. The primary concern is that the floor is structurally sound and DOES NOT have a deflection greater than Length/360, which means no more than 1" deflection within a 30' span. For stone the deflection can't be greater than L/720, which means no more than 1/2" deflection within a 30' span. Of course, you need to make sure you use the correct adhesive for the respective substrate you choose (use a quality epoxy or a flexible latex/polymer modified thin-set), and that you have a waterproof membrane (here is  http://www.schluter.com/6_1_ditra.aspx an example of an excellent product it is innovative and is well worth the money that you will pay for it)  in any areas that would get any exposure to moisture. You also need to have expansion joints around the perimeters and every 24' to 36' in all directions.

There are other concerns to take into account.  Depending upon the structural integrity of the subfloor and whether it needs to be reinforced next you need to ask what kind of doors will be affected in the area you are considering tiling.  If it is an entry and you have a fiberglass door and you need to add lets say a 3/4" underlayment and then the tile you would effectivly raise the floor 1 1/8"you will need to trim the doors more than likely and if there is a fiberglass door there this will be very tough to accomplish.  Also if you are going to lay down rugs as tile is a slippery area and if your climate is cold then you have a slip and fall concern (I live in Minnesota so I know about the snow).  If this is an entry and you have only x amount of clearance now almost any entry door will be imposssible to alter at all height wise. The only option is to get a different door if you can't increase the height of the door at all.

There are some other options availible to you such as high quality linoleums that mimic tile.  These are very durable and very attractive but very expensive as well.  You could also look at some wood products.  I would stay away from Laminate flooring as there are some inherent problems with this product and I think you will see a backlash on the laminate industry in the next decade.  I know it is all the rave but I think the jury is still out on the interlock product lines.  The old glue together products are better than the new interlock because they sealed the gaps with invisible glue.

I could go on and on but it is really hard to give you a professional opinion from here.  I think what I would do is call some tilers and tell them what you are planning.  Have them come over and give you a free estimate.  Even if they charge you a little estimate charge the money spent will be invaluable insight and well worth the investment.  They will give you their insight on the project and let you know whether they would be willing to do the work AND warranty it.  If they are willing to do the work but aren't willing to warranty it I would sasy they are saying to you, "yeah we will take your money to put it in but it is going to fail and we know it."

I hope that I have given you some worthwhile advice.  I know what it is like to just want a yes or no answer but as you know being in the industry it is not really possible sometimes to say "yes" or "no"

I wish you good luck and let us know what you find out.

Happy Refurbing!

James