Replacing Mobile Home Flooring with Hardwood Floors

Mobile home flooring can be outdated and worn down, and wooden floors provide a durable and stylish solution. To upgrade your mobile home, consider replacing the flooring with hardwood floors.

Our home is a 2002 Clayton Built® Home, which we have been remodeling since 2013. It is a spacious 32×60, with four large bedrooms and two bathrooms, spanning around 1800 square foot.

It was built to HUD standards, and after 1976, so it is considered a manufactured home. The home was brought to our location in two pieces and assembled on-site.

Although our home was bought out of foreclosure and in good structural condition, the flooring was in extremely poor condition and outdated.

When it was time to decide on new flooring for our home, I knew that durability was a top priority. With a large family and several dogs, we needed a flooring option to withstand wear and tear.

Although numerous options are available for flooring, it was our personal preference to install hardwood floors in our home after considering several choices.

After installing hardwood flooring in our home, we have continued remodeling, so look at these posts!

• Installing Exterior French Doors
• Building DIY Plywood Countertops
• Double Wide Mobile Home Kitchen Cabinets

Replacing Mobile Home Flooring

Manufactured and mobile homes have gained popularity as affordable and efficient housing options, and we were no exception when we purchased our mobile home.

Many come with outdated, damaged, or unappealing flooring, which can detract from the home’s overall appeal.

Thankfully, there is a solution that can elevate your home’s flooring – replacing it with hardwood floors.

What Type of Flooring to Use in a Mobile Home

When choosing flooring for a mobile home, several options exist. Hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and carpet are all popular choices.

Hardwood floors – a durable and stylish option that can add value to your mobile home. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, and with proper maintenance, they can last for decades. However, they can be more expensive than other flooring options.

Laminate flooring – a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood. It is made from synthetic materials but can mimic the look of wood. It is easy to install and can also withstand heavy foot traffic.

Vinyl flooring – is another cost-effective option that is easy to install and maintain. It is available in various styles, including those that look like wood or tile – luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl plank.

Carpet – is a popular choice for bedrooms and living areas. It is comfortable underfoot and can add warmth and coziness to a space. However, it may not be the best option for areas that experience high traffic or spills.

Laminate flooring – is a synthetic material that simulates the look of wood or other natural materials. It is durable, easy to install, and affordable, making it a popular choice for those on a budget.

Engineered hardwood flooring – comprises layers of wood veneer and plywood, with a top layer of real hardwood. It is more stable than solid hardwood and can withstand changes in temperature and humidity better.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

After careful consideration, we ultimately decided to install 2 1/4-inch white oak hardwood flooring in our mobile home.

Initially, we were interested in wide plank boards, but after consulting with a flooring professional, we were advised that they may not hold up as well over time.

We opted for #3-grade hardwood, which is less expensive than the higher-grade options. We specifically wanted a more rustic look, with knots and holes visible in the wood.

This grade of hardwood gave our home a charming and natural feel while being an affordable price and one of the most durable.

Preparing to Replace Mobile Home Flooring

Replacing mobile home flooring is a big DIY project that requires proper planning and preparation. Before you begin, there are several factors to consider.

1. Removing old flooring materials: The first step in replacing your mobile home flooring is to remove the old flooring materials. This can include carpet, vinyl, or laminate. Make sure to dispose of the old materials properly.
2. Tools required: You’ll need several tools to remove the old flooring materials, including gloves, safety glasses, a utility knife, a pry bar, a hammer, and pliers.
3. Safety precautions: Always wear safety gear, such as gloves and safety glasses, when removing old flooring materials. Be cautious of sharp objects hidden in the old flooring, such as nails or staples.
4. Inspecting the subfloor: Once the old flooring is removed, inspect the subfloor for any damages or issues. This is also a good time to check for any potential moisture problems.
5. Identifying damages: If there are any damages, such as soft spots or rot, you’ll need to address them before installing the new flooring.
6. Repairing subfloor issues: Depending on the severity of the damages, you may need to repair or replace subfloor sections before installing the new flooring.
7. Measuring the floor area: Measure the area that needs to be covered with the new flooring. This will help you determine how much flooring material you’ll need.
8. Calculating the hardwood flooring needed: Once you have the measurements, you can calculate the amount needed.
9. Determining the layout of the new flooring: Consider the layout of the room and the direction of the flooring. You can install the planks in various patterns, including a diagonal or herringbone pattern.

Choosing the Right Hardwood Flooring

Choosing the right hardwood flooring can be daunting, but selecting the right product for your budget and lifestyle is important.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right hardwood flooring for your mobile home:

• Type of Wood: Different types of hardwoods have unique characteristics, such as color, hardness, and grain patterns. Some popular choices include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut.
• Grade of Wood: The grade of the wood determines its quality and appearance. The higher the grade, the fewer the imperfections, and the higher the cost.
• Width of the Planks: The width of the planks can have a significant impact on the overall appearance of the flooring. Narrower planks create a more traditional look, while wider planks are more modern.
• Finish: The finish on the hardwood flooring can affect its durability and maintenance requirements. Some common finishes include oil-based, water-based, and polyurethane.
• Budget: Hardwood flooring can range from affordable to very expensive, depending on the type of wood and grade. It’s important to establish a budget and stick to it.

Installing Hardwood Flooring

Installing hardwood flooring can be challenging and time-consuming, but it can be done with the right tools and techniques. Here are some steps to follow when installing hardwood flooring in your mobile home:

• Acclimate the Flooring: Before installation, allow the hardwood flooring to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the mobile home.
• Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, level, and free of any protruding nails or staples.
• Install Underlayment: Underlayment can provide additional insulation and soundproofing. Install underlayment before laying the hardwood flooring.
• Lay the Flooring: Start laying the hardwood flooring along the longest wall of the mobile home, working your way across the room.
• Cut the Flooring: Use a saw to cut the hardwood flooring to the appropriate length when necessary.
• Install the Final Row: The final row of hardwood flooring may need to be cut to fit.
• Install Molding: Install baseboards and molding around the edges of the room to cover any gaps between the hardwood flooring and the walls.
• Finishing Touches: Once the hardwood flooring is installed, clean up any debris and finish with a coat of sealant or finish to protect the wood and add shine.

Tools to Install Hardwood Floors

Installing hardwood flooring requires specialized tools to ensure the job is done correctly. Here are some of the essential tools you will need:

1. Circular saw, or table saw: You will need a saw to cut the hardwood flooring planks to size. A circular saw or a table saw can do the job.
2. Jigsaw or handsaw: You will need a jigsaw or handsaw to cut notches around corners or obstructions.
3. Flooring nailer: A flooring nailer is a specialized tool designed to drive nails into the tongue of the hardwood flooring planks, securing them to the subfloor.
4. Air compressor: An air compressor is required to power the flooring nailer.
5. Level: A level ensures the subfloor is level before laying the hardwood flooring.
6. Tape measure: You will need a tape measure to measure the length and width of the floor area.
7. Chalk line: A chalk line marks straight lines on the subfloor for laying the hardwood flooring.
8. Pry bar: A pry bar removes baseboards and trim so that the hardwood flooring can be installed underneath.
9. Tapping block: A tapping block gently taps the hardwood flooring planks into place, ensuring a tight fit.

How to Install Hardwood Floors in Mobile Home

Installing hardwood floors in a mobile home is similar to installing them in a traditional home, but there are a few specific considerations to remember.

Here are the general steps for installing hardwood floors in a mobile home:

1. Measure the floor: Measure the length and width of the floor to determine how much hardwood flooring you will need.
2. Prepare the subfloor: Ensure that the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Remove any existing flooring and repair any damage to the subfloor.
3. Acclimate the hardwood: Allow the hardwood flooring to acclimate to the temperature and humidity of the room for at least 72 hours before installation.
4. Lay the vapor barrier: Install a vapor barrier over the subfloor to protect the hardwood from moisture. Use moisture barrier tape to seal the seams of the vapor barrier.
5. Lay the first row: Start at one corner of the room and lay the first row of hardwood, using spacers to maintain the recommended expansion gap between the flooring and walls.
6. Install subsequent rows: Install subsequent rows of hardwood using a pneumatic flooring nailer to secure the boards to the subfloor. Stagger the end joints of the boards to create a random pattern.
7. Cut and fit the last row: Measure and cut the last row of hardwood to fit against the wall. Use a pry bar to tap the last row into place gently.
8. Install the baseboard: Install the baseboard around the perimeter of the room to cover the expansion gap and provide a finished look.
9. Sand and finish: Sand the hardwood floors to smooth out any imperfections and apply a finish of your choice.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and caring for your hardwood flooring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Subfloor in a Mobile Home?

Particle board is a common material used in sub-flooring construction in an older mobile home due to its affordability and ease of installation. A higher grade of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) is commonly used in newer mobile homes as they have better water resistance capabilities.

How Do You Lay Hardwood Over the Marriage Line?

Laying the flooring up to the marriage line and installing a transition bar over the joint are recommended. The transition bar will provide a smooth and even transition between the two sides of the flooring.

Can You Put Hardwood Flooring in A Mobile Home?

Yes, you can install hardwood flooring in a mobile home. Inspecting the subfloor for any water damage before installing it is important.

What Type of Flooring is Best for a Mobile Home?

When choosing flooring for a mobile home, several options exist. The best type of flooring will depend on your preferences, budget, and the specific conditions of your home. I think hardwood flooring is the perfect flooring option.