Removing ceramic tile from a Bird.

[Pete Masterson]

Getting ready to install a new floor. After some debate, we've picked
out a bamboo flooring -- solid strips that are glued or nailed down.
(We'll glue 'em down.)

Since the galley area tile is in a difficult configuration -- it's
got a convex curve around the dining table -- we're pulling it up and
going to simply run the bamboo throughout the area. Had the tile been
in a more rectangular layout, we might have been inclined to leave it
in place as it would have not been so difficult to install wood
flooring nearby.

For those with a later model 'bird, if you're thinking of taking out
some of the tile flooring, here's what you're in for.

The tile was glued with a very powerful (I'd guess an epoxy-type)
adhesive to Wonderboard, a cement-like product used as underlay or
wall backing behind better tile installations. The Wonderboard was,
in turn, epoxy glued to the plywood sub-floor. (The glue was so
powerful, that a layer of the plywood would come up with the
Wonderboard/tile.) In addition, _several_ dozen screws were run
through the Wonderboard into the sub-floor.

About 9 sq. ft. of tile took about 6 hours (at my rate) to chisel off
the sub-floor. Next, I'll have to cut out that section of sub-floor
(that runs under the kitchen counter) as it is simply too fouled with
the remains of the Wonderboard and glue -- and the gouges made when
chiseling the tile with a pry bar.

I have to admit, that the Blue Bird craftsmanship in laying this tile
was excellent. I don't think the tile would ever have worked loose on
its own -- ever.

As for the carpet -- it was a pretty typical installation. Tack
strips bounding transitions to other flooring (the tile) and staples
along the edges. Different pieces/colors of carpet were joined with
heat activated carpet tape. In pulling up the carpet, I was mildly
surprised at the number of stains and obvious quantities of moisture
that had soaked the carpet over the years. While the colors are a
little faded and less vibrant than a new carpet, it actually had held
up rather well considering the amount of use -- and abuse -- it got.

I'm not seeking any help at this point, but this description is to
help others who might be contemplating a similar upgrade.

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
El Sobrante CA
aeonix1@...





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]