Installing the flooring is a fairly easy process.

Since it is one of the most used areas of the van, and plays differing roles depending on the location in the van, it is advisable to research widely about potential materials.

Keep in mind that all other van additions such as cabinets and beds will be attached to the floor (partly or completely), so it is important that the floor is firm and properly secured to the van to safely hold all other additions in place. 

Considerations for Van Flooring

There are a few considerations to keep in mind when thinking of your van flooring. 

The type of subfloor material

The flooring material you choose depends on your preferences, budget, availability, ease of installation, and intended use. The most common flooring materials used are:

• Plywood (comes in varying thickness)
• MDF
• Particle boards
• Wood panels

Depending on the flooring material you choose, you will use different amounts and types of adhesives based on each material’s weight. It is advisable to choose lighter materials for the subfloor, as they are easier to work with and bond better with adhesives.

The Type of Floor

When designing your van, be sure to consider the type of floor you need. This is an essential step when coming up with the van floor layout. We’ll look at some of the most commonly used van floors.

Raised floors - You can raise your floors partly or entirely depending on how you have planned your van layout. Raised floors are perfect for additional storage spaces. 

Under floors - Under floors are also great additional storage spaces. Under floors form storage boxes that extend through the sub floors and are perfect for storing items that do not need regular access, such as batteries. 

Insulation

Floor insulation prevents heat loss and helps reduce noise. Cargo vans tend to be noisy, which calls for adequate sound proofing. Depending on your preferences, you can use sound proofing materials such as Dynamat on the floors and also on the ceilings and walls, if desired.

Thermal insulation is essential to keep the van warm in cold seasons and cool in hot seasons. While heat insulation of the floor is less essential compared to the walls and ceilings, it is advisable to have the floors well lined with high R-value materials.

The Type of Floor Covering

There are countless materials that you can use as the final floor covering, from hardwood or tile to cork or carpet. While hard coverings are easier to clean, softer coverings add to sound and heat insulation. The type you choose depends solely on your preferences. Here are the most common types of floor coverings. 

• Rubber
• Cork
• Vinyl
• Ceramic tiles
• Laminates
• Bamboo
• Hardwood

Lighter weight floor coverings are usually applied from wall-to-wall with furniture, cabinetry, and other additions fixed on them. Due to the increased difficulty and cost to install, heavier materials such as hardwood and laminates are best installed on the walking surfaces only.

The Trim

Trim gives a nice, professional look to flooring edges. Trim is available in a variety of materials for varied applications. Metallic stair nosing and hardwood end boards are among the most readily available trim materials.

Step-by-Step Flooring Installation

While some floor installation steps can be done before the walls and ceilings are complete, if you’d like to work on the floor installation from beginning to end without pausing, you should schedule floor installation after working on the ceiling and walls.

Step One: Preparation

Measure the floor to determine the amount of supplies you’ll need. Gather all your tools and supplies before you begin the installation process. Be sure to have enough weights or heavy loads that you can place on the floor to hold it in place until the adhesives dry. Remember to have protective gear such as a mask and gloves. Other materials you need include the subfloor, flooring, mold prevention supplies, jigsaw, rollers, insulation, paint brushes, drop cloth, moulding, and spray foam.

Step Two: Insulation

Measure out the floor and make flawless cardboard cut outs. Use these cardboard plans to cut out the insulation rolls and lay them on the van floor accordingly. Be sure to use the right adhesive for the insulation material you’ve chosen. Remember to use spray foam on the hard-to-reach areas and crevices for even insulation.

Step Three: Mold Treating

Living in a van means that there will be instances when moisture seeps through tiny spaces and causes mold to grow. It is actually a common problem to find mold on the subfloor. Therefore, treating the subfloor to prevent mold is crucial. Use non-toxic mold preventative spray. The natural kind, such as Concrobium, is quite effective, and penetrates deep into the fibres to kill the spores and prevent any future occurrence. With the same cardboard cut outs used previously, trace the shapes and sizes on the subfloor sheets and apply the preventive spray on the subfloor cut outs. Leave it overnight to dry then finish off with a mold resistant primer before commencing the next step.

Step Four: Installing the Subfloor

Plywood sheets are the most commonly used subfloor material as they are relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. Make sure that the sizes are a perfect fit. Once you have cut out the plywood shapes, lay them accordingly and screw the subfloor securely in place where the van grooves are raised. Once successfully installed, fill in the screw holes, caulk the seams, and sand off the surfaces.

Step 5: Installing the Floor

Once your ceiling and walls are done, it is time for the last step of your floor installation. Vinyl is one of the most commonly used flooring types. However, use any flooring material you fancy after a thorough research on the pros and cons of each. 

Flooring materials come with installation instructions, especially when it comes to application of adhesive. Generally, the process involves application of adhesive on the subfloor, then fitting the flooring pieces accordingly. Weights and spacers are used to ensure that the flooring pieces are well fitted as the adhesive dries without leaving any gaps. You can divide up the floor into sections and work your way from the front to the back of the van. Seal off the edges with your preferred sealant. The trim is best installed once all the additional build-ins are in place.