As a van lifer, your flooring is the literal foundation of your home. It needs to be durable enough for a rugged lifestyle, light enough for your vehicle, and resistant to spills, mud, and extreme temperature swings. But what's the best choice?
In this guide, we'll cut through the confusion and compare the three best flooring options for a van conversion: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), Engineered Hardwood, and Laminate. We'll help you understand the pros and cons of each so you can confidently build a comfortable and long-lasting home on wheels.
Table of Contents:
- Benefits of Installing Plywood Subfloor
- Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring
- Laminate Flooring
- FAQs in Relation to The Best Van Life Flooring
- Conclusion
Install A Plywood Subfloor First
Installing a plywood subfloor is the only way for van conversions to have stable flooring. Plywood provides a solid foundation for your entire floor, so it can support heavy weights like furniture and appliances without buckling or warping over time. Plus, you won’t have to worry about moisture seeping into the seams of your floorboards when you install a plywood subfloor underneath.
Plywood also gives you an even surface on which to lay down any type of flooring material you choose. Sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate, or hardwood flooring options are easy to install on a plywood subfloor. A van's metal floor won't accept most flooring types. You'll notice a lot of van builders recommend you take the subfloor idea seriously.
You can easily groove planks together with tongue-and-groove joints for a smooth top layer that looks aesthetically pleasing in any living space.
Plywood makes sure everything stays level and secure when installed correctly. This subfloor also adds extra insulation against road noise. If noise reduction is a plus in your book then don't finish your van flooring without it!
Installing a plywood subfloor can be an economical and effective way to achieve a van floor that will last for years to come. Having discussed the advantages of a plywood subfloor, let us now consider a few van flooring options.
When considering the types of flooring to choose from, it is important to consider your budget and lifestyle. Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring provides a resilient, stylish option for those who wish to upgrade their flooring and have the budget to do so.
Van Flooring at a Glance: LVP vs. Engineered vs. Laminate
| Feature | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Engineered Hardwood | Laminate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing | 100% Waterproof (Best) | Water-Resistant (Good) | Water-Resistant (Poor-Good) |
| Durability | Excellent (Scratch-Resistant) | Good (Can dent) | Excellent (Scratch-Resistant) |
| Weight | Light | Medium-Heavy | Light |
| Core Material | Vinyl or SPC (Waterproof) | Plywood (Water-Resistant) | HDF (Swells when wet) |
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): The Top Recommendation
For most van builds, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is our top recommendation. It perfectly balances durability, waterproofing, and style. Unlike laminate, which has a wood-based HDF core, LVP is made of vinyl or a stone-plastic-composite (SPC) core. This means it is 100% waterproof, not just "water-resistant."
This is a huge advantage in a van where spills, wet feet, and high humidity from cooking or sleeping are guaranteed. LVP will not swell, warp, or delaminate when it gets wet. It's also highly scratch-resistant (look for a 12-mil or 20-mil wear layer) and easy to clean.
Installation is simple with a click-lock (floating floor) system, which is ideal for a DIY project over your plywood subfloor.
The installation process for luxury vinyl planks requires minimal tools and experience making it an ideal choice for DIYers looking to save money on their camper van conversion project. To install the planks you will need either glue down or click together versions depending on your subfloor underneath the entire floor area needs to be clean, flat, dry surface in order for them to adhere properly. Once laid out correctly the planks are then tapped into place using a rubber mallet or hammer until they fit snugly against each other creating a secure connection that won’t come apart easily over time even when exposed to extreme temperatures inside your vehicle.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring is the best van life flooring to offer an upscale appearance without having to spend too much money. For those who want even more durability and longevity, engineered hardwood flooring may be worth considering.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring is an excellent option for van life or van camper setups. It’s a popular choice among van lifers due to its durability, affordability, and the popular range of styles available. Engineered hardwood flooring consists of several layers of wood that are bonded together in a crisscross pattern to create a stable core. The top layer is made from real hardwood, giving it the exact same look and feel as solid hardwood without the cost or moisture worries solid hardwood offers. Engineered hardwood can be installed over almost any existing smooth surface like an old sheet vinyl floor or a plywood subfloor.
When installing engineered hardwood floors in your campervan conversion, you will need to make sure there is a flat surface underneath with no bumps or unevenness. Once you have prepared the area properly, you can begin laying down your planks one by one using either glue-down or floating methods depending on what type of planks you purchased and what kind of substrate they are being laid on top off. We wrote a disadvantages blog of engineered hardwood if you want to learn more about engineered as a camper van floor.
Engineered hardwood can be a great choice for those desiring to attain the traditional aesthetic of wood without compromising on sturdiness. For an even more budget-friendly alternative, laminate flooring may be worth considering.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a popular option for van life setups due to its affordability and ease of installation. Manufacturers now create options that are waterproof like vinyl plank floors. The decorative top layers of laminate help make it look like real wood, while the top protective coating prevents damage from scratches.
Once installed correctly with an appropriate underlayment (which adds extra cushion), laminate floors offer excellent soundproofing properties which can help reduce noise levels within your van or camper build. it's perfect if you're planning on using this vehicle for long road trips with company. Additionally, they are much easier to clean than carpeted surfaces; simply sweep up dirt particles every few weeks or use a vacuum cleaner. If you have the waterproof laminate then mop regularly with warm water and common soap solutions.
Overall, laminate flooring offers an affordable way to give your campervan conversion project an elegant touch without breaking the bank. Additionally, they are durable enough to last through years of wear and tear without showing signs of age quickly either.
A lightweight laminate can work for many setups. We have seen engineered hardwood last longer than laminate, however, some customers swear by it. If you get your hands on both floors you'll know which on to choose.
FAQs in Relation to The Best Van Life Flooring
What is the best flooring for van life?
The top flooring for van life depends on your budget, desired look and feel, and lifestyle. For those looking to save money without sacrificing quality, vinyl plank flooring is an excellent choice. It's durable, waterproof, and can last for years to come. Engineered hardwood provides enhanced features to real wood but can cost less than half the price of solid hardwood floors. Both types of flooring are easy to install yourself if you're comfortable with DIY projects or can be installed by professionals in no time at all. Whichever type you choose will provide years of beauty and comfort while living in your van.
What kind of flooring to use in a van?
When choosing flooring for a van, it is important to consider both cost, quality, and features. Vinyl plank flooring is often the most affordable option that provides scratch-resistant durability, stunning visuals, and is completely waterproof. Engineered flooring can also be an economical choice if you are looking for a more classic hardwood look and feel.
What is the best material for a van camper floor?
The best material for camper van flooring is vinyl plank flooring. Vinyl plank flooring is a durable, waterproof choice that can be easily installed and provides an economical solution with its range of colors and styles. Vinyl planks are cost-effective and available in a variety of colors and styles that can match any decor. They also come with a wear layer that protects the surface from scratches or scuffs, making them ideal for campers who need an attractive yet hard-wearing option. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance compared to other materials such as carpet or wood floors. A van's floor should be beautiful and strong to hold up for decades.
How thick should a floor be for a van?
The thickness of the floor in a van depends on several factors, including its weight capacity and intended use. For heavier units carrying larger loads, a plywood thickness of 1/2 inch is recommended. It's also important to consider any insulation requirements and make sure that the subfloor has been properly sealed against moisture damage before installation. Before proceeding, it's prudent to seek advice from an expert.
Anything I Should Avoid?
Yes!I can think of 4 things that should be avoided:
Which Van Life Floor is for You?
When it comes to finding a great van life floor, you have several options. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is a great choice for its durability and water resistance. Engineered hardwood floors offer a classic and elegant look. Laminate has quick installation times with similar visuals. No matter which type of van life flooring you choose, make sure to properly install a plywood subfloor first for maximum performance in your campervan or RV.
Discover the best van life flooring for your budget at Really Cheap Floors! We offer quality, low-cost flooring solutions to help you get the most out of your journey.
