This week the van build gets real. We start our first major project on a beautiful day in Truckee, CA - the Sprinter van floor build! With absolutely no carpentry skills, and after doing A LOT of research, we're quite happy with our result. The van subfloor is rock solid and there’s no more “slip ‘n slide” action when we walk in the back.
Since we’ll be living in such a tiny space, we’re trying to keep our build as non-toxic as possible. We were able to accomplish this by selecting Havelock Wool Insulation for our van floor insulation as well as low / no VOC / non-toxic lumber, paints, and adhesives. Look below ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️ for links to the products we used.
We broke the van floor build down into 12 simple steps. If you want to jump ahead to a section, we included the following timestamp(s) in the video:
0:00 Van Project List
3:41 Remove Tie Downs
6:38 Measure / Mark Furring Strips
7:52 Cut Furring Strips
8:44 Waterproof Furring Strips
9:45 Moldproof Furring Strips
11:36 Create Subfloor Template
17:56 Install Furring Strips
20:03 Test Hardboard Template
24:37 Cut Final Van Subfloor
27:26 Water and Mold Proof Subfloor
27:53 Install Van Floor Insulation
30:37 Install Van Subfloor
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below. If you're interested in the products/tools we used for our van floor build and van flooring insulation, we've provided the links below.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, as well as in partnerships with other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Insulation:
Havelock Wool: http://havelockwool.refr.cc/jameso
Tools:
Impact Driver: https://amzn.to/2HHgVH5
Jigsaw: https://amzn.to/3jsVMP8
Jigsaw Blad Set: https://amzn.to/3n9t1sN
Circular Saw: https://amzn.to/3itSxoZ
Sander: https://amzn.to/2Sne6gB
Drill: https://amzn.to/3nmMFlo
Waterproofing and Mold/Mildew Prevention:
Waterproofer: https://amzn.to/3l1wKXw
Mold/Mildew Prevention: https://www.greenbuildingsupply.com/All-Products/Paints-Coatings-Paints-Primers/Caliwel-Industrial-Paint?matrix=91126
Other Products:
Adhesive (for furring strips): https://amzn.to/3cUsMwU
Caulking Gun: https://amzn.to/30rqkt5
Birch Plywood: https://fave.co/3cVU9Hg
Hardboard: https://fave.co/3l7OyAf
Builder's Paper: https://fave.co/30v3jVU
Painter's Tape: https://amzn.to/34j9iOP
Clamps: https://amzn.to/33nEaOJ
Click the link below to view the video, and click this link to subscribe to our our vlog on Youtube if you'd like to follow as we build out our van into our tiny home!