I have a suggestion for tracing contours and making a template. There’s a woodworking tool called a contour gauge. It’s got various little movable pins and if you slide it up to s an irregular corner, the corner pushes the pins to exactly match the shape. You can then easily transfer this shape onto your template. I have used one for other projects, but not in Van building, but I think it might save folks a lot of time. Your van is looking sweet and I hope you have many great adventures with it!
Daniel Resendez I saw those advertising here in YT and Pintrest they looked useful how are they not helpful in van build ? Ad shows it conforming to any shape, though not sure how it holds that pattern while you transfer the shape to wood; other than tool is stiff plastic that needs force to move idk?
Dude you're a beast! I have seen a ton of different types of videos about van living van build everything! But I like the way you present your video I like that you present yourself in a very calm way and you explain yourself really well! Be blessed!
Floors and wheel wells are where most of your noise, cold, and heat comes from... So when I did my second van conversion, I wanted way more insulation under the floor, used 1/2" closed cell foam board ... I also used 5/8" plywood... when I carriage bolted it through the floor, the insulation compressed into the ridges... I insulated the wheel wells with (to a thickness of) 3/4" closed cell foam sheets, (front and back) first then compressed that insulation under the edge of the plywood as well... covered the plywood with the washable factory rubber mat that came with the van... then cut pieces of cheap rug in underfoot areas... I would just replace them when they got overly soiled or wore out... be careful, that flooring you used will be slippery when wet...
Best detailed build up of a floor I've seen. I know this is a while out and you're already traveling in the beast so I'll assume I see how you handle building on top, but I do see the concern regarding trying to keep your beautiful floor as you build on top of it. Nice job on presentation too. Thanks for thoughtful ideas.
Genius! I always wondered why people put real wood or those snap-in planks into their vans. Seemed pretty heavy, but this is a great lightweight solution that achieves the exact same effect! Thanks for the video!
Thank You Seven! I'm following along your van build series now and I plan to use many of your fantastic ideas. Your positive reply to the writer who used XPS foam instead of plywood and no glue has got me thinking... thanks again and warmest regards!! Yours Jennie
Great job, you did a bang up job. I did something similar with the foam between the ribs. The only difference is I used a layer of XPS foam (1"/25mm) instead of plywood, then a layer of cork, then vinyl planks. I didn't glue anything down, it's all 'floating'. If doing again I'd consider skipping the cork. I wouldn't glue anything down, it's just not needed. Once everything is installed on top, nothing is going anywhere.
I'm so glad that I just found your channel. Thank's so much for sharing your build with us, you help make it seem a little less intimating then we believe it is. Thanks for keeping it real, which is why I'm guessing your channel grew quickly. New sub. I'll be following along your build and travels. Thanks again, God bless.
Mate your a legend. Your perfection and eye for detail is so pleasing. Great great work. You call yourself an amateur but you have the skills of a seasoned pro
@@neowave777 Hey, so far I went and got a metal blade at Home Depot, borrowed a jigsaw and cut me out some windows - sliding door (large vented window) and the 2 back doors (solid windows)...it was quite the adventure 😳 but I got it done! Next project will be the floor. Keep ya posted LoL.
Would you explain the reasoning of only putting down the XPS foam in the channels rather than covering the whole floor with a solid piece? I understand you are concerned about leaving yourself enough height in the van, if this hadn't been a concern would you have gone with a solid piece of XPS over the entire floor?
It’s completely useless and a bad idea. Only filling the channels provides zero insulation because of thermal bridging. It also restricts airflow causing mold and rot once condensation happens
thank you for the great informative detail tutorial! I'll be using it when I finally get my van to renovate. Also, you're mad adorable! haha love your energy!
Hey Seven, Like your vinyl floor choice. I'm getting ready to glue my vinyl floor down and I just purchased some vinyl floor glue but I like your idea of using 3M90 adhesive spray instead. I just wanted to ask how long ago you glued your floor down and see how it's holding up so far. Thanks!!!
If you’re using home vinyl similar to the one in this video, 3m 90 is great. Be fairly liberal with the application and try not to leave a ton of uncoated spots. 3m 90 doesn’t work well for lonseal (lonseal bubbles in hot temps really easily).
Great video. Just a note. Learn to use a "Tick Stick" to fit plywood. I'm a carpenter and used this method many times. No wasted materials like the paper or wood template. Very fast and accurate. Can use a small piece of plywood, temporarily taped to the floor, in conjunction with the tick stick. Don't know what a tick stick is? Well that's another story...do a search on youtube. Cheers.
I have a question; do you really need to glue in your floor, or maybe just use very light amount so removal is easy for maintenance, inspection, replacement? Just a thought. Your video is superb by the way. Your technique has great forethought and such planning paid off. :) If I do a build, I believe I'm going to make it with the idea it will have to be stripped down for repairs, inspection or maintenance, including all parts that go above the floor, as well as electrical. I know somethings are not practical or useful, and some installation methods already make deconstruction very simple. :) Another task that popped into my head that might help is have the edges of the vinyl fold up (where there's not a drop off like the back or side door). That way, spills won't flow down into the bottom where cleaning could be quite difficult.
Hey Seven, great work! We have a question... You said you painted and then sealed your floor. Can you explain why you painted in addition to sealing, and why, in your video, it doesn't look like you painted your boards? Thanks! Tamara
Great video! I’m using your series to guide my build - they are VERY helpful. Question: after using your van now, do you have any regrets about the floor? Does it squeak? If you were 6’ would you add a layer of insulation between the ribbing and the subfloor? I noticed you used 3/4” - any idea if you could have used half inch? Thanks!
Hey Jason, if I did the floor again I would likely do the following - Use 1/2" baltic birch ... just because I'm tall and another quarter inch would be appreciated - Use a higher quality marine grade vinyl floor, such as the "Lonseal" brand ... cost almost $1000, but will definitely last longer and hold up to dropped tools etc. - Not use spray glue to attach the vinyl to the wood ... maybe I'd use the same silicone I used between the birch and metal. Everything else I'd do the same :)
Great videos. I'm now to this stage for my 170 and purchasing the baltic birch plywood. I noticed you didn't use any biscuits to join the edges of the birch plywood into one sheet. Do you feel it isn't necessary? Any perceived movement under foot in elevation between panels? Thx!
Awesome! I really appreciate all the info and details that you provide on each video, I am getting a lot of ideas from them and helping me for the next step... I have a quick question: what sealant/caulk you used between the floor or subfloor and the metal walls of the van? Looking forward for your reply! Thanks so much 😃
Wonderful job and great video! Quick question about the ALL PURPOSE 100% Silicone: does it dry/cure even without air access? I'm debating what kind of glue should I use on my conversion (between metal floor and laminated ply). I know many adhesives require one of the surfaces to be porous and a laminated ply is pretty much sealed. Thanks!
One thing I wouldn't like is that sharp pointy corner with a metal edge at the sliding door entry. I would have rounded that off no matter what the body was shaped like.
Where did you get ¼ inch foam board. I can't find the t anywhere. Home depot, Lowes heavy supply stores. The only option I find is to order 50 feet of foamular for over 200 dollars
Have you had any issues without bolting the floor down we are at the point of no return and must decide to glue the floor or bolt it down. Great videos! very helpful.
Nope, for most applications adding a bit of glue and putting all of your furniture on top will suffice. Only exception is if you’re doing extreme off roading
Did you consider NOT gluing the vinyl, putting it in last and just mechanically attaching at the doors? It will eventually wear out and that would make replacement easier.
Only 1 thing i wouldn't have done is used that alloy edging, You slip on that corner peace getting in and you're gonna end up with a nasty gash, Would have wood trim and sanded that corner off, Safety first dude. But apart from that an awesome job.
I found that fake wood flooring but they are dull any way to make it shiny .. been to H.D. They have rolls of fake floors but they are all dull I want a glossy floor .. I saw peel n stick tiles which have a nice white marble sheen but they are tiles .. can’t find glossy marble looking floor vinyl Please any suggestions besides the peel and stick I don’t think that would last
Great video man. That sucks you couldn’t put any insulation in the floor because of your height. For future reference if you ever decide to buy another van the interior height of the ford transit is way taller than the sprinter. That’s one of the main reasons I decided on the ford transit since I’m tall too. That and I’m in love with the 3.5 ecoboost engine.
I have the high roof and I'm about 6'5" and I'm killing myself trying to save as much space as possible. There is only 4 inches to work with for the roof and floor, but I think I'm going to be going the same route as this.
I have a suggestion for tracing contours and making a template. There’s a woodworking tool called a contour gauge. It’s got various little movable pins and if you slide it up to s an irregular corner, the corner pushes the pins to exactly match the shape. You can then easily transfer this shape onto your template.
I have used one for other projects, but not in Van building, but I think it might save folks a lot of time.
Your van is looking sweet and I hope you have many great adventures with it!
johngo6283 I have one and unfortunately it doesn’t work very well for van builds.
Daniel Resendez I saw those advertising here in YT and Pintrest they looked useful how are they not helpful in van build ? Ad shows it conforming to any shape, though not sure how it holds that pattern while you transfer the shape to wood; other than tool is stiff plastic that needs force to move idk?
If you watch the video you'll see him holding one as he describes making the template.
Many thanks for naming this for me.
irregular shapes have been done for centuries with ticking sticks. Not dollar store pieces of crap
Dude you're a beast!
I have seen a ton of different types of videos about van living van build everything! But I like the way you present your video I like that you present yourself in a very calm way and you explain yourself really well! Be blessed!
Thank you! Much appreciated. It's people like you that keep me going.
Seven O'Savage process is explained well. Thanks for the step by step.
@@seven_o_savage What was the reason to use the Eucaboard rather than just the paper template to cut your plywood?
Finally a video that explain and illustrates *in details* how it’s done! Thanks so much
Aluminum edging was a great touch. You have a great eye.
Your presentation on how to do this floor was absolutely great, your calmness in your voice was soothing to listen to. Glad I found this .
Floors and wheel wells are where most of your noise, cold, and heat comes from... So when I did my second van conversion, I wanted way more insulation under the floor, used 1/2" closed cell foam board ... I also used 5/8" plywood... when I carriage bolted it through the floor, the insulation compressed into the ridges... I insulated the wheel wells with (to a thickness of) 3/4" closed cell foam sheets, (front and back) first then compressed that insulation under the edge of the plywood as well... covered the plywood with the washable factory rubber mat that came with the van... then cut pieces of cheap rug in underfoot areas... I would just replace them when they got overly soiled or wore out... be careful, that flooring you used will be slippery when wet...
Best detailed build up of a floor I've seen. I know this is a while out and you're already traveling in the beast so I'll assume I see how you handle building on top, but I do see the concern regarding trying to keep your beautiful floor as you build on top of it. Nice job on presentation too. Thanks for thoughtful ideas.
Seriously.... Your videos are the best DIY I've seen on TH-cam. I dig that you show and describe all the products used.
You do nice detail work. Everything that you've done has a clean look. Thanks
Thanks Dennis!
this video just showed me im doing everything wrong in my van. hahaha thanks mate , very informative!
Nice slow & methodical. Clean efficient work. I like your MO of keeping everything light weight. Subscribed.
Genius!
I always wondered why people put real wood or those snap-in planks into their vans.
Seemed pretty heavy, but this is a great lightweight solution that achieves the exact same effect!
Thanks for the video!
Getting ready to do my floor. Have watched many videos. Will follow this plan looks doable even for me! Thanks
Actually turned out surprisingly good. Thanks for the vid
Sensational job on your van floor....really nice and yep I liked those edges aswell!!!
Excellent! Just what I was looking for. Thank you so much!
Thank You Seven! I'm following along your van build series now and I plan to use many of your fantastic ideas. Your positive reply to the writer who used XPS foam instead of plywood and no glue has got me thinking... thanks again and warmest regards!!
Yours
Jennie
Enjoying ur thinking process
You are the go to man.. loving your video’s, top craftsman, great detail, showing us Brits way to go.. well done young man👍
Looking good, and great choice on the floor color
Beautifully done.
I love the 6:43 "shrinking" hand gesture.
It looks stunning. Well done.
Was looking for a video like this for a while! Appreciate the video!
Following your method in my Sprinter Van
Man this is legit! Exactly what I want to do in my new 2020 black transit!
Great video. Very helpful. THANKS
Great job, you did a bang up job. I did something similar with the foam between the ribs. The only difference is I used a layer of XPS foam (1"/25mm) instead of plywood, then a layer of cork, then vinyl planks. I didn't glue anything down, it's all 'floating'. If doing again I'd consider skipping the cork. I wouldn't glue anything down, it's just not needed. Once everything is installed on top, nothing is going anywhere.
Hey Eat Sleep Van, love you channel man! Yes, agreed, glue is probably not necessary especially if you make super accurate cuts.
Thank you for sharing! This was really helpful
I'm so glad that I just found your channel. Thank's so much for sharing your build with us, you help make it seem a little less intimating then we believe it is. Thanks for keeping it real, which is why I'm guessing your channel grew quickly. New sub. I'll be following along your build and travels. Thanks again, God bless.
Love the flooring !!!! Great job!
Mate your a legend. Your perfection and eye for detail is so pleasing. Great great work. You call yourself an amateur but you have the skills of a seasoned pro
Thank you Adrian!
No merit for pro.
best van flooring video. big like!
Hi, love your attention to detail 👍👍👍. Glad I have found another OCD afflicted 🤪 person to follow.
🙋🏽♀️ Solo female, just bought my van and have no idea how I'm going to get this done, but I think this is a start! 🤗
You’re gonna crush it 🤙
hey how did it go? :)
@@neowave777 Hey, so far I went and got a metal blade at Home Depot, borrowed a jigsaw and cut me out some windows - sliding door (large vented window) and the 2 back doors (solid windows)...it was quite the adventure 😳 but I got it done! Next project will be the floor. Keep ya posted LoL.
@@advantageous-me awesome!!! I just finished my van build and now is such a good time to travel because things are so quiet! :)
Excellent job! I love your videos!
Great work!
Would you explain the reasoning of only putting down the XPS foam in the channels rather than covering the whole floor with a solid piece? I understand you are concerned about leaving yourself enough height in the van, if this hadn't been a concern would you have gone with a solid piece of XPS over the entire floor?
It's recommended but not needed.
It’s completely useless and a bad idea. Only filling the channels provides zero insulation because of thermal bridging. It also restricts airflow causing mold and rot once condensation happens
Glad I found this. First one I’ve seen without screwing it down. This is exactly what I want. How is floor holding up?
thank you for the great informative detail tutorial! I'll be using it when I finally get my van to renovate. Also, you're mad adorable! haha love your energy!
Lol, thank you
Awesome video thank you!
Beautiful job
well done !! good video
Great video man.
I love it that you didn’t used any screws
You do great videos!
Really enjoyed watching this video! Very precise and clever strategy👍🏽
Think Im going to do the floor in my van a similar way.
Great to hear! Let me know if you have any questions :)
Well done! Looks really good on video! :)
Also really great to see you're getting more comfortable with the camera! Keep it up mate!
Thanks Daefera! Definitely learning as I go here :)
you did a excellent job just got another subscriber
We're just finishing up our floor and looking for vinyl and love the one you picked out. What's the name and where did you get it? Great video man!!
You're a genius and handsome! Thanks for sharing!
Great video, thanks!
Seven o savage,,,your awesome
I can't stop watching 🤣🤷🏻♂️
Awesome video thanks
Hey Seven, Like your vinyl floor choice. I'm getting ready to glue my vinyl floor down and I just purchased some vinyl floor glue but I like your idea of using 3M90 adhesive spray instead. I just wanted to ask how long ago you glued your floor down and see how it's holding up so far. Thanks!!!
If you’re using home vinyl similar to the one in this video, 3m 90 is great. Be fairly liberal with the application and try not to leave a ton of uncoated spots.
3m 90 doesn’t work well for lonseal (lonseal bubbles in hot temps really easily).
how is the floor holding up? Good still? Starting my own van soon
thank you so much for sharing......so tight@!!!!!
Great video. Just a note. Learn to use a "Tick Stick" to fit plywood. I'm a carpenter and used this method many times. No wasted materials like the paper or wood template. Very fast and accurate. Can use a small piece of plywood, temporarily taped to the floor, in conjunction with the tick stick.
Don't know what a tick stick is? Well that's another story...do a search on youtube.
Cheers.
Excellent vid
Real Good. Thank You!
Excellent step by step. Did you or would you consider a layer of thinsulate under the subfloor?
Is this floor still in there strong?
Great job!!
Hello ! Building out my 144 Sprinter and you are my North Star ! Did you glue down 1/4 inch foam board? Thanks again !
I’m keen to know this too!
I have a question; do you really need to glue in your floor, or maybe just use very light amount so removal is easy for maintenance, inspection, replacement? Just a thought. Your video is superb by the way. Your technique has great forethought and such planning paid off. :)
If I do a build, I believe I'm going to make it with the idea it will have to be stripped down for repairs, inspection or maintenance, including all parts that go above the floor, as well as electrical. I know somethings are not practical or useful, and some installation methods already make deconstruction very simple. :)
Another task that popped into my head that might help is have the edges of the vinyl fold up (where there's not a drop off like the back or side door). That way, spills won't flow down into the bottom where cleaning could be quite difficult.
Great job
Beautiful
Very informative and inspiring. What adhesive did you use for the 1/4 strips of formular you placed on top of the noico material?
Good question.
Was wondering the same thing. Seems like it was just laying on top. You can see space btwn the floor and iso foam
I like that water can be spilled on your floor without worry it'll go underneath.
Way to go just the facts man now if we could just ditch the music I could not see how you can make it any better
looks awesome!
Finally another tall person!!!
Hey Seven, great work! We have a question... You said you painted and then sealed your floor. Can you explain why you painted in addition to sealing, and why, in your video, it doesn't look like you painted your boards? Thanks! Tamara
This is dope!
Great video! I’m using your series to guide my build - they are VERY helpful. Question: after using your van now, do you have any regrets about the floor? Does it squeak? If you were 6’ would you add a layer of insulation between the ribbing and the subfloor? I noticed you used 3/4” - any idea if you could have used half inch? Thanks!
Hey Jason, if I did the floor again I would likely do the following
- Use 1/2" baltic birch ... just because I'm tall and another quarter inch would be appreciated
- Use a higher quality marine grade vinyl floor, such as the "Lonseal" brand ... cost almost $1000, but will definitely last longer and hold up to dropped tools etc.
- Not use spray glue to attach the vinyl to the wood ... maybe I'd use the same silicone I used between the birch and metal.
Everything else I'd do the same :)
@@seven_o_savage Just about to install my floor. Wondering about why you would not use glue again to attach the vinyl to the wood?
Great video! Do you mind sharing where you purchased the Vynal roll? Been looking with not much luck. Thank you!
Great videos. I'm now to this stage for my 170 and purchasing the baltic birch plywood. I noticed you didn't use any biscuits to join the edges of the birch plywood into one sheet. Do you feel it isn't necessary? Any perceived movement under foot in elevation between panels? Thx!
Awesome! I really appreciate all the info and details that you provide on each video, I am getting a lot of ideas from them and helping me for the next step...
I have a quick question: what sealant/caulk you used between the floor or subfloor and the metal walls of the van?
Looking forward for your reply!
Thanks so much 😃
Where can I find that Eucaboard? I don't see a link to it in the description.
Good job,
Wonderful job and great video! Quick question about the ALL PURPOSE 100% Silicone: does it dry/cure even without air access? I'm debating what kind of glue should I use on my conversion (between metal floor and laminated ply). I know many adhesives require one of the surfaces to be porous and a laminated ply is pretty much sealed. Thanks!
Quick question...how did you attach the aluminum edging to the floor? I didn't see any drill holes but it was hard to tell for sure...
Good question I just glued it down.
They will last about six mounts
Seven O Savage Do you remember what type of glue you used?
Great video! How does the road noise sound under that floor?
Did you glue the styraphome stryps to the van floor. Als did you cut the stips at a v angle or just straight cuts?
So you did not use any additional insulation between your underlayment and vinyl?
One thing I wouldn't like is that sharp pointy corner with a metal edge at the sliding door entry. I would have rounded that off no matter what the body was shaped like.
LOVING your content! Can you share links for the wood and vinyl you used? Thanks!
Thank you. I got these from local stores that do not have a website unfortunately.
Thank you, the van I bought had carpet installed and the carpet had to be cutting out it was gross
Where did you get ¼ inch foam board. I can't find the t anywhere. Home depot, Lowes heavy supply stores. The only option I find is to order 50 feet of foamular for over 200 dollars
Where’d you get the foam boards? been looking for 1/4 but can’t find them anywhere?
If you were to do this again, would you change anything?
Have you had any issues without bolting the floor down we are at the point of no return and must decide to glue the floor or bolt it down. Great videos! very helpful.
Nope, for most applications adding a bit of glue and putting all of your furniture on top will suffice. Only exception is if you’re doing extreme off roading
Seven O Savage so funny when I took the floor covering off the previous owner had installed a subfloor from cr Lawrence
Did you consider NOT gluing the vinyl, putting it in last and just mechanically attaching at the doors? It will eventually wear out and that would make replacement easier.
Only 1 thing i wouldn't have done is used that alloy edging, You slip on that corner peace getting in and you're gonna end up with a nasty gash, Would have wood trim and sanded that corner off, Safety first dude. But apart from that an awesome job.
Craig Saunders Pretty sure that’s going to get covered up with a galley, but you do make a good point.
I might have missed it. How thick is the Baltic birch?
Is there any vinyl flooring that looks like marble instead of stick tiles or lock wood slates
I found that fake wood flooring but they are dull any way to make it shiny .. been to H.D. They have rolls of fake floors but they are all dull I want a glossy floor .. I saw peel n stick tiles which have a nice white marble sheen but they are tiles .. can’t find glossy marble looking floor vinyl Please any suggestions besides the peel and stick I don’t think that would last
Great video man. That sucks you couldn’t put any insulation in the floor because of your height. For future reference if you ever decide to buy another van the interior height of the ford transit is way taller than the sprinter. That’s one of the main reasons I decided on the ford transit since I’m tall too. That and I’m in love with the 3.5 ecoboost engine.
I have the high roof and I'm about 6'5" and I'm killing myself trying to save as much space as possible. There is only 4 inches to work with for the roof and floor, but I think I'm going to be going the same route as this.
Good to see a tall person working on van issues. I’m 6-4 and constantly looking for interior height dimensions.
Love your attention to detail!
So in the end what did the floor plan size out at ? 12mm