There are so many options—so which is the best floor to use in a camper in 2024? When purchasing flooring for your motorhome, you want a beautiful floor that lasts a long time and fits into your budget, right? Read on to discover the best flooring for your DIY camper.
What Are the Best Floor Options?
Table Of Contents
Vinyl/ Linoleum
Cork
Carpet
Laminate
PVC/ Vinyl planks
Our Favorites
All floors have their advantages and disadvantages, making it essential to evaluate the best floor options for your needs. We have listed several flooring types, specifically looking at their characteristics, budget, application method, and durability. Hopefully, you will find the best floor that suits your van build layout and lifestyle!
Vinyl/ Linoleum
Article: Adventures in a Camper
Vinyl, or linoleum, is a popular choice among DIY campers. It consists of several layers, with the top being a hard, wear-resistant layer. For more details, check out the article above for installation tips and results.
Characteristics
- Lightweight, ideal for the total weight of your motorhome.
- Maintenance-friendly: easily cleaned by vacuuming and mopping, with no need for special treatment.
- Sound-absorbing and moisture-resistant.
- Note: The vinyl floor can shrink when temperatures fluctuate, which can happen in a camper.
Application Method
You can easily cut this product with a Stanley knife and glue it down with universal floor glue, making it simple to install in your camper!
Budget
Vinyl floors are generally quite affordable, but the quality can vary widely. Pay attention to the thickness of the wear layer, as it protects against wear, scratches, and stains.
Durability
Vinyl can last around 10-20 years (possibly shorter in a motorhome due to intensive use) and can be reused, as it is thermoplastic and recyclable.
Conclusion
Vinyl flooring is affordable, easy to use, moisture-resistant, and durable. However, be mindful of potential shrinkage and ensure you choose a quality product to avoid an artificial look.
Cork
Article: Fibreglass RV
Cork flooring, made from the bark of cork oak, is another excellent option for your camper. Here, this article showcases cork flooring in a DIY camper.
Characteristics
- Lightweight, perfect for motorhomes.
- Provides good insulation.
- Fire-retardant, enhancing safety.
- Naturally water-resistant and can be made completely waterproof with an extra top layer.
- A sustainable flooring option.
Application Method
Different types of cork floors are available, including click cork flooring that interlocks like laminate or PVC.
Budget
Cork tends to be slightly more expensive than laminate, vinyl, or PVC, depending on thickness and density.
Durability
Extremely durable and made from mostly natural materials, cork oak bark regenerates within three years.
Conclusion
Cork is lightweight, water-resistant, hygienic, and warm underfoot. However, it can be prone to damage and may not stay in place permanently. It also requires regular reapplication of the top layer to maintain waterproofing.
Carpet
Article: RV Roadtrips
Carpet, while cozy, is not often the best floor choice for campers. Instead, it can be a great wall covering. This article guides you through carpet installation in your motorhome.
Characteristics
- Soft and warm, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Sound-absorbing and enhances acoustics.
- Available in various materials and piles.
- Not resistant to damp areas, which can lead to mould.
Application Method
Carpet installation is straightforward; just cut it to size and apply, or glue it down.
Budget
Carpet is one of the cheaper flooring options and can be laid directly over the subfloor.
Durability
Unfortunately, it doesn’t last as long under intensive use and requires regular cleaning.
Conclusion
While affordable and comfortable, carpet is hard to keep clean in a camper and can develop mould in moist conditions, making this the least favourable option for a DIY van build.
Laminate
Laminate flooring consists of multiple glued layers, with a wear-resistant top layer.
Characteristics
- Wears less quickly than on other floors.
- Easy to maintain and clean.
- Compatible with underfloor heating.
- Generally not completely moisture-resistant; the compressed wood layer can curl up when wet.
- Water-resistant varieties are often thicker and more expensive.
Application Method
Installing laminate is more challenging than vinyl or carpet; consider click laminate for easier installation.
Budget
Laminate comes in various price ranges but is typically affordable.
Durability
Laminate is less moisture-resistant, leading to potential bending, but it’s often more environmentally friendly than other options.
Conclusion
While laminate is hygienic and affordable, it’s not ideal for a motorhome due to moisture sensitivity and installation challenges.
PVC/ Vinyl planks
Article: The DIY Mommy
PVC (vinyl planks) is a strong flooring option that’s heavier than linoleum and laminate. Its major advantage is high water resistance.
Characteristics
- Easy to maintain and strong.
- Sound-absorbing and heat-resistant.
- PVC floors are mostly waterproof.
- Often heavier and more expensive than other options.
Application Method
Like laminate, PVC requires precise cutting and fitting, making it a bit challenging to install. Most often these come with a click system.
Budget
PVC is generally more expensive, especially for higher-quality options, but it can be found at discounted prices.
Durability
Durable and long-lasting, especially in moist conditions, PVC is an eco-friendly plastic.
Conclusion
PVC is easy to maintain, waterproof, and available in attractive wood colours. However, it is heavier and takes longer to install.
So, What Is the Best Floor for Your Camper?
First, let’s rule out carpet. While cozy in winter, it struggles with dirt and moisture, making it unhygienic for campers. It can be a great wall covering, but it’s not the best floor choice for a van build.
Laminate is also not ideal for campers due to moisture issues unless you invest in a thicker, waterproof option. Naturally, a little moisture is common in campers, and it’s frustrating to replace flooring frequently.
That said, waterproof laminate can work; we used it in our first DIY camper build and found it a viable option despite its weight.
Our Favorites
For our second camper, we debated vinyl versus PVC flooring. We chose PVC for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. If we do a third camper conversion, we might consider cork, which offers dual benefits as insulation and flooring.
In summary, PVC, vinyl, cork, and waterproof laminate are all excellent flooring choices for a camper. Vinyl is lightweight and easy to apply but can shrink. PVC is stronger and longer-lasting but more challenging to install. Cork is sustainable but requires upkeep. Waterproof laminate looks stunning and is durable, but it’s heavier and pricier.
Ultimately, the best floor for your camper will depend on what you value most. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect flooring for your DIY camper. Good luck!
