Van Flooring

Rubber flooring on the roll is the most practical choice for most work vans, because it grips, cushions the load and is easy to sweep or wash out. A 3mm to 5mm coin or checker roll in 1.8m or 2m width covers most panel vans in one piece. Choose a thicker roll if you carry heavy tools or kit.

Campervan conversions often use vinyl or carpet in the living area, laid over a ply floor and insulation. The Altro grey sparkle vinyl here is a 2mm, 1m x 2m sheet listed with an R10 slip rating, and the felt-back loop carpet comes in 1.5m x 4m in Bark, Flint and Platinum.

Rubber itself does not soak up water, so it protects the van floor from wet tools, boots and spills on the surface. Water can still get underneath at joins and edges, so a one-piece floor with sealed or taped edges keeps the most moisture out. Dry out any water that gets under the rubber.

Gluing rubber flooring to the van floor gives the neatest, flattest finish and stops it sliding under loads. Many people lay it loose first to check the fit, then glue it with flooring adhesive or fix the edges with trim. A loose roll can be lifted to clean underneath, but may shift as loads move.

The 1.8m and 2m extra-wide rolls are listed for vans such as the Ford Transit, VW Transporter and Caddy. Measure your load floor at its widest point, including the area between the wheel arches, and choose the width that covers it in one piece. Order a little extra length for trimming.

Yes, rubber flooring can go over a plywood van floor and protects the ply from wear and water. Make sure the ply is clean, dry and screwed down flat before laying the rubber. Countersink any screw heads so they do not show through.

Carpet makes a campervan living area warmer and quieter underfoot, and suits the bedroom or seating end. It is less practical by the door or kitchen area, where vinyl or rubber copes better with wet boots and spills. Many converters use vinyl at the door and carpet further in.

Make a card template of the floor, including the wheel arches, and trace it onto the rubber. Cut slowly with a sharp utility knife in several passes, keeping the blade upright. Cut slightly inside the line first, test the fit, then trim to a tight edge.

New rubber can have a noticeable smell at first, which is stronger in a small, closed space like a van. Leaving the doors open or the rubber unrolled in a ventilated area for a few days helps it fade. The smell reduces with time and airflow.

Yes, rubber van flooring is straightforward to fit yourself with a tape measure, a sharp knife, a straight edge and, if you are gluing it, flooring adhesive. Clear and clean the floor, make a template, cut the rubber and lay it from the bulkhead back. Fit trim at the door edges to finish.