How I Installed Laminate Flooring in my Cargo Van

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▬▬▬▬▬VIDEO CONTENTS▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Intro
2:16 - Starting Point
2:32 - Step 1: The Frame
4:15 - Step 2: Sub Floor
6:33 - Step 3: Insulation
7:51 - Step 4: Laminate Flooring
10:50 - Final Installation
12:35 - FAQs
13:34 - Ending
How I Installed Laminate Flooring in my Cargo Van
When installing flooring in a cargo van for a camper, you have to keep in mind that none of these materials were intended to be installed into a vehicle. All flooring types that are available for purchase were intended to be put into houses or apartments, which means that there is no perfect set in stone way to install a floor in a camper van.
There are several options of materials to use as flooring when building a camper van, but some of the most common are laminate and vinyl. Vinyl flooring can be purchased in sheets, flooring planks, or as peel and stick tiles. Laminate flooring only comes in the form of flooring planks. My personal favorite type of flooring to use is water resistant laminate flooring planks. Laminate flooring is the second most lightweight option next to peel and stick tiles, but is much more durable than peel and stick and is very inexpensive.
Waterproof vinyl flooring planks are definitely the best as far as durability goes, but these flooring planks are extremely heavy when compared to the other options, and are by far the most expensive option available.
I like to do my flooring at the beginning of the van build right after the deep cleaning is done. I would rather have the floor completely done while I build the furniture that sits on top of the floor afterwards because the furniture will help hold the flooring together once it is installed.
Another option is building your furniture first and then adding flooring afterwards to save money on flooring material. If I were building a house, I would definitely be doing this option; However, in a tiny space like a van (especially in a Ford Transit Connect), I won't be saving any money because I'm not buying multiple boxes of flooring.
Tags:
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[@Dualex_Builds]

▬▬▬▬▬VIDEO CONTENTS▬▬▬▬▬▬ 0:00 - Intro 2:16 - Starting Point 2:32 - Step 1: The Frame 4:15 - Step 2: Sub Floor 6:33 - Step 3: Insulation 7:51 - Step 4: Laminate Flooring 10:50 - Final Installation 12:35 - FAQs 13:34 - Ending

[@josegutierrez7457]

I've been doing flooring for about 14 years and bro I promise you I would have done it the same way you did for something that small good job it looks great 👍

[@guywittamic]

I'm a flooring guy and for a van build THIS IS AN EXCELLENT IDEA!! Too many keyboard warriors with closed minds that have NEVER built out a van and don't know the chaos that ensues when you try to build in a van like you would in a home. Super good idea to trace out the flooring with the subfloor...this is why your channel is SOOO helpful for so many of us! You actually solve problems and come up with brilliant ideas! :)

[@leilarothrock8242]

What a TREMENDOUS compliment Sir!

[@avrilkelly1340]

I love this way of doing the floor, no sticking anything to the actual van floor so it's easily removed if you want to resell. Great idea with tracing out the laminate then installing. Thanks for the great ideas.

[@kkrup5395]

I'm not sure why would you disassemble this beautiful build to resell it as a cheap used van, when you can just leave it as it is and sell it as a stylish cozy camper

[@gblakev]

Besides lots of useful tips and a clear explanation, this is a really good video. I didn't think floor installation would be interesting but this video was.

[@jackblack9208]

@DualEx the only possible issue I see is the floor. it's called a floating floor not only because it's not physically attached to the sub floor but also because the material expands and contracts and needs to be able to move. when installing a floating floor you need to have a quarter inch gap between the edge of the flooring and the wall. this gap is then covered by quarter round trim or baseboards in a house. this is to allow the flooring to expand. without that expansion gap, the flooring will expand with nowhere to go so it will buckle. similarly, installing the floor first and screwing things down on top of it will also cause buckling issues as well as the planks trying to pull apart when they contract in cold weather. floating flooring is sensitive to temperature and moisture changes. whenever it's installed in a house you typically have to let the material acclimate in the home for 24 to 48 hours before installing it. the reason for this is because when you buy the flooring, it might have been kept in a warehouse that may be temperature controlled to a certain extent but not the same as in your home. say for instance it's winter and you buy some flooring and the warehouse it's kept in is 15° cooler than the temperature in your house. you go home and install it right away. a day or so later as the flooring starts to expand because of the temperature difference it buckles because it expanded beyond the quarter inch gap you have around the perimeter of the flooring. personally I would use cedar tongue and groove planks, screw them down and finish with tongue oil. the reason for cedar is that it naturally resist moisture and is used in a lot of outdoor applications which would be better suited for a van than a product designed for indoor use. tung oil because it's relatively inexpensive and easy to work with and a good product. while the cedar may be a little on the pricey side it wouldn't be too bad considering that the area you're working with is small. and when you screw it down, use a quarter inch spade drill bit and drill an 1/8" deep hole everywhere you want to put a screw. then you can get a 1/4" cedar dowel and cut into 3/8" long pieces. using wood glue, install one in each of the screw holes. may need to tap in place with a hammer. let glue dry. once glue is dry. use a palm sander to sand dowels flush with the flooring. you could also sand the entire floor which would make all the joints flush with each other.

[@dd___dc]

Woah those r good tips I never thought about that but it's common sense.i seen wen dey built house I go in da house that r being built 2 see da layout.I've noticed Dat dey put da subfloor and dey keep built-in everything else but da final flooring

[@infernaldaedra]

​@@dd___dcpolyurethane or like he said tung oil

[@willyllanes]

I remember having pergo at home yeah you need a crown molding baseboard piece to let the wood breathe I guess

[@victoriaveeart]

I like the way you think, smart. Work smarter not harder and who likes to be crouched in the van your thought process makes total sense

[@ericgamming5588]

Saw the Timelapse everytime I see it I get inspired

[@nancyjohnson9013]

I've been a fan for a while, I'm always so impressed at what you do & how you do it. That's why I keep on watchin'.

[@sarayuki8540]

I appreciate the different parts of the build videos. Def more detailed than other vids out there. Showing the process makes it seem more doable for ppl like me that feel overwhelmed to tackle a project like this.

[@flyinhawaiian7226]

I have been doing flooring for O years and this is an excellent way of doing flooring! Lol. Thanks, I start my floor on January 3rd.

[@selfcarebeautyandbodyllc]

I enjoy watching your videos! Good stuff! I always feel like I can renovate, diy and install just like you🤣

[@bryanburbage1331]

I agree I like how you did the floor and putting your build on top of it definitely seems to be best way . Great tutorial! Thanks

[@Eyesis_1]

This was a joy to watch. My brain works this way as well. Thank you. Stay safe and TFS💖

[@robyneller]

One of the best videos I've seen on flooring install. Lots of common sense techniques and I really appreciate how he explains why he does something as opposed to doing it another way. I also really like the intro portion on why one type of flooring is better.

[@AGilbert_81]

Thanks for plain and simple instructions so that a first timer can do it.

[@tonyawilliams507]

I love watching you work.

[@lauratibbles6598]

Your videos have great content and you explain it in such great ways that anyone can understand it thank you Dual for all you do

[@williedrogers6046]

I love the way you do it and makes it simple

[@annabellecalypso]

Dude, you’re editing is immaculate. Everything about this video was perfect the way you described. Everything was so simple. This is the best thing I’ve ever seen in my life.

[@danielteage3576]

Love it!!! I am enjoying this build and learning at the same time. Came across your channel a few months ago and love your content!! Keep up the good work and wishing you all the best!

[@pamflowers8364]

Love that you address the issue of there being many ways to achieve an objective. The cork foam install is a very good suggestion and I will use it in my van build-out, which is at the floor install part right now. Thanks for another interesting and informative video.

[@PlanetaNewss]

Clear and simple! Thank you for sharing this video 🤗

[@melindachristisourhope6255]

Loved the videos. I find them to be relaxing.

[@g.thompson9125]

Excellent video! Thanks for making this. Such a valuable resource for many many folks. You rock!

[@taterkaze9428]

Excellent choice of music. Good build. Helpful tips. Solid all around.

[@jeremyhoyt3909]

Got me thinking I can do this.Really contemplating van life or Skoolie.Great video.

[@Blackbutterfly9799]

Amen to that_ Great Advice and Hands On Demonstration. Thank you DualEx for Always Teaching... step by step. I'm so encouraged and I will watch the complete Van Build. 👨🏽‍🔧🔨🔧🪛🗜️📐🪚 You're Great!

[@000207poosh]

Once again, amazing video, common sense approach. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@daviscrt]

Great information. Good looking work and great video editing. Thanks Don

[@bhartiyasanatani]

the break down and the explanation of the videos are nice

[@joannecanetti7481]

I love watching you. You’re an amazing young man. So talented

[@joeybivo]

Looks good.. I don’t see any issues with ur flooring technique.. if it seems crazy, but it works, it ain’t crazy 🤷‍♂️

[@sharethelove5034]

Thank you. I’m taking in all this knowledge in preparation for my own van build. I’ll be doing it on my own so every bit u can give me helps. 🤔🇨🇦👍🌲

[@musashiblade1512]

I love this channel. Dude is a craftsman. He actually puts effort and passion into his builds.

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Wonderful as always !! ☮️💟

[@johnalloytoy]

Great job!! Very similar to what I did however I rolled the bed with truck bed liner as an extra precaution before I installed my floor bracing.

[@naomijohnson9202]

Your videos have gotten so much nicer, like them before but like them even better now. Keep up the good work looking forward to the end product

[@Eccentricjewelry]

Thanks for video renovating a van currently and having a hard time putting flooring down

[@PickuplivingRick]

Your video is awesome. You do great work. Glad I found your channel

[@TheArtOfDean]

Excellent from start to finish.

[@joycemonroe663]

Looking great. Can't wait to see the finish van. Peace and love🥰

[@mattsteele5796]

You are one handy individual. Love all of the things that you create.

[@Go4Corvette]

Thanks again for the excellent information. If everything works out, I will have a very nice used 2004 Ford Econoline E350 Extended Van here this Friday and start my RV build to be ready for next summer.

[@MC-dd8ls]

Thanks! I'm going to use this method!

[@Sshroomy]

Great video and I see you stepped up the video making skills. Keep going! 🌟

[@ricksmith7631]

awesome. i just spent the weekend getting my van stripped down and ready for the flooring. i was going to use 1x2 for the framing and fasten it to the floor, i know thinner insulation but i dont really plan on being in really cold places and camping but i will follow your design, thanks.

[@chancefluke7833]

I love the CAD system. Cardboard aided design 🤓 good job man!

[@TorturedPeace]

Great voice/presence as you explain your project!

[@budgetbudz]

As always thank you for the help!

[@krillenm]

Always happy to see a DualEx video pop up in my feed.

[@deviltam]

I like how you do your flooring! Smart!

[@janpalmer3025]

Awesome idea, I'll be using this technique for my van conversion.

[@aidiaa]

Bro, that’s some boss ass creative mind you have. I am throughly impressed 👏🏽 well done friend

[@amytooyou7384]

I really like your explanations and I love your flooring choice! It looks so good! I always wonder why other types of flooring aren't considered for vans like bamboo, resin, rhino Lining, and rubber floors. I get that there are many factors in choosing a flooring like cost, weight, access, installation, and sustainability.

[@ftsection2156]

Pretty detailed! 👍

[@mitchwinder1204]

Nice day outside. Damn. Thanks for your perseverance.

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

When you say you'll screw the furniture to the floor what do you mean? Cause the main solid fixing point is the frame, the rest (insulation, cork insulation, laminate) cannot realistically be used to get a secure fixing for 'heavy' furniture. Are you betting on the subfloor plywood for the secure fixing of the furniture? How think is that plywood?

[@ingridhansen8278]

Love your work!

[@Merlinsluck]

Great video. Getting ready to start my floor shortly.

[@FrancescoCaban]

Such a great edit and explanation thanks for the tips.

[@EarthTraveler3087]

Good type of video. Interesting.

[@jacobgarner5593]

Such a good video I learned a lot !!!!!!!!! Two thumbs way up 🆙!!!!!

[@melissah170]

I love the way you explain things. Thank you for the video. You're so funny with these angles. You've gotten extremely skilled with the videos and editing. 😁 A++

[@ferguscooper]

Fantastic work and explanation. Well done

[@mikederosaj]

awesome project thank you!!

[@dennispetherbridge1992]

Love your work...right now where I am I wish I could lay heated flooring...economically....crazy idea but....Huh!

[@niko73le]

well done mate from England!

[@ladyk3208]

I really adore you ,you are Brilliant! Love your channel! ♥️

[@lowellyates6685]

Great video! I am using your conversion example to create an emergency/SHTF Ham Radio shack (that is what hams call their radio room). Thanks!

[@Leegould-zs3vh]

Great video. Thanks for sharing

[@jodywade5617]

Another wonderful job.

[@thewestpost]

You know man you are very good on this

[@harrypottah8889]

This is so helpful! I swear I’m gonna get a FTC

[@majaia864]

The floating floor is great... I think I'm gonna do the same within my bus build

[@inkedgermanexplorer6539]

Great idea thank you for sharing 🙏🧡💪

[@hehehelen761]

Wassap! First one here. Hi from Palestine

[@FaulkinAround]

Super helpful! Thank you, ive been wondering if i need to screw it down too lol

[@SheilaTheGrate]

Music at ~3:40 says we are getting down to serious business!! 🤣

[@donEvans27]

Rockin that floor

[@Jojoba25]

Great video 😊

[@ronethridge9875]

a great job-man/thanks much

[@feibros]

nice flooring

[@Steve_cash_]

I love your videos man!

[@wheretonext7577]

I loved this and subbed

[@piperreilly97]

You're brilliant 👏

[@carmenlo2391]

Wow, it’s so well done. I’m expecting to get a transit connect so I anxiously await the finished van. Thanks fir sharing. Is there some other filling that doesn’t let off fumes?

[@georginataylor3802]

awesome!

[@leelunk8235]

BEAST MODE...YOU ROCK BRO~!

[@rrhopewell]

Gone be a beautiful home.

[@dfanman1]

I used the cargo tie down bolt holes to bolt down just my sub floor and put my good floor on top.

[@ejay2075]

This man is giving a master class on how to build a a van

[@margarettodd1600]

Very informative thank you

[@btownes5632]

Great video!

[@JoePAcalaughs]

Floors, instruction and knowledge were awesome. The real question though, when are you returning to the Octagon?😁💪🤣

[@scottlibby4973]

Thank you so much!

[@msclark7338]

About to do my 7x16 cargo trailer, but will be motorcycle hauler, too. I think I just need two rows of slats near the center.

[@garytrafton6209]

Thanks for the videos. Well done and very informative. I have a question. When the floor was down to bare metal would'nt it have been a good idea to smooth out any rough spots, fill in any holes and paint (spot paint) to avoid any future potential rust? Any particular reasons why or why not doing that step. Now in total honesty, , , , I probably would'nt have done it either.

[@gonewiththekale]

Thank you again for another video on how to do all of this🙏🏼What made you decide to use 2 x 2 for the frame and not 1 x 2? Is it because the installation boards are over an inch thick?

[@truthseeker36]

here early. whats up!? 🤓