VanBuild BACKSPLASH for $3 | Countertop & Backsplash Install

[@cwwhit001]

This red oak is gorgeous. Anyone who say women can’t do woodworking haven’t seen your videos. I’m proud of you it all looks great.

[@mattb4885]

Grouting with a float on walls can be tricky haha. But nice job. Looks great! When you’re sponging it off run your sponge across the joints diagonally. It helps prevent from pulling the grout out of the joints. And only use you sponge one swipe on each side and rinse it out. Will drastically cut down the time it takes to get it clean! Let it dry, buff it with a cheesecloth and you’re done!

[@wornoutwrench8128]

I really enjoy watching Linnea. The pure joy that she expresses when something "works" just makes me smile. The whole project is coming together very nicely. Can't wait to see the finished project. I will continue to watch if you decide to film where Togo takes you.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

I love the way you empower others to try new things and to not be afraid to mess up its OK and its so worth it. We can learn so much if we just trued. I'm inspired ☺ thank you.

[@leahfalardeau9323]

Id really like a video just telling the viewers more about you!!!! Things you like, places you wanna go, idk just random stuff I guess lol

[@Linneaandakela]

That sounds really cool :) Thank you for the suggestion!

[@elsarenalia7072]

Uppp

[@cynthiabush2581]

Your countertops are beautiful. Your Mom has to be so proud of you….

[@IamDoogy]

The counters and especially, the backsplash, look terrific. With you doing this van build yourself, if you ever have trouble with plumbing or electric or construction, you're going to know what to do. This has all been very good experience, adding to your fund of knowledge you'll use for the rest of your life.

[@rachelshearon3502]

Hey~ One thing I would like to see when you are done with the van build is like day in the life in the van/ hiking with akela/ vlogs and stuff. Love you! xoxo ~ Rachel

[@Moonchildsvanlife]

You make me feel like I can do this. I grew up with a carpenter DAD that built anything. I was always helping him. I was contemplating rather to do my van build or just purchase a class b . But watching your videos got me thinking I can do this

[@CihaPet]

You really are proving to be a "Jane of all trades" here... Bravo!

[@stephaniehill2990]

Oh my goodness! It is coming together perfectly! You inspire us so much; we can't wait for our van to look like yours. 💕

[@theaveadventurers]

Yes, we feel the exact same way!

[@susanevans8470]

I know this blog is a year old but I have just recently found you. It is amazing to watch you build your van out. How much you love Akela is beautiful to watch I have already seen some your travels, you are an amazing lady, I would love to do what you have but my life is not conducive to doing anything like it. I hope you continue on your travels enjoying life to the full and keep posting.

[@Kat-sb2vh]

When you finally finish. I'm going to re-watch so I can get it all in one 😌

[@bitminerbob6731]

The plywood edge, when sanded up and varnished or stained, looks so awesome. Yours look awesome too. :)

[@teebeecurl]

Hey Linnea - I'd vote for continuing to post videos. While there are tons of people doing this, only a few of them have the right stuff. By that I mean, a character and personality that your audience can really care about. I think you have that, and have a lot of people rooting for you because you seem like a good friend. Whatever you choose, good luck!

[@georgeflora1178]

Great Job! This van is looking like a home! I think you should keep up the videos after the build. Daily life, travels, remote working. All good. Thanks Linnea!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!!

[@bluejeans8001]

Everything is coming together beautifully. You certainly deserve to be very proud of your craftsmanship. 👍👍👍

[@tylerjackson6096]

I’ve literally been looking forward to this all week

[@OveBakken]

10:24 This looks really good. I can't believe you eyeballed it and got this result .. Well done! 🙂👏🏼

[@BushcraftFamily]

love those countertops you really out did yourself with those

[@anglesdust]

I've literally waited all day for this

[@karlmarxman]

Here are some of the songs: To Me That's Alright - Leif Larsson True: Ten Towers Mine: Ten Towers Oh ah Uhm: Nashional Wrote you a letter: Cody Francis

[@haileysales4067]

Will you be framing the windows in the future or leaving them and why?

[@silas_vj9344]

Came out so nice! I would definitely use silicone or acrylic for the bottom line. It has a better bond with the plywood and than the gap is water tight!

[@angelmission]

I've been watching all of these. You're a rock-star!

[@mitch1592]

Wow 🤩 this looks really good, it’s really bringing the whole build together!

[@mistysedillo1696]

Love how you do it all yourself!

[@johnbroystonjr23]

Hey Linnea & Akela!!! Watching you do all the work gives hope to the masses. You do everything as if it's not your first time but that goes to show how much confidence you have in yourself. Like I always say, Keep up the good work and Thank you so much for sharing. 😎

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!!

[@Travelincloud]

yaaasss! more Linnea & Akela after Van Build!!

[@freestylekyle]

I’ve been waiting days for your new vid. It so much fun watching your build as your doing it.

[@Midwestmindset1]

I have that same flannel and I use it for my van build as well! Awesome job on the back splash!

[@susanscovill6817]

You did a great job! A little tip for grouting. Apply your grout from say 2 o’clock angled down to 8 o’clock. This forces the grout into the groove. Works better than up and down and side to side. A pro tiler taught me. Cheers from Canader eh!

[@RV_There_Yet]

It’s really coming together nice. Thanks for answering the question about future travel videos once the van is done.

[@jaydenramirez7307]

You should do videos about where you are, what is happening, what is different about normal and van life and highlight what parts of the van are useful for you at that time

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you for the suggestions, I appreciate it!

[@buggaming4267]

I've been waiting all week for a vanbuild update! I love your videos and I can't wait to start my own!

[@johngrant1337]

It look great and the van is super nice . It is hard to think this is your first van build. I have look at vans from van builder who do it for a living and I think you are a better Van builded . I looking forward to your next van build. If you get back to Utah I would like to see pictures of Tootle and Sun dance Ski resort in Provo Canyon Thank-you

[@a.w.thompson4001]

Great work! This week's projects are really pretty and make the van feel finished. I love your color and texture/pattern choices. They are interestingly varied but complement each other nicely. Thank you for all the "how-to" details; I know they make the process slow, but they really help others learn. Rejoicing at your decision to continue the channel. I don't know if you follow the Vancity Vanlife Channel, but Chrome Valdez has done an amazing job of continuing in the three years since his original build. He might offer some inspiration. Like you, he cares about helping others, and I think that's one reason his channel continues to be engaging despite the challenges of posting near-daily. One possible broad topic you might share is what you learn from vanlife. It can be as varied as: philosophy; your experiences with useful gear; interesting people; local history; wildlife; unique homes, mobile or not; activities... the nomadic world offers so much novelty, and you like learning, thinking, and teaching, so that's a possibility. Thank you again for all the work and care you put into these videos. It's been wonderful, and we're really looking forward to more.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much for this!! I appreciate your suggestions and detail. Also, I will go check out Vancity Vanlife Channel. I appreciate you!

[@hellglockin]

This looks so cool! I might not bells enough to build a van home but when I’m older I will. I get so much inspiration from watching your videos and I’d like to say keep up the good work!🥰

[@doubled3082]

How the hell does she not have 250,000 subscribers?? That's a crime.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much :)

[@kylehewitt9832]

She does now!

[@NicoVanZyl-v8x]

Nico🤗🥰😍😚

[@robekiel1]

Backsplash looks amazing

[@theaveadventurers]

Looks great! Will have to rewatch in a couple months when we are ready for this part of the build!

[@Anna.Z.]

Just stunning results!

[@NYR14477]

For future vids you can always give us content with how the van is holding up what problems you run into (hopefully nothing to big) and just your everyday stuff but to ask what the community wants is a big help. But I can tell you I’ll be turning in for what’s to come. 👍🏾👊🏾💪🏾

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you for the suggestions!! I appreciate ya!

[@henrycannon4033]

this is starting to look so good!!

[@stevedonaghy7468]

I enjoyed this video, you make it look easy and you did a great job, turned out great.

[@JohanlastZa]

There. I am done. All caught up in just a few hours. My body was aching and stiff from yesterday's work on my motorhome security camera and light installation, so I watched all the videos while recovering....lol

[@Linneaandakela]

Well thanks for watching all of the videos! I hope you were able to get some rest haha!

[@jhrhiggi]

The veneer edging stuff is look but I personally love the colours & grains of ply!

[@jamescarr4923]

Love your videos!A suggestion to what type of videos the fans want , some travel vlogs would be quite fun and enjoyable!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks for the ideas!!

[@rosmutti]

I love your videos! Thank you for sharing so much detail!

[@sandygraetz5166]

Love the colour of your back splash! Great job It looks very effective!

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, I’m all caught up, next video please 😁. A couple of things: your enthusiasm is infectious 👍; now you have a plaid shirt you are a ‘proper builder’ 😁 and finally ‘it’s not perfect but it’ll work’ should be on a T-shirt 😋.

[@mollybankhead5865]

I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. I like the process you go through to figure out how to do things based on both intuition and research. Your van is turning out really great and I’ll bet you really enjoy it for a long time! Akela is a great companion. The one thing I worry about is your van locks... they seem great for securing your van when you are gone, but I wouldn’t like being inside something I couldn’t get out of without using a key... just a thought.

[@Trang-xq9fn]

Beautiful work! You make cabinet building look so manageable. Could you let me know why you did not use the oil-based polyurethane for the countertop?

[@Java-Junky]

Ohhhh my gosh! That looks AMAZING!

[@purposelydriven6566]

Love it 💖💖 I love the journey 💖💖

[@alanabryant7314]

It looks really good! Everything does

[@staceywood4369]

Please keep making content! Travel videos- outdoor- vanlife - even down for fitness content!

[@Linneaandakela]

Will do! Thank you so much for the love and support

[@shellyray2416]

I love it!!! My question is what is left to do? You have to be getting close... 😎

[@Bhabel15]

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Jenna Marbles? Loving the van build series- thanks for showing us everything.

[@Linneaandakela]

Oh my goodness COUNTLESS people have told me this!! Haha

[@Vibrant_Goo]

The tile seems great for repelling moisture and grease when cooking.... I'll be cooking a lot of bacon :) I hope your cabinets directly above don't get warped or stained. I'd be curious to hear what you would change or done differently after living in Togo a bit. Like having a permanent stove, your energy consumption.

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes, I am curious to see as well! I have tried to be careful while cooking with those upper cabinets so it helps if I pull out my stove a bit... I actually really liked cooking on my smaller countertop, so I might try to rig something up so I can still cook over there. I'll let ya know!

[@mateuszwozniak8049]

Great job. Looks cozy!

[@marleyosterberg8799]

My question is how do/did you fund your van life before KZbin? Do you work a job outside of KZbin and while traveling?

[@k_blyth8803]

Oooooooh its coming together brilliantly, so happy for you & your beaming with excitment & pride! Cant wait for next weeks video, its begining to look homely 🙂 well done! 👏🏼👏🏼 Akela is just gorgeous & makes me smile everytime i see her beautiful mush. Im going to be getting a dog hopefully in the new year & would love to call her Akela....just love the name xx

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

Love your puppy she is gorgeous😍

[@Jmfva6]

You are way too talented. Looks great!

[@Q2bFF]

You seem very happy and some of us just want to see tue smile and maybe here you say IRON every now and then.

[@Linneaandakela]

😂 Haha! This is great! Thank you :)

[@Q2bFF]

@@Linneaandakela that was still the cutest way I’ve ever heard it pronounced

[@d-arts7139]

thjat backsplash looks sooo goood linnea!

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you I love it too!

[@sharismith3291]

I recently came across your Wonderful DIY Van build videos & you have encouraged me so much. Why did you go with the Red Oak plywood for the countertops? How are they holding up? And would you still recommend the Red Oak plywood as countertops? Thank you for your videos, they are very helpful and inspiring, and helping me greatly.

[@christaguidos3774]

Looks so good! I’d love to get a van and do something like this but I’ll have to wait now till the kiddos are grown.

[@Linneaandakela]

Thanks so much!

[@blissfulbhajan]

hello! thank you for your videos! Forgive me if you have already talked about this but I am curious as to where you got this passion to build and create something like your van! that takes a lot of skill! Have you always liked do-it-yourself projects or was this a recent dive into how-to videos online? Your van is looking beautiful and I can't wait to see the kitchen with its drawers!

[@sharlenagiles9478]

I loved watching this

[@jofernandez2669]

I was looking at butcher block today for my van build and it's so expensive! I may take a leaf out of your book and make my own countertops!

[@Linneaandakela]

I had also looked at using those! So expensive! I have really enjoyed the countertops so far :)

[@CASHO76]

Great job of that tilling and grouting Linnea. My least fav job to do 😂🤣😂.. Can’t remember if you previously said that you’d be putting extra heating in, like a diesel heater ?

[@echocampbell4644]

Hey Linnea!! Awesome video and such a beautiful build☺️ curious how the tile has held up two years later? Any cracks or grout falling off? I really want to do a tile backsplash in my van but am a little worried how it will hold up over years of driving on dirt roads!

[@salimalzir7806]

linea talk about your work.pretty funny.

[@teshogerheide2301]

i really like to watch morning/night routine so that would be great if you would do that!!

[@Linneaandakela]

Perfect! Thanks for the suggestion :)

[@tom-qf9mv]

hey! i love your van build, but i've got a question. will you add led strips to your van? i feel like they would make it look so much better

[@toxicavenger9034]

You should to a van tour again (updated)

[@timothybailey8726]

Your van is looking amazing. I was wondering; what do you plan on doing to keep cook during the summer time?

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much. I only have my two fans for cooling - and they can get quite the air flow going. If it gets too hot for Akela in an area, I will just relocate to a cooler place :)

[@lucyfergusson4070]

hey Linnea, so can you just put the grout directly on plywood? did you have to treat the plywood with anything? Thanks :)

[@bren_artstudio54]

WOW 😮Love it❣️

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you, me too!!

[@melissam3930]

Hey, did you start traveling while you were building? Curious for my future camper van I am planning.

[@teaberrywmn]

Looks really nice! We got tiles at H4H as well for the same purpose. Helpful vid. Thanks! Hugs to Akela.

[@Linneaandakela]

Awesome! Thank you! And Akela says "Hi!"

[@kristinrush]

How did you get three dislikes??? Your videos are always awesome!

[@ronaldc6564]

Love your videos. What is the standing height in your home with the floors and ceiling installations finished? Trying to decided on the Promaster high top or the Transit high-top. I am 5'10' 1/4.

[@Linneaandakela]

That is a really good question... I am not sure but I know of another van lifer that is 5 10" and she is comfortable in her van! My brothers who are a bit over 6ft can stand comfortably. I hope that helps!

[@paulaburton510]

Linnea! You’re a bad ass!!! Missing ya in Cat World!

[@Linneaandakela]

Paula!! Hi!! Can’t wait to come back and see you!!

[@howiefelter22]

What type of heat would you be putting into the van? Diesel, electric or propane.

[@Linneaandakela]

I will be installing a Chinese diesel heater!

[@ginnyzoo]

love it!

[@anglesdust]

I love your videos

[@NYR14477]

With everything that is going on with people in that last 10 years. You really forget how beautiful nature is. Not state parks or anything like that just plane nature simple and beautiful. Just like the puppy

[@Linneaandakela]

I completely agree!

[@touristiqueducanada346]

🐾👣✌️🙏 your very good at your Filming and editing keep up the good work 🏴‍☠️

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you so much!

[@micchicken7980]

You should remove your passenger seat then lock the side door and have more wall space

[@clgraham82]

Diesel heater mounting plate for a straight edge?

[@Linneaandakela]

Haha you know it!

[@arielwien2916]

Why akila have a shock harness?

[@tiffanyarmstead4148]

You need a store with a tee shirt I can buy I'm a huge fan.

[@David_11111]

Still doing so well .... love watching your Van grow :)

[@Linneaandakela]

Thank you!

[@olivieroudsen8775]

I got one weird question. How tall are you, and how tall is your van? I'm 6ft 6 47/64 inch (googled meters to feet) but there are nearly no vans available with that height.

[@Linneaandakela]

I am 5' 7"! Yes, you are tall! You might just need to have a minimal floor and ceiling... I hope you find something that will be comfortable for you!

[@cameronbennett8151]

I’m a little sad that you curved the backsplash on the right side instead of elongating it on the left. I think it would have made the space look longer, but in terms of keeping your countertop space separate from other parts of the van, it makes more sense to do it the way you did it. Are you worried about the tile cracking? It’s so pretty and I’d hate for there to be cracks in it after all your hard work. Also, I like your voice, it’s really calming.

[@Linneaandakela]

Yes, I wanted my kitchen to be a little nook! Also, the space on the left is where I will be sitting and working often and I didn't want to be leaning against backsplash. It definitely would have opened up the space though! And I am not worried about cracking - from what I have learned, it should be okay. But if that isn't the case I will definitely let you guys know! :)

[@DarekBarquero]

how does insurance work for a van you live in?

[@ailanideltwas1022]

Akela

[@blueturtle2309]

And then a gust of wind comes and His leaf thingy blows away 😂

[@Linneaandakela]

Haha! Don’t worry, a lot more branches are placed on top so that doesn’t happen!

[@blueturtle2309]

@@Linneaandakela OMG you actualy reply I'm speechless im about to cry 😶😯😭

[@Linneaandakela]

@@blueturtle2309 haha I try to reply!! Thanks for all the love :)