When it comes to trying to take a dull, stock van interior and turn it into a stylish, homey environment, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is the campervan ceiling. There are a ton of ideas floating around the internet when it comes to van roof options which is awesome! The materials you decide between for your ceiling installations should depend heavily on your style preference or budget constraints. Camper van ceiling ideas.
No matter what route you choose, whether it be sprinter van ceiling panels, an insulated and sealed van roof with a vapour barrier installed or basic dry wall ceiling installaion above your van life with sprinter van ceiling panels – as long as you get properly sealed insulation in place then you’ll be set.
Trying to decide on the proper ceiling for your campervan can be a difficult job, that is why it is important to know the best type of material to use. It does not matter if you are going for a cozy look, or something more modern and light – there are many different van ceilings available nowadays. One of the most popular choices is tongue and groove flooring, which can be used to update the look of your camper and make it much more comfortable.
Another great tip is to install furring strips in order to create more support in between the ceiling joists. Don’t forget that proper installation of van ceilings requires some specific tools, so before starting your project, make sure double check that you have all the required materials ready! With these tips in mind you should feel confident enough to choose which two groove van ceiling material suits your budget and needs best!
5 CAMPERVAN CEILING IDEAS
1. Tongue and Groove Van Ceiling
With our second van build, we decided to give the ceilings in the van interior a warm and inviting feel. We chose tongue-and-groove for the ceiling which allowed us piece by piece customization as well as added flexibility in case something went awry – like making an incorrect hole for lights!
Installing tongue and groove on your ceiling may appear simple at first glance, but it can be a tricky task if something goes awry during installation process. If you ever find yourself needing to fix anything in the space in the middle of the tongue and groove on the ceiling, like say…a fan for example–good luck! You’ll have to carefully remove each piece from one side all the way up until you reach whatever needs repair – no small feat!
If you’re looking for campervan or ceiling installation ideas that are versatile and look fabulous, consider tongue and groove flooring! With the ability to paint or stain it any colour of your choice, this option is great if you want something unique. Plus once installed its beauty will truly shine through – making it a perfect pick!
Our grandparents gifted us to van build some incredible tongue and groove flooring, but if you’re looking to save money on your camper van ceiling then take a look at what nearby flooring stores have in stock! It may be time-consuming sanding down the old boards, but it’s worth it for that wallet-friendly finish.
With the addition of one final shelf, we have achieved a stunning tongue-and-groove campervan ceiling installation that is sure to turn heads!
2. Simple Plywood Panel Camper Ceiling
Outfitting your campervan’s ceiling with plywood panels may not be the prettiest way to go, but it definitely gets the job done quickly and easily. Our first van was outfitted in grey paneling – a functional solution that doesn’t skimp on efficiency!
Get creative and make your own one-of-a kind van ceiling with plywood paneling! Whether you want to stain the wood, paint it a solid color, or even create an artistic design on it – the possibilities are endless. Installing your custom made masterpiece will give you that extra special touch for when its time to hit the road.
Plywood paneling is the ideal choice of wall material for your campervan – not only due to its weight and sturdiness, but also because it allows you to customize according to whatever needs arise. Install cabinets or install hanging planters with ease by adjusting the thickness of the various wood panels!
Plywood paneling painted as a ceiling can be an attractive feature in smaller living spaces, but when it comes to larger vans like the ones we’re looking at here, I’d recommend choosing something with more of a wow-factor.
Jay’s head may seem innocent, but a closer look reveals an extraordinary story – of his van life in Scotland’s notoriously wet environment and the growth of mold it caused in his own van roof and ceiling. Alas, even with its unpredictable weather conditions, this van life of dampness proved too much for him to combat without a proper campervan fan.
3. Carpeted Campervan Ceiling
Transform your campervan ceiling into a cozy oasis with just two simple steps! Installation of thin plywood forms the first roof foundation before you attach plush, carpeting for an elevated interior look. Many professional, van roof builds use this combination to their advantage – now it’s time for you too!
If you’re after a van that will keep smelling as fresh and clean as the day it was purchased, carpet or fabric might not be your best option. Not only are they prone to collecting food smells over time, but they can also prove hard to effectively deep-clean – leaving behind an unpleasant lingering odor!
When it comes to campervan ceilings, carpets may provide an aesthetic boost – but practicality-wise they’re likely not the ideal choice. Of course, if that’s your desired look for campervan conversion then by all means make your dream a reality!
4. Plywood With Fabric Covering
Want to add some cozy appeal to your campervan? Try covering the ceiling with a light and airy fabric, like a shawl or blanket! It’s simple and affordable—no installation of lights or fans required. Get creative for an eye-catching road trip retreat that will make you feel right at home on any adventure.
Give proper ceiling of your campervan a homey and unique makeover with easy to install fabric ceiling covering. You can change it up according to the season or just install it whenever you feel like it – simply pull down, wash and switch! Finish off your refreshed interior design with some solar lights for that perfect cozy atmosphere.
5. Slotted Wood Van Conversion Ceiling
Slotted wood is quickly becoming the campervan ceiling of choice for its modern design, ease of installation and removable sections. It’s no wonder why this lightweight solution has gained so much popularity among van everyone lately – it offers a simple way to freshen up any van’s roof and interior with minimal effort!
With campervan ceiling trends leaning towards slotted wood, it’s no wonder why: while you need to apply plywood backing for stability, this option offers a lightweight solution that won’t leave any valuable space in your insulation exposed. It’s easy to see why the slatted plywood look is so popular!
Transform your a painted campervan ceiling into a dynamic and vibrant masterpiece of color! Paint or stain the slotted wood in whatever hues you desire, then add an extra layer of dimension by using contrasting shades behind the painted or stain and slots.
Imagining the perfect layout for your campervan setup can be a daunting task, from plotting out where to put cabinets and place those recessed lights to ensuring that ceiling fan is perfectly positioned. . Installation process may not always be easy, but carefully planning it all is key!
THINGS YOU NEED NO MATTER WHAT CAMPERVAN CEILING IDEA YOU CHOOSE
Furring Strips
Transform your van into a cozy home-on-wheels with furring strips! Rather than buying standard pieces, upcycle by cutting 1/2 inch plywood to the size and shape you need. Attach these furring strips all along the frame of your shell for securing anything from shelves to lights on the walls and ceiling – guaranteed both practicality and personalized style!
Get creative with your minivan and check out our post on ceiling materials. Discover the multitude of uses for furring strips, from insulation to noise reduction!
Insulation
When it came time to insulate our campervan ceiling, we knew just what was needed – 1-inch polyiso sheet foam ceiling insulation from a local hardware store! Not only is this material easy to work with and cut down to size; its R-value per square inch made for the best value. We also utilized Polyiso on the walls and floor of our first van conversion project. If building another van conversion in the future though, Havelock Sheep wool would be preferred for better soundproofing – but when going up top? It’s still gots ta’ be that trusty ol’ Polyiso foam board!
Great Stuff Expanding Foam
For the ultimate DIY van conversion, Great Stuff Expanding Foam is a must-have! Not only will it insulate your roof and fill in gaps around your vehicle – its powerful adhesive qualities can also be used to stick insulation pieces together. With this handy product on hand the entire build, you’ll create an airtight seal between wood panels, insulation and various other surfaces for a secure build that’s sure to last.
Applying too much pressure to expanding foam can become a real headache – make sure you’re using the right amount of control when utilizing this tool if you don’t want the final product of your project to balloon out of proportion!
Rustoleum Rust Treatment Spray
Converting an old van into a campervan can be daunting. Taking it down to its bones is often where rust presents itself, but don’t fear! With the right treatment – specifically this spray paint made for DIY conversions in mind – you’ll soon have your vehicle looking as good as new again. Simply sand and clean any large portions of rust before applying, let dry, and get packing for your next adventure!
Installing a new ceiling in a camper van can be an exciting project that involves creatively adapting the space. One of the most popular options for camper van ceilings is to use tongue and groove planks, which can be found at most hardware stores.
The pre-cut wood planks easily attach to each other with just some simple screws, allowing you to get creative when designing the ceiling. For something unique, try painting or staining each plank in a different color or using laminate wood grooves for an extra special touch. No matter what you choose, it’s always a good idea to carefully measure and calculate the amount of material needed before beginning your project; this will help make sure everything fits correctly when ready to install.
Read more: How to make a rope handle: Steps
What can I use for a ceiling in a camper van?
For a ceiling in a camper van, you can use wood paneling, vinyl or PVC tiles, fabric, cork, metal or aluminum sheets, synthetic leather or faux suede, insulation panels with a decorative finish, beadboard or shiplap panels, acoustic tiles or foam, or decorative wallpaper or murals.
How do you clad a campervan ceiling?
To clad a campervan ceiling, you need to measure the space and choose the cladding material. Cut the cladding panels to fit the ceiling space, sand the edges, and install the panels using adhesive or screws. Cover gaps with trim, and finish the surface with paint or stain. It’s important to ensure the weight of the cladding material doesn’t exceed the load-bearing capacity of the ceiling.
What is the best wood for ceiling in van?
The best wood for a van ceiling would be lightweight and durable, such as cedar, pine, or spruce. These types of wood are relatively easy to work with, have a pleasant aroma, and provide a natural look and feel to the van interior. Other options include hardwoods like maple or cherry, but these are heavier and more expensive. It’s also important to consider the weight of the wood and ensure it doesn’t exceed the load-bearing capacity of the van’s ceiling.
What is the best flooring for a van camper?
The best flooring for a van camper is one that is durable, lightweight, and easy to clean. Good options include vinyl, laminate, cork, engineered hardwood, and carpet tiles. Consider the weight, durability, and maintenance requirements of each material when making your decision.
How do you attach ply lining to a van roof?
To attach ply lining to a van roof, clean the roof surface, apply adhesive, place the ply lining on the adhesive, secure it with screws or bolts, cover the screw or bolt heads with filler, sand the surface, and apply a coat of sealant to protect the ply lining.