Getting ready to install a floor in my van and need advise.

[Van on 66]

I finally bought my next van and am getting ready to begin the buildout so I have some questions beginning with the flooring.  Can someone tell me what the best plywood grade is to use for the floor and also what thickness is recommended?  I have seen videos of people using anything from 3/8" thick to 3/4".  I understand that some grades contain things that off gas.  I think that I saw a YouTube video that stated that baltic birth plywood is the best.  

I would also like to know what is recommended to use to seal the plywood with before installing it.  

Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[Bobhdus]

I personally just bought whatever plywood was on sale and it’s probably max about 5/8” thk. You don’t want it too heavy jmo... I’m not a wood expert. I didn’t seal it with anything and there was no off gassing. I put life proof brand (Texas oak), vinyl plank over the top. It was designed to float so I just snapped it all into place. The steel under the wood is sealed with Rustoleum rusty metal primer and gloss black oil based paint. My vehicle is a Stepvan.

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[Sofisintown]

I would also like to know what is recommended to use to seal the plywood with before installing it.  

Thanks in advance for the input.

1/2 inch plywood here,  no sealing, and vinyl on top of it.

 

[Van on 66]

I personally just bought whatever plywood was on sale and it’s probably max about 5/8” thk. You don’t want it too heavy jmo... I’m not a wood expert. I didn’t seal it with anything and there was no off gassing. I put life proof brand (Texas oak), vinyl plank over the top. It was designed to float so I just snapped it all into place. The steel under the wood is sealed with Rustoleum rusty metal primer and gloss black oil based paint. My vehicle is a Stepvan.

Thanks for the input and the photos.

 

[Van on 66]

1/2 inch plywood here,  no sealing, and vinyl on top of it.

Thanks for the feedback.  How did you mount the plywood to the metal floor?

 

[Sofisintown]

Self drilling screws for metal.
Like these. (you can get them at Home Depot.)
https://www.fastenere.com/10-x-1-14...lling-tek-screws-stainless-steel-410-qty-100?

 

[flying kurbmaster]

Hi I wouldn’t use OSB like in the step van, use real plywood, the most organic you can find, I laid laminate flooring directly to my stepvans floor if I were to redo it which I likely will one of these days, I would lay 1/2 to 3/4 inch insulation, then laminate flooring. Anything you put in your van will off gas. Wood, carpet,flooring I think OSB would off gas more then regular plywood, due to the amount of glue involved in production, I also think it would absorb more moisture,,and not as strong as plywood, The worst stuff would be treated ply for outdoor use. MDF is also a poor choice, I think 1/2 would be thick enough. If you are building with new products ventilation is important because of the off gassing in a confined space, if the van can sit unlived in for several months Would be ideal, not always possible.

 

[highdesertranger]

1st off, what Bobhdus used is not plywood it is OSB. do not use OSB.

if you want to attach cabinets and stuff to the floor use 3/4 inch.

highdesertranger

 

[MrNoodly]

Since the plywood (or other sheet material) wouldn't really be serving a structural function, but just providing a flat surface, it doesn't need to be very thick. I think 3/16" to 1/4" is more than sufficient. And it's just underlayment, so you don't need any sanded surfaces or classy vernier faces.

 

[Bobhdus]

Yeah as I said I’m no expert with wood stuff, just picked up stuff that said was good underlayment and wasn’t expensive. And the stuff I got is just fine and I didn’t fasten it down with anything cause there were no contours to worry about. Can split hairs about what the best stuff is but it’ll probably be out of your budget. I’m sure osb not the best but with my budget and what was available it was perfect at the time and I’ll never have a reason to change it. True plywood, osb, or just a layer of foam insulation, probably all be fine. Keep it thin, reduce weight etc... Moisture exposure at the edges will be the biggest concern, plywood dries out faster than osb and is better for mounting stuff as well, which I wasn’t gonna do that in my floor. Foam board can be mold mildew resistant if you get the good stuff but may not dry out very fast and could allow rust to happen. I’ve seen people use it though and run boards for mounting with the foam board in between the boards. Only accounts I’ve ever heard with off gassing was from using spray insulation.


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[Van on 66]

Self drilling screws for metal.
Like these. (you can get them at Home Depot.)
https://www.fastenere.com/10-x-1-14...lling-tek-screws-stainless-steel-410-qty-100?

Perfect.  Thanks!

 

[Van on 66]

Hi I wouldn’t use OSB like in the step van, use real plywood, the most organic you can find, I laid laminate flooring directly to my stepvans floor if I were to redo it which I likely will one of these days, I would  lay 1/2 to 3/4 inch insulation, then laminate flooring. Anything you put in your  van will off gas. Wood, carpet,flooring I think OSB would off gas more then regular plywood, due to the amount of glue involved in production, I also think it would absorb more moisture,,and not as strong as plywood, The worst stuff would be treated ply for outdoor use. MDF is also a poor choice, I think 1/2 would be thick enough. If you are building with new products ventilation is important because of the off gassing in a confined space, if the van can sit unlived  in for several months Would be ideal, not always possible.

Valuable information.  Thanks!

 

[Van on 66]

1st off,  what Bobhdus used is not plywood it is OSB.  do not use OSB.

if you want to attach cabinets and stuff to the floor use 3/4 inch.

highdesertranger

Thanks as always for your feedback highdesertranger.  I figured that I would want to attach cabinets to the floor so I will take your advice.  I hope all is well in your world!

 

[Van on 66]

Since the plywood (or other sheet material) wouldn't really be serving a structural function, but just providing a flat surface, it doesn't need to be very thick. I think 3/16" to 1/4" is more than sufficient. And it's just underlayment, so you don't need any sanded surfaces or classy vernier faces.

Thanks for the input MrNoodly!

 

[Van on 66]

Yeah as I said I’m no expert with wood stuff, just picked up stuff that said was good underlayment and wasn’t expensive. And the stuff I got is just fine and I didn’t fasten it down with anything cause there were no contours to worry about. Can split hairs about what the best stuff is but it’ll probably be out of your budget. I’m sure osb not the best but with my budget and what was available it was perfect at the time and I’ll never have a reason to change it. True plywood, osb, or just a layer of foam insulation, probably all be fine. Keep it thin, reduce weight etc... Moisture exposure at the edges will be the biggest concern, plywood dries out faster than osb and is better for mounting stuff as well, which I wasn’t gonna do that in my floor. Foam board can be mold mildew resistant if you get the good stuff but may not dry out very fast and could allow rust to happen. I’ve seen people use it though and run boards for mounting with the foam board in between the boards. Only accounts I’ve ever heard with off gassing was from using spray insulation.


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Thanks for all the feedback Bobhdus!