So you’ve got a van conversion project you’re planning, eh? Feeling overwhelmed? That’s not too surprising given the sheer volume of content out there on how to convert a van.

We’ll save you time and summarize our philosophy at the beginning. When we’re treating a van floor, we have 4 priorities:

1. 1. Create a stable base for your living environment
   2. Take up as little space as possible to preserve headroom.
   3. Reduce sound and road noise into the van.
   4. Add a reasonable amount of insulation to your floor.

If you want to get into the details of that approach, let’s do this! And if you’d like to speak with an expert, we're here and available for you to discuss your van project. Just give us a call at 1-800-679-8511 or start the conversation by submitting a contact form!

We’re going to keep this article focused on the floor. If you’re looking to learn about basic concepts of sound and heat control in a van, you should start with one of our primer articles on van insulation or van soundproofing.

For a van floor insulation project, we recommend anywhere from 2 to 4 layers depending on the van. A work van or cargo van should really only be thinking about steps 1 and 2, whereas a van conversion needs all 3 steps.

1. 1.  Apply Sound Deadening Material
   2.  Apply Insulation/Noise Barrier Layer
   3.  Install Van Subfloor & Finish Floor (van conversions only)

Before installing any of those layers, make sure to start from a clean base. You shouldn’t have any rust or debris on the floor. Sweep it out, remove the rust, and clean the surface with denatured alcohol.

Second Skin offers two awesome vibration damping options which will significantly reduce noise in both the cab and cargo area. Getting highly effective sound deadening material is essential to reduce structural noise and vibrations in your van – especially when driving at highway speeds. Your vibration damper of choice should be applied to any metal surface, especially targeting the flimsy, flatter metal which vibrates more and creates more noise. On a van floor, the top priority is 100% coverage for the wheel wells, and then the second priority is the floor itself, either over the ribs or down in the grooves.

Our Damplifier Pro™ sound deadening mat is unmatched in performance, and should be installed with 60% coverage on the floor and 100% coverage over the tops of the wheel wells. If you’d rather spray or brush on your sound deadening material, go with our Spectrum™ liquid deadener, which will adhere to metal without a primer (glossy or waxy surfaces require a primer).

Watch Amy and Bez Install Spectrum on the Van Floor and Cargo Area

Damplifier Pro Installed on Van Floors

Our best van floor insulation is Luxury Liner Pro™ We’ve fused closed cell foam (insulation) to mass loaded vinyl (dense barrier) because it's a 2-in-1 solution. At 3/8” thick, Luxury Liner Pro™ adds about 1.75 R-value, while preserving head space and adding the tiny bit of insulation you need on the floor. For a work or cargo van, the product is durable enough to be used as the finish floor.

Install Luxury Liner Pro™ with 100% coverage across the entire floor with the foam side facing down. The closed cell foam conforms to the van’s corrugated metal (the little ridges), and the overall weight of the sheets will hold them in place. If you have deeper ridges, you may need a filler material to flatten out the floor. We recommend either a contact spray adhesive or super strong double sided tape. Tape the seams to finish up your barrier.

Even if you decide to frame the floor or use traditional rigid insulation, Luxury Liner Pro is a great option to wrap the wheel wells! It also is extremely effective in the floor of the cabin to block out engine noise, tire noise, and road noise for a more comfortable and quiet drive.

Luxury Liner Pro Installed on Van Floors

The plywood layer is your subfloor and creates a level surface for your finished floor. Standard ½” plywood bought locally works great. There are lots of good "how to" videos on the internet. To adhere the subfloor to the top of Luxury Liner Pro™ you’ll need a vinyl adhesive (DAP bought locally or HH-66 vinyl contact cement). More stability is a good thing.

With Luxury Liner Pro™ as the insulating noise barrier, it's not necessary to frame the floor or add rigid insulation - both of which will reduce your headspace.

For the finished floor, pick something durable and that won’t have issues getting wet. Even if you don’t expect to tramp wet shoes on your van floor, we PROMISE you will spill a beer or your morning OJ. Our customers have reported that an LVP or LVT is their preferred option because it's durable and easy to clean. Always seal the edges to prevent leaks getting below the floor.