Designing the interior of a camper van is about more than storage solutions and layout. The flooring and upholstery you choose shape how your van feels to live in, how easy it is to maintain, and how long it will last on the road. From durable vinyls to soft marine carpets and from practical seat reupholstery to custom trims, the options are varied. This guide explores the choices in detail, helping you understand materials, benefits, and finishes so you can visualise your own camper van interior with confidence.
What Is A Campervan Sub floor?
Every flooring choice begins with a solid foundation. Camper van subfloors are usually built from plywood sheets cut to fit the contours of the van. These sit on top of insulation layers, which may include foam boards or recycled insulation rolls. The purpose of the subfloor is twofold: to provide a level surface for the finish and to add a layer of warmth and noise reduction.
A well-prepared subfloor ensures that vinyl or carpet flooring bonds properly and remains secure over time. Moisture protection is also important, particularly in climates where condensation and damp can affect the vehicle. Sealing the plywood and using vapour barriers can add years to the lifespan of your chosen floor finish.
At Templer Way Campers, we always make sure the subfloor is precisely measured and carefully installed, as this is the foundation for a professional and long-lasting conversion.
Camper Vinyl Flooring Options
Vinyl remains one of the most popular flooring solutions for van conversions. It is durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of finishes. Within vinyl, there are a few types to consider.
Sheet Vinyl
A single roll of vinyl is cut to size and fitted across the floor. This method leaves fewer seams, reducing the chance of dirt or water ingress. Sheet vinyl is available in designs that mimic wood, stone, or abstract patterns, making it versatile for different aesthetics.
Vinyl Planks
These are individual pieces laid much like domestic laminate flooring. They create a more natural wood look and allow for design variations such as staggered planks. Planks can be more time-consuming to fit but often deliver a more homely appearance.
Safety Vinyls
Specialist manufacturers like Altro produce safety flooring designed for commercial settings but highly suited to camper vans. These are slip-resistant, durable under heavy foot traffic, and available in many colours, from light greys and blues to deep blacks. Safety vinyl tends to be slightly thicker and heavier than domestic vinyl, but the trade-off is exceptional performance, especially if your van lifestyle involves muddy boots, pets, or wet conditions.
Your Campervan Carpet Choices
While vinyl is practical, carpet offers warmth and a softer underfoot feel. For camper vans, two main types stand out.
Stretch Carpet
This is a flexible material often used to line walls and curves in a van. It creates a seamless, fabric-like finish and can also be used on floors. Stretch carpet adds warmth and absorbs sound, making the space quieter and cosier. However, it can trap dirt and requires more effort to keep clean than vinyl.
Marine Carpet
Specifically designed for boats and outdoor use, marine carpet is durable, moisture-resistant, and designed to handle wear. It is less plush than domestic carpet but a good choice if you want comfort with resilience. Marine carpet is popular in camper vans where a balance between softness and practicality is needed.
At Templer Way Campers, we frequently use marine and stretch carpet to line interiors, giving clients a choice between a clean, modern look or a cosy, textured feel.
| Flooring Type | Key Benefits | Considerations | Best For |
| Sheet Vinyl | Seamless, easy to clean, wide design range | Can be harder to replace sections | Everyday practicality |
| Vinyl Planks | Realistic wood effect, stylish, flexible layouts | More seams, longer fitting process | Homely, stylish interiors |
| Safety Vinyl | Slip-resistant, highly durable, range of colours | Slightly heavier, less cushioned | Active lifestyles, pets, families |
| Stretch Carpet | Warm, soundproofing, flexible fitting | Harder to clean, traps dirt | Cosy, soft finish |
| Marine Carpet | Durable, moisture-resistant, easy to fit | Less plush feel than domestic carpet | Balance of comfort and practicality |
What Kinds Of Campervan Upholstery Are Available?
Floors are only half the story. Upholstery transforms both comfort and style in a van. It covers not just seats, but also side panels, trims, cushions, and bed builds. Materials vary widely, and the right choice depends on your priorities.
Fabrics
The most common upholstery option, fabrics are breathable, comfortable, and available in endless patterns and colours. Hardwearing automotive-grade fabrics ensure long-term use.
Leather
Natural leather or synthetic alternatives bring a premium finish and are easy to wipe clean. They suit modern interiors but can be hotter in summer and colder in winter without added insulation.
Vinyl Upholstery
Different from flooring vinyl, this is a soft upholstery-grade material that looks similar to leather. It is practical, wipe-clean, and usually more affordable.
Foam Builds
At the core of seats and cushions, high-density foam determines comfort. Upholstery packages often include upgrading foam to improve seating ergonomics for long journeys.
| Upholstery Material | Key Benefits | Considerations | Best For |
| Fabric | Breathable, wide variety, comfortable | Can stain, less wipe-clean | Everyday comfort |
| Leather | Premium look, durable, easy to clean | Expensive, temperature sensitive | Luxury finishes |
| Vinyl Upholstery | Affordable, wipeable, similar to leather look | Less breathable, can crack with age | Practical modern interiors |
| Foam Upgrades | Adds comfort, improves seating support | Hidden cost, varies in density | Long travel comfort |
Visualising Your Camper Van Interior
The right combination of flooring and upholstery defines the van’s atmosphere. Light grey vinyl or planks can create a bright, modern feel, while darker colours give a sleek, minimalist look. Carpets soften the space, making it feel warmer and more homely. Upholstery choices, meanwhile, allow you to tie the whole design together: fabric for colour variety, leather for a sharp finish, or vinyl for practical durability.
When viewed together, flooring and upholstery are not just practical elements but design features that set the tone of your van lifestyle. At Templer Way Campers, we help clients match flooring with upholstery packages, ensuring everything works as a cohesive design, from the foundation of the subfloor to the stitching of the seats.
Contact Templer Way Campers For Professional Flooring & Upholstery Installations
Flooring and upholstery are among the most important finishing decisions in a camper van conversion. Whether you lean towards hardwearing vinyl, cosy carpet, or stylish leather seating, each option comes with its own balance of comfort, practicality, and design.
We specialise in complete van conversions and bespoke interiors. If you are ready to start planning your own camper van project, get in touch with us today and we will help bring your ideas to life.
