Skip to content
Cladding your van is one of the most rewarding steps in converting a vehicle into a cosy campervan. Not only does it improve insulation, but it also gives your van a stylish, homely feel. In this guide, we'll walk you through cladding a van, focusing on campervan ceiling cladding and roof cladding.
Whether you're looking for campervan cladding ideas or need tips on using cladding clips, we've got you covered. Let us help you swap out your dull interior walls for a rustic log cabin feel or spruce them up with a lick of paint for a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Join us as we walk you through the steps to turning your van into a stylish, cosy campervan.
- Why Choose Cladding for Your Campervan?
- Van Cladding: What You’ll Need
- Campervan Cladding Preparation
- Cladding Your Campervan
- Creative Campervan Cladding Ideas
Why Choose Cladding For Your Campervan?
Cladding for campervan interiors is essential when transforming a van into a camper. It enhances the overall look, adds insulation, and protects the van's metal surfaces. The right van cladding can make your mobile home feel like a traditional living space.
Van Cladding: What You'll Need
Before you dive into revamping your van, you are going to need to gather the necessary tools and equipment; these include:
- Timber tongue and groove cladding
- Wooden battens (12mm and 25mm)
- Automotive carpet
- Adhesive spray
- Drill
- Mitre saw
- Jigsaw
- Hole saw(s)
- Screws
- Cladding Clips (optional)
Campervan Cladding Preparation
Before you can get started cladding your van, there is some essential prep work you will need to do:
Build a Wooden Substructure
The first step of the prep work you must carry out is building a wooden substructure. This is what you'll be attaching the cladding to. To create this frame, attach flexible wooden batten to the interior of the campervan walls at regular intervals by screwing them into the van's metal pillars.
Frame Your Van Windows
You can frame your van windows. Depending on the style you wish to achieve, you can either use thicker wooden battens or carpet your device. Both options work effectively; however, carpeted edges may let in a bit more light. The choice mostly comes down to personal preference.
Position the battens around your windows to create a sturdy frame. Instead of attaching the battens directly to the van walls—where the surface is often thin and uneven—allow the battens to slightly overlap with the edges of the window and the surrounding frame. This avoids the risk of piercing through the wall. Secure the window frame by mounting it onto these battens, ensuring a stable and safe installation.
Carpeting Door and Window Edges
After finishing the framing, you might encounter some awkward or hard-to-reach areas in the van that you won't be cladding, such as around the windows, if you choose not to frame them. To cover these spots, you can use an automotive carpet.
The most common areas for carpeting are the edges of doors and windows, which are highly visible and challenging to clad. For a neat finish, tuck the carpet slightly under the door seals, but be careful not to use too much, as this could cause the seals to bulge and potentially lead to leaks. Secure the carpet in place with spray glue.
Cladding Your Campervan
With the prep work done, it's time for the fun bit: cladding your van. This is where everything will come together, and you'll begin to see the fabulous new look you're striving for.
Cladding the van is relatively straightforward (although a second pair of hands is recommended).
Choosing Cladding Clips or Screws
Before you begin cladding your van, decide whether or not to use cladding clips. While clips provide a clean finish with no visible screws, they do require more effort to install. Consider whether the extra work is worth the seamless look. If you plan to paint over the cladding, screws might be the better option since you can easily paint over them to conceal their appearance.
Cladding Your Van: Walls & Ceilings
Once you have decided whether to use cladding clips, you can start cladding your van. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Cut the Cladding: Begin by cutting the cladding to the correct length.
- Attach the Cladding: Secure the cladding to the walls and doors, starting at the bottom and working your way up.
- Cut Around Switches: Use a jigsaw to make necessary cuts around switches and sockets.
- Mark for Accuracy: Hold the cladding in place and mark where cuts are needed before making them to ensure precision.
Once the walls are complete, you can begin to clad the ceiling. If using cladding clips, start at one end of the ceiling and work your way across. For screws, proceed similarly, ensuring each panel is securely fastened. Before you attach the classing, use a hole saw to cut openings for skylights, lights and vents.
Follow the instructions above for maximum precision once ready to clad the ceilings.
Creative Campervan Cladding Ideas
Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few van cladding ideas:
- Natural Wood Finish: For a rustic and cosy vish.
- Whitewashed Cladding: This gives your campervan a bright, airy feel, making small spaces appear larger.
- Reclaimed Wood: Sustainable and stylish, reclaimed wood can add character to your van.
- Composite Materials: If you want something low-maintenance, consider composite materials that mimic the look of wood but are more durable.
Campervan Cladding FAQs
Is cladding necessary for insulation?
Yes, cladding adds an additional layer of insulation, helping to regulate the temperature inside your campervan and making it more comfortable in different weather conditions.
How do I make accurate cuts for switches and sockets?
Hold the cladding in place and mark the areas where cuts are needed. Use a jigsaw to carefully cut around switches and sockets before securing the cladding to the walls.
Can I paint over the cladding?
Yes, cladding can be painted to match your desired interior colour scheme. If using screws, paint over them to hide their appearance and achieve a smooth finish.
Clad Your Van with Cladding Mate
Cladding a van is a crucial step in any campervan conversion, transforming a simple vehicle into a personalised living space. Whether you're working on the walls, roof, or ceiling, using the right cladding for the campervan and understanding how to use cladding clips can make the process smoother and the results more polished.
At Cladding Mate, we have a comprehensive range of tools for all your cladding projects. We've covered you with a full range of cordless drills, panel cutters, vacuum lifters, and more. Explore our range of cladding tools and handling equipment and kickstart your cladding project today!
