So, you’ve stripped out your van, sorted your sound deadening and insulation, and now you’re standing there staring at a whole lot of exposed metal and wondering how to turn it into something that doesn’t feel like the inside of a shipping container. This, my friend, is where cladding and carpet lining come into play. It’s not just about looks, though that’s a huge part of it, it’s about comfort, warmth, and creating a space that feels inviting. Let’s dive into what each option brings to the table, the pros and cons of both, and why some vanlifers swear by using a mix of the two.
Carpet Lining: Soft, Snug, and Surprisingly Stylish
Carpet lining (sometimes called stretch carpet or van liner carpet) has become a bit of a go-to in the van conversion world, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s flexible, it moulds to awkward curves, and it instantly makes your van feel less echoey and cold.
Pros of Carpet Lining:
- It hugs every curve – Great for those tricky contours around wheel arches, door frames, and ribs. No faffing about with cutting awkward shapes.
- Quick install – It’s usually faster than cladding, especially if you’re lining the whole van in one go.
- Warmth & noise reduction – It adds a cozy layer that deadens sound and helps retain heat.
- Budget-friendly – If you’re watching your wallet, carpet lining offers a lot of bang for your buck.
- Weight saving – It’s much lighter than wood.
Cons of Carpet Lining:
- Not waterproof – It doesn’t do well with damp. Spilled drinks, condensation, or muddy paws? That carpet will soak it up.
- Can look a bit basic – Some folks feel it doesn’t quite hit the same visual vibe as wood cladding. It’s functional, yes, but maybe not as “Pinterest-worthy.”
- Not the easiest to clean – Dust, pet hair, and crumbs cling to carpet like it’s their job.
Wood Cladding: That Cabin-in-a-Van Feel
Ah, wood cladding. It’s the stuff campervan dreams are made of. Nothing beats that natural timber look when it comes to aesthetics. It brings texture, character, and a real homely feel to the space, like a tiny rustic cabin on wheels.
Pros of Cladding:
- Beautiful and timeless – Let’s face it, it looks stunning. Whether you go for pine tongue-and-groove, Plylining, or painted MDF, it adds instant charm.
- Customisable – Paint it, stain it, oil it—make it yours.
- Tough and durable – Cladding stands up well to knocks, scratches, and general wear and tear.
Cons of Cladding:
- Weight – Wood is heavier than carpet, and every kilo counts in a campervan.
- Installation time – You’ll need to cut, measure, and secure each piece. It’s more of a project.
- Less forgiving – Unlike carpet, cladding doesn’t bend and flex around weird curves. You’ll need battens and a bit of patience.
Why Not Both? The Best of Both Worlds
A lot of vanlifers choose a combination of cladding and carpet lining, and it makes total sense. Each material has strengths, so why not use them strategically?
- Carpet lining for the awkward bits: Think wheel arches, window recesses, sliding door curves, and anywhere with complex geometry.
- Cladding for flat or visible surfaces: Ceilings, upper walls, kitchen splashbacks, or around the bed—anywhere you want a clean, finished look.
This hybrid approach gives you a cozy, functional space with design flair, without driving yourself mad trying to bend wood where it doesn’t want to go.
How to Install Carpet Lining in a Campervan
What you’ll need:
- Stretch carpet (usually 2m wide rolls)
- High-temperature spray adhesive (we recommend Trimfix)
- Sharp utility knife
- Masking tape
- Gloves and a respirator (trust us on this)
Step-by-step:
- Prep the surfaces – Clean all metal areas thoroughly. Any grease, dust, or rust will mess with adhesion that could eventually seep into the carpet.
- Measure and dry fit – Cut your carpet slightly oversized. It’s easier to trim down than to start over.
- Spray both surfaces – Apply the adhesive to both the van surface and the back of the carpet. Wait 30 seconds until tacky.
- Apply and stretch – Stick from the centre out, smoothing as you go. Work slowly and press firmly to avoid bubbles or loose patches.
- Trim and tidy – Use a sharp knife to trim excess and tidy up edges. Carpet overlaps can be hidden under battens or corner trims. You can even use a flathead screwdriver to fold them neatly into the edges of your van.
How to Install Wood Cladding in a Campervan
What you’ll need:
- Timber cladding (e.g., tongue-and-groove pine)
- Battens or furring strips
- Screws or cladding clips
- Saw (mitre saw or handsaw)
- Insulation and vapor barrier (optional but recommended)
- Drill/driver
Step-by-step:
- Mark out your batten layout – Decide where you’ll attach your cladding. Usually this is onto 25x25mm timber strips fixed to the van ribs or metal structure.
- Install the battens – Use self-tapping screws with insulation-safe washers, or rivnuts for a more solid hold.
- Insulate behind – If not already done, fill between the battens with insulation and consider adding a vapor barrier.
- Cut and fit your cladding boards – Start at the bottom or far end, and work your way across. Cut around any obstacles (windows, lights, sockets).
- Fix in place – Nail or screw each board into the batten. If you’re going for a clean finish, consider secret nailing or cladding clips.
- Finish it off – Sand, stain, paint, or oil your cladding to protect it and give it the look you’re after.
Our Cladding & Carpet Lining Product Bundles
To make things easier for your build, we’ve put together a few hand-picked product bundles designed specifically for campervans – tested, trusted, and ready to go. Whether you’re going full-carpet, full-cladding, or doing a little of both, we’ve got kits that save you time and hassle.
Carpet Lining Kit
- Includes stretch carpet and spray adhesive
- Choose from several colours and then simply select your vehicle model.
- 4-way Stretch Campervan Lining Carpet
Timber Cladding Kit
- Includes either pre-cut tongue-and-groove pine boards or plywood sheets, wood battens, vapour barrier and screws.
- Perfect for ceiling or upper wall projects.
COMING SOON
Hybrid Wall Finish Combo Kit
- Best of both worlds! Carpet for the curves, cladding for the panels.
COMING SOON
Foundational Build Bundle
- We’re also offering a vehicle specific kit for the entire foundational build phase of your conversion. From sound-deadening and insulation, to cladding and carpet lining.
COMING SOON
Wrapping It Up (Literally)
Cladding and carpet lining your van isn’t just about looking good, it’s about making your space liveable. Whether you want that sleek, professional finish or a cozy, handcrafted vibe, both of these materials have their place in a well-thought-out conversion.
The best part? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You get to mix and match, trial and error, and put your stamp on the build. So, grab your tools, crank up some music, and start turning that tin can into something truly special.
And if you’re looking for the right gear to get cracking, The Campervan Shop has everything you need. Build it your way, with confidence.
