How Much Stretch Carpet Do I Need For My Van Conversion?
How Much Stretch Carpet Do I Need For My Van Conversion?
A question we often get asked and does not have a particularly straight forward answer. Follow our tips below to ensure you order enough in one go. 
What is stretch carpet?
If you’re just starting out on your van conversion journey, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about some ‘carpet’. This special, flexible and super stretchy carpet is designed to line the interior of your van to create a neat, warm and insulated space. Our 4-Way Stretch Carpet is available in 7 colours and can be pulled and stretched around awkward shapes and corners creating a seamless look and finish to your vans interior. Not only does it create a neat finish, but when used alongside a form of insulation, it prevents condensation forming making the van a more comfortable place to be.
An absolute must for van conversions. You can read more about our stretch carpet by clicking here.
Now you know what it is, here’s our advice for ordering enough for your van.
As a rough rule of thumb, most SWB vans (T5/Transit Custom etc) will require 12 metres whilst LWB vans require more like 14 metres.
However, this will depend on a few things. If you’re not lining the roof with carpet or are using a different colour or fabric, bare this in mind and will usually be 2 or 3 metres less. Likewise if you’re covering the ply insert panels separatley to the metal work, this will require more as you will need extra to cover the panels and these will need to be measured.
Measuring.
There is no special formula or science behind this, all you need is a tape measure.
Our carpet is 2 metres wide (we also stock 1.4 metres wide in Black, Smoke and Anthracite colours). This will then do the height of the sides and rear door and the width of the roof. Now measure the inside length of your van. Usually SWB vans need roughly 2.5 metres per side and per roof. LWB are more like 3 metres per side and per roof.
So that’s 3 x 2.5m = 7.5m (3 x 3m for LWB) plus the width of the rear door(s) usually requiring 2m. So 9.5m for SWB, 11m for LWB. Then depending on how you’re going to cover your ply panels, which you will need to measure and work out, you can add this on top of the above calculations.
A very important factor to add to your calculations is extra carpet for mistakes. If this is your first time lining a van, always order an extra metre or so for any mistakes when fitting. Don’t forget the extra glue either! See our Trimfix glue for carpet lining here.
And lastly….
Something else worth noting is that, much like carpet for your home, there can be slight differences in shades and colours from roll to roll. If you do not order enough in one go, the chances are that the next lot you order maybe ever so slightly different, especially on colours such as Smoke and Silver.
If you have any questions or are still not sure how much you need, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
