Ceiling

Ceiling Framing

• 1/2" Baltic birch plywood ripped into 3" wide furring strips

• Center boards secured to the ceiling ribs using 1/4-20 and 10-32 plus nuts, machine screws, and washers

• The front board in the overhead cab area is secured using M5 rivnuts, machine screws, and washers

• Rear furring strips made from 3/4" Baltic birch plywood ripped to 1 1/4" wide and secured with self-tapping screws into the van channel. Built from four separate boards under 8" long to follow the curve and prevent an uneven surface.

• Roof fan framing with 1/2” Baltic birch secured using 1" Kreg pocket hole screws and Titebond II Premium wood glue

Finished Ceiling

• 1/4" cedar tongue-and-groove planks

• Finished with Minwax Warm Ultra Flat oil-based polyurethane

• Installed using 18-gauge brad nails

• Nail holes filled using Minwax wood filler

• 9, 12 volt dimmable puck lights with warm white lighting

Total ceiling thickness is less than 3/4", intentionally kept thin to preserve headroom

• Tongue-and-groove design adds strength and helps the boards lock together securely

• Thin 1/4" boards help reduce weight and preserve headroom

• Running the planks lengthwise makes the van feel visually longer

• Natural knots and wood grain add character and warmth to the space

Framing

• Use plus nuts in the factory van rib holes to avoid drilling into the van and creating metal shavings that can get trapped and rust

• Install the plus nuts using an Astro 1450 tool for a quick and consistent installation

• Use the playdough method to locate the plus nuts on the furring strips so the holes can be drilled accurately for the machine screws

• Recess the washer and machine screw into the furring strip so the finished ceiling sits flush

• Use 1/2" furring strips for the ceiling framing to save headroom and allow the boards to follow the curve of the van roof

• Frame out any roof components such as fans, air conditioners, or skylights before installing the ceiling boards

Ceiling Planks

• Start by installing the first ceiling board straight and centered so the rest of the ceiling can be aligned from that reference point

• Run the ceiling planks across the full width of the van and install cabinetry over the edges for a cleaner finish

Securing the Ceiling Boards

• Brad nails: Fast and easy installation. Fill the holes with wood filler for a cleaner finish

• Screws: Very secure but the screw heads will be visible and may split thin boards during installation

• Glue: Avoid using glue as it can fail in changing climates

Finishing Tips

• Sand only the visible side of the boards, but apply finish to all sides to help protect the wood

• Use a gift card when brad nailing to prevent denting the boards and to stop nails from passing completely through the thin planks

• Install the fan flange after the ceiling boards to create a clean finished edge around the roof fan opening

Electrical Planning

• Be mindful of wiring behind the ceiling and run wires for lights and rooftop components before installing the boards

• Wire ceiling lights and rooftop appliances at the same time to avoid reopening the ceiling later

• Think of the ceiling as two stages: installing the furring strips first, then installing the finished ceiling boards

• Install the ceiling after all roof-mounted components such as fans, air conditioners, or skylights are in place

• Pre-wire the ceiling before installing the boards so wires can be run across the framing

• Plan your ceiling lighting ahead of time

• If using puck lights, make sure the ceiling boards are wide enough to accommodate the light body

• Ceiling lights should be installed simultaneously while installing the ceiling boards

• These specific cedar planks can be somewhat brittle and occasionally arrive warped

• However, for the cost savings and reduced weight and thickness, the trade-off can be worth it

• Just take your time during installation to avoid cracking or damaging the boards

• The boards naturally darken to an amber color over time, which I think adds even more character

Full Plywood Ceiling

• Large plywood sheets secured directly to the ceiling framing

• It’s difficult to avoid seams showing where plywood sheets join together

Thicker Tongue & Groove Boards

• Creates a stronger, more rigid ceiling that allows overhead cabinetry to be mounted directly to it

• Heavier, more expensive, and thicker, which reduces headroom

Plywood with Decorative Slats

• Plywood ceiling with thin wood strips installed over it with spacing between them

• Creates a modern slat-style aesthetic while hiding seams

I love my ceiling — it’s lightweight, thin, and the natural knots and grain add a lot of personality. It’s very secure and I’ve had no issues using brad nails. People always compliment the ceiling when they see my van.