Should I waterproof premium dressed Pine slats for campervan subfloor?

[hayleylora]

Hello! I'm converting a campervan and have used premium dressed pine slats to start my subfloor. Should these be waterproofed in case there will be any condensation under the floor? 

I will be insulating with sheep's wool, so hoping that will help absorb any moisture. 

Any advice much appreciated!

[Dave-1]

Good afternoon @hayleylora 

Welcome to the Bunnings community page Would there be a chance you have a photo to show the subfloor? My first thought is yes as dressed pine would probarly like to absorb water. If the insulating wool gets wet I dont think it will dry particulary easy. Are you planning on having something between the insulation and the ground/road? 

And I just re-read your question. A campervan as in a van lol My mistake. I would still paint/oil the timber as it will want to absorb anything but less so inside a van. Insulation wise I would be using the wool like you. 

Converting a van is something I would like to do, Hopefully we will see a bnch of your photos as you continue along the conversion.

Dave

[EricL]

Hello @hayleylora 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's fabulous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about your dressed pine flooring for your caravan.

I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - How to protect Plywood caravan floor? by @Mark0303. I definitely recommend waterproofing the timber floor framing. This will protect it from moisture and prevent the wood from getting damaged. I suggest having a look at Gripset Betta Waterproofing Membrane Bitumen Rubber.

It's a versatile product and can be watered down to allow you to paint flat surfaces. It's water-based and does not carry strong odours when compared to chemical based sealers. I recommend painting the timber first with a nice thin coat so that you can get into all the hidden corners. Once that first coat cures, paint it again with an undiluted mixture to give you a solid seal.

It sounds like a fantastic project. Please make sure to post a photo of the caravan. I'm sure our members would be keen to see the progress you are making.

Let me call on our experienced members @twocutekelpies, @Peggers, and @FloTheCaravan, to see if they have any suggestions.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your caravan.  

If you have any other questions, please let us know.

Eric