Given the scarcity of storage space in a van, a campervan cupboard or wardrobe can be a very useful addition. Essentially a large empty cuboid, a campervan cupboard can store clothes, electrics, or even food. In this article, we will walk step-by-step through an illustrated guide on how to build a campervan cupboard. In our 2023 study, we found that 31% of van conversions have a wardrobe.
Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. He authored Roaming Home and teaches The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, he is passionate about sharing his expertise with others.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click a product link and buy anything from the merchant (Amazon, eBay, etc.) we will receive a commission fee. The price you pay remains the same, affiliate link or not. By using these links, you are helping us to continue writing free educational content. To understand our policies on content, affiliate commissions, and liability, please review our Terms of Use.
Did you know you can get a free electrical wiring diagram by signing up for The Van Conversion Newsletter?
Design the Campervan Cupboard First
Before hopping into building campervan storage, it's essential that you mock it up on paper or with CAD software first. Our full guide on campervan design will help you get started.
I highly recommend Vanspace3D for designing your campervan interior - it's a brilliant drag 'n' drop CAD tool specifically for van conversions.
How to Build a Campervan Cupboard
A campervan cupboard or wardrobe is a pretty essential item in your build, housing your clothes, food, or whatever else is better kept in something with a closing door. In a long wheelbase van (I have the Ford Transit L3H3), it tends to be a toss-up between installing a shower unit or installing a campervan cupboard - I chose a cupboard as I have a lot of outdoor gear.
I built my campervan cupboard using the 'carcassing method' rather than the 'dado method'. You can learn more about campervan carpentry here.
Step 1: Build the Support Frame
The first step is to build the support frame. You can use 1x1, 2x1, or 2x2 carcassing timber for this. The suggested dimension for the campervan cupboard depth is 60cm. It will be the full height of the van, so about 180cm for an insulated high roof van.
To ensure the angles of the cuboid frame are at 90° angles, you should use a carpenter's square.
Step 2: Clad the Sides of the Support Frame
After you have built the support frame, you can go ahead and clad the sides with 8mm or 10mm tongue and groove. Screw the cladding into the support frame. The best tool for cutting tongue and groove is a jigsaw.
The cladding at the back of the campervan cupboard will have a curved shape to match the wall of the campervan. In order to cut these curves to fit perfectly flush with the back wall, you will need to use a scribe tool. Here's a short video on how to use one.
Step 3: Build the Shelves
Next, cut out some shelves from plywood. I used OSB board which I would not recommend - use regular plywood instead. The shelves rest along horizontal wooden beams screwed to the support frame. I installed four shelves in total.
Step 4: Build the Doors
The last step of the campervan cupboard is to build the doors. I built three doors in total: one for the pantry on top, clothes in the middle, and electrics at the bottom.
We build the doors for the campervan cupboard in the exact same manner as those for the bulkhead storage; lengths of tongue and groove secured together with horizontal cladding slats on the back.
I used strap hinges to secure the bottom two doors and cabinet hinges to secure the top door. You will want to add some magnetic catches to each door to hold them closed, and finish them off with a handle on each.
Finally, screw some stripwood trimming around the edges of each door. This is cosmetic and makes them look much nicer.
Conclusion
That's all there is to building a campervan cupboard. It's a simple build which adds essential storage and a homely feel. With this done, you might like to move on to designing and building your kitchen unit or a bed.
Before you get started, make sure you check out the excellent VanSpace3D for experimenting with your furniture layout and design.
If you're still confused, check out our carpentry masterclass for an in-depth, step-by-step course on the whole process.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion. We'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join.
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book, Roaming Home, or in our online course, The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed.
Finally, our Van Conversion Ultimate Guide lays out the whole van conversion process in easy-to-follow sections with tools, materials, and step-by-step instructions. It's the perfect companion for your van build.
Until next time.