Previously on "Tiny Home Tours Truck Build"
Last time, we made huge strides by installing all the TernOverland windows, designing and building the roof rack, and getting the Nomadic Cooling AC up and running. We also upgraded the truck's exterior with a heavy-duty bumper and new Dually Design Co wheels.
Today on "Tiny Home Tours Truck Build"
We’re shifting focus to the interior, turning an empty shell into a nearly complete build. Cabinets are going in, we’re tackling a countertop design issue, painting is underway, and our beautiful fridge will be installed.
Starting the Interior Build
This build is unlike any we’ve tackled before. The main curve is at the front, but the rest of the structure is mostly square, which has made planning easier. We're excited to dive in with insulation from Vanlife Outfitters , furring strips, and wall installations. We chose hardwood shiplap from Woodplank.com for the ceiling, painting it black to fit our design aesthetic. The installation was straightforward, and we’re impressed with its quality compared to MDF options we’ve used before.
While the ceiling was being installed, we focused on insulation using 3M Thinsulate from Vanlife Outfitters. Insulation is crucial in a build like this, especially for maintaining temperature control and reducing noise.
Cabinets and Kitchen Setup
The first cabinet we tackled was a multi-functional piece that serves as a desk, couch, electrical cabinet, and bench. In tiny living, every inch matters, so we used a combination of 1/2” and 3/4” plywood to balance weight and cost. For seating, we chose a 49” Sepnine couch, which perfectly fits our space and style. It’s stylish, comfortable, and eliminates the need for DIY cushions, which can be a hassle.
The kitchen cabinets are designed to store our kitchen items and house our plumbing system. The layout balances weight distribution, with the water tank and plumbing on one side and the Ruvati sink, water inlet, and grey tank in the center. The right side features three drawers for kitchen essentials, with space reserved for our Norcold fridge.
Fridge and Countertops
Speaking of the fridge, our Norcold unit arrived, and it’s a perfect fit for our design. The matte black finish was a pleasant surprise, and it gives us more off-grid storage capacity. The size is much bigger than anything we have had before but still small enough not to take up too much space in our tiny space. We are excited to have a larger freezer space which allows us to stay off grid and out in nature longer. This fridge by Norcold is the N8DC fridge, it's capacity is 8 cubic feet! It’s exciting to see these elements come together.
For the countertops, we initially wanted teakwood but found it too expensive and hard to source. We discovered a budget-friendly pine option with a beautiful, knotty finish that complements our design perfectly. This choice was inspired by a YouTube video, and it turned out to be exactly what we were looking for.
Painting and Flooring
Inside the cabinets, we went with a golden oak stain that matches the cedar shakes on the walls, adding a cohesive look when you open them. Our original design was going to feature a dark blue and marble theme, but we pivoted to a black, grey, and natural materials look, and we couldn’t be happier with the result.
For flooring, we chose LifeProof’s scratched stone luxury vinyl plank. It’s durable and ties in with our rustic-modern theme, matching the rocks and stones around our inspiration images.
Final Thoughts
In just three weeks, the interior has transformed from an empty box to a nearly complete living space. It’s exciting to see our drawings come to life, and we can’t wait to move into our new home soon.
Next Time on "Tiny Home Tours Truck Build"
We’ll be installing Signature Solar's electrical system, setting up the plumbing, and seeing our gorgeous bathroom come together.
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