Camping means freedom - but let's be honest: it only gets really cozy when you're sitting comfortably. Anyone who has ever spent hours slumped in an uncomfortable camping chair knows how important well-designed furniture is in a camper. The good news: you don't have to dig deep into your pockets for it! Building your own camper furniture is not only fun, but also gives you pieces of furniture that perfectly match your extension and your space.
In this article, we'll show you why DIY is often the better choice, which tools you need, which materials are suitable and how to build your own seating area step by step. You'll also get tips for storage space solutions, secure fastenings in the motorhome and cozy upholstery ideas.
Table of contents
Why should you build your own camper furniture instead of buying it?
What tools do you need to build camper furniture?
Which materials are best suited for DIY seating?
How do you plan a bench seat with integrated storage space?
Step-by-step: How do you build a folding camper seating area?
How do you securely fasten seating in your motorhome?
What upholstery and cover solutions are available for DIY seating?
Key points in summary
Why should you build your own camper furniture instead of buying it?
You may be asking yourself: Is it worth the effort? Absolutely! Building your own camper furniture brings you lots of advantages that you simply don't get with ready-made furniture.
The first point is clearly the cost savings. Ready-made furniture for motorhomes is often expensive - and you often pay more for the brand name than for the quality. If you build it yourself, on the other hand, you only invest in wood, screws and a few tools. Sure, it takes time, but the financial difference is enormous.
Then there's the customization. Every camper is different - and that also applies to your storage space. Instead of making compromises, build your furniture so that it fits perfectly: tailored to your niche with millimeter precision, over the wheel arch or along the windows. The result is not only functional, but feels as if it was always intended for exactly this space.
Another advantage: quality and stability. When you build it yourself, you decide which materials you use. You can opt for robust multiplex or lightweight plywood and make the joints so sturdy that your furniture will still sit firmly even after many kilometers of potholes.
And last but not least: creative freedom. You decide how you want your camper to look. Whether modern, rustic or colorful - your furniture is as individual as your travels.
👉 If you've now caught DIY fever: Here you can also find instructions on how tobuild a high-quality cutting board yourself .
What tools do you need to make camper furniture?
You don't need a professional workshop to build camper furniture yourself. You can get very far with solid basic equipment. The most important thing is that you can work precisely - after all, everything should fit exactly into the camper in the end.
A saw (e.g. jigsaw or circular saw) for cutting plywood panels to size, a cordless screwdriver with a drilling function for screwing and pre-drilling, as well as a tape measure and square for taking exact measurements in millimetres are essential. Use a sander to sand the edges cleanly so that nobody gets hurt and everything has a professional look.
Screw clamps are also practical for fixing parts when gluing or screwing them together. And if you want to build particularly cleverly, a hole drill is also worthwhile - so you can incorporate ventilation into storage compartments, for example.
| Tools | What you need it for |
|---|---|
| Jigsaw/circular saw | Cut plywood panels to size |
| Cordless screwdriver + drill | Set screws, pre-drill holes |
| Tape measure & angle | Take exact measurements in mm |
| Sander | Smooth edges and surfaces |
| Screw clamps | Fixing during assembly |
As you can see, with a few basics, you are already well equipped to start building furniture.
Which materials are best for DIY seating?
Not all materials are the same - especially not in a camper van. What matters here is stability with the lowest possible weight.
Plywood is light and inexpensive and is therefore ideal for many furniture projects. If it needs to be a little more robust, multiplex is the better choice: the many glued layers make it extremely stable, which is particularly important for load-bearing pieces of furniture.
To build a stable base plate, you should choose a thickness of 12-18 mm. This way, you can be sure that the construction won't give way when you sit down. A worktop from the kitchen can also be easily repurposed - for example, if you want to combine a bench with a table.
Don't forget the surfaces either: with varnish, oil or a coating, you can make the furniture easier to care for and more resistant to scratches and moisture.
Upholstery then comes into play for seating comfort. A cushioned seat with rounded edges ensures that you feel comfortable and that there are no pressure points.
How do you plan a bench with integrated storage space?
A bench seat is the centerpiece of many camper van conversion projects. If planned correctly, it also offers plenty of storage space, which is priceless, especially in small vehicles.
The basic concept is simple: you can hide compartments, drawers or even small cupboards under the seat. A drawer on pull-out rails makes it particularly convenient because you can easily reach things that are deep down. Alternatively, you can fold up the seat - a space-saving solution that is sometimes a little less practical for everyday use.
Think about how the bench fits into your overall concept. Should it be part of a kitchen unit or stand alone? Will it fit over the wheel arches? How much space is left for walking and sleeping?
The following applies to the dimensions: a seat height of around 45 cm and a seat depth of 50-55 cm are ideal for comfortable seating. Measure your camper precisely and plan the dimensions in millimetres - this way you can make optimum use of the storage space.
Step-by-step: How do you build a folding camper van seating area?
A fixed bench seat is practical, but sometimes you simply need more flexibility in the camper. A folding seating area is the ideal solution for this: sit together comfortably during the day, then quickly fold it down in the evening to make room for sleeping or cooking. Sounds complicated? Don't worry - with clear step-by-step instructions, even DIY beginners can do it.
1. build the basic frame
First, build the basic frame. To do this, cut your wooden boards (e.g. plywood or multiplex, 15 mm thick) to the right dimensions. Use these to build the frame of your seating area. Make sure that the construction is stable enough to support the weight of several people later on. A cross frame or additional struts provide more stability.
2. integrate the hinge mechanism
To make your seating group foldable, you need sturdy hinges. They connect the seat and backrest or seat and body together. It is important that the hinges can not only withstand the weight, but also move smoothly. Tighten them with sturdy screws to ensure that nothing wobbles when you fold them down.
3. assemble modules
Instead of installing everything permanently, it is worth thinking modularly. Build individual modules that you can replace or rearrange as required. This not only makes it easier to install in the cramped camper, but also makes your seating group more flexible in the future.
4. treat surfaces
Once the seating group is in place, it's time to finish it. Protect the wood from moisture and scratches with oil, varnish or a film finish. This also gives your DIY project a professional look - almost as if you had bought the seating furniture, only much more individual.
A folding seating area is not as complicated as it sounds. It just requires a little planning - and the reward is maximum comfort with minimum space requirements.
How do you securely attach seating in a motorhome?
Now comes a point that many campers underestimate: secure fastening. Because no matter how nice and sturdy your furniture is, if it is not properly secured, it will become a projectile at the first emergency stop.
The easiest option is to use existing fixing points in the camper van. Many panel vans already have fixtures or eyelets to which you can screw furniture. This way, everything is firmly attached to the bodywork.
The wheel arches are particularly tricky. Instead of seeing them as an obstacle, you can cleverly integrate them into your seating plan. A bench seat that sits above the wheel arches makes perfect use of the space - and the furniture is also more stable because it rests on a wide base.
You should also think about vibration safety. Enormous forces act on your furniture on uneven surfaces. That's why you should always reinforce screws with metal brackets or special fastening systems.
And last but not least: crash safety. Imagine you're driving at 80 km/h and suddenly have to brake. Loose pieces of furniture will then fly through the camper like projectiles. That's why it's better to have one more bolt than one too few. Safety always comes first here.
What upholstery and cover solutions are available for DIY seating furniture?
Even the sturdiest bench is only worth half as much if you can't sit comfortably on it. Upholstery makes your DIY camping furniture really homely - and it's a great design element to give your camper an individual look.
The foam forms the basis. Make sure it has the right thickness (approx. 8-10 cm) and a medium firmness level. Too soft and you'll sag, too hard and you'll feel like you're sitting on a wooden bench.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to the cover material. Sturdy fabrics that are washable or at least easy to clean are practical and functional. Outdoor fabrics or artificial leather are perfect for this. If you want something more comfortable, you can of course also opt for cotton or linen - but then you should work with removable covers that you can simply put in the washing machine.
This brings us directly to the next point: flexibility. Removable covers are worth their weight in gold because you can not only wash them, but also replace them if you fancy a new look. A grey set for everyday use and a colorful set for your summer vacation? Why not!
And finally, the cosiness factor: a few cushions, a blanket and perhaps a colorful cover will make your camper much more homely. This creates a space where you don't just stay, but where you really feel at home.
Key points to summarize
Building your own camper furniture is not rocket science - and the advantages speak for themselves. You save money, make optimum use of your storage space and create furniture that is as individual as your travels. With the right tools and materials, you can build it yourself without a professional workshop.
- Building camper furniture yourself saves money, creates storage space and can be customized.
- With the right tools and sturdy materials, you can create durable DIY furniture.
- Multifunctional benches with storage space are at the heart of many camper van conversion projects.
- Safety is the be-all and end-all when securing in the motorhome.
- With cozy upholstery and creative covers, you can bring cosiness and comfort into your vehicle.
👉 Want even more DIY ideas? Then take a look at our instructions for building your own camping shower.
