Book Trailer Renovation: Flooring
When I first dreamed up my mobile bookstore, I imagined a cozy, inviting space where readers could browse, chat, and discover new favorites — all from the comfort of my mobile bookstore. But one of the first challenges I faced was figuring out the flooring. The original plywood surface in my trailer wasn’t practical for a mobile bookshop that would see lots of foot traffic and constant movement.
In this post, I’ll share why upgrading the flooring in my book trailer was so important, the options I considered, and how I tackled the installation myself.
Flooring Options I Considered for My Book Trailer
Before settling on the final flooring for my book trailer, I explored several options that could handle the unique demands of a mobile bookstore. I considered several options.
- I looked into vinyl plank flooring because it’s lightweight, waterproof, and easy to clean — all essential qualities for a small space that sees lots of traffic.
- Laminate flooring also caught my attention since it offers a high-end look for a budget-friendly price, though I worried about how well it would hold up to moisture and constant movement.
- I considered carpet tiles for their cozy feel and easy replacement, but I ruled them out because they’d be harder to maintain in a space where people might track in dirt and debris.
- A local themed brewery I frequent has book pages decoupaged onto the walls, and I briefly considered this as a flooring option. I wasn’t sure how it would hold up to moisture though, and I was afraid it would be slippery if someone walked on it with wet shoes.
My Ultimate Flooring Choice for My Book Trailer
After weighing all the options, I ultimately chose sheet vinyl flooring for my book trailer — and it turned out to be the perfect fit. Sheet vinyl offered exactly what I needed: it was affordable, easy to work with, and highly resistant to dirt and moisture, which is crucial for a space that will be exposed to the elements and see plenty of foot traffic. I also liked that sheet vinyl provides a smooth, continuous surface with fewer seams where dust and debris could collect. The wide variety of patterns and colors made it easy to find a design that matched the cozy, inviting vibe I wanted for the shop. Best of all, the installation process was manageable even for a DIYer like me!
How I Installed the Flooring
- First, I had Home Depot cut the piece slightly larger than what I needed. Home Depot precision cut the vinyl with a tool that goes all the way across the roll in a straight line, which was handy.
- When I got it home, I kept the flooring rolled up and lined up the straight edge with the metal edge at the entrance of the trailer. I brushed on some sheet vinyl flooring adhesive and pressed it down. I put some heavy objects on top to keep the flooring from moving as I worked.
- I kept brushing, unrolling, and pressing down, moving from the back of the trailer toward the nose. I wasn’t working with a large area, so I didn’t have to use a weighted roller tool the way I would in a kitchen or larger room.
- At the edges, I used my fingers to press the vinyl snugly into the corners. There was only a couple of inches of overhang on each side.
- When I reached the end, I used a box cutter to trim off the edges of the vinyl. It is very thin and flexible so it cut easily.
Seeing the finished flooring in my book trailer brought the whole space to life. The sheet vinyl not only looks great, but it’s practical and easy to clean. The entire project was around $150. This project reminded me how small upgrades can make a huge impact. If you’re tackling your own book trailer renovation, I hope this inspires you to take that next step! Feel free to drop a comment or reach out with questions — I’d love to hear about your build.
Next up: shelves for the mobile bookstore!
Until next time,
Happy reading & happy wandering —
𝓛𝓾𝓬𝓲
Owner & Book Curator of Wanderlust Wandering Book Bazaar
