When it comes to boat flooring, there are a lot of different options to consider. You want to select the right flooring option that will be durable and look great on your boat.
Let's discuss the different boat flooring options and help you select the right one for your boat. But first, if you're new to boat ownership, check out our detailed guide.
The Importance of Selecting the Right Boat Flooring
When it comes to boat flooring, there are a few key things to keep in mind. The first is that the flooring needs to be safe and sturdy. It should be able to support the weight of people and cargo. In addition, it should also be resistant to water and weather damage.
The second consideration is the boat's interior design. The flooring should match the style and color of the boat's cabinetry and upholstery. After all, you want your boat to look good and stylish, too!
Finally, boat flooring should be easy to clean and maintain. Choosing the wrong type of boat flooring can be both unsafe and damaging to your boat. This is because some flooring materials can easily be scratched and stained, whereas others are more durable. Plus, some flooring materials can be much more challenging to clean and maintain.
Read Next: How to Clean a Boat: Boat Cleaning Basics
Boat Flooring Options Explained
1. PVC Flooring Tiles
Many boat enthusiasts choose to outfit their vessels with PVC Flooring tiles because they are an affordable and durable option. PVC Flooring is resistant to fading, scratches, and staining, making it a good choice for boats that will be used outdoors or in areas with a lot of traffic. In addition, boat flooring made from PVC is slip-resistant, meaning you can walk on it without worrying about slipping and injuring yourself.
Boat flooring tiles typically cost around $2 per square foot, making them a more affordable option than other boat flooring materials on the market.
PVC Flooring can last many years if properly maintained, making it a good investment for boat owners who want a low-maintenance flooring option. Boat flooring made from PVC is also a good choice for boats used for fishing or watersports, as it provides a safe and non-slip surface. They are not UV stable, so ensuring the tiles are installed in a covered area or with a UV-protective coating is essential. And thankfully, they are affordable to replace.
2. Foam Boat Flooring
Foam boat flooring is a great option for boat owners looking for a soft and cushiony surface that won't damage the hull of their vessel. Foam boat flooring is also easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for boats that will be used in areas with muddy or sandy conditions. Plus, foam boat flooring is surprisingly durable and can last many years with proper maintenance.
Foam boat flooring typically costs around $5 per square foot, making it more expensive than PVC Flooring tiles. However, foam boat flooring is an excellent choice for boats in rough or wet conditions because it provides a safe and non-slip surface. It's safe and comfortable with the added benefit of an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal coating.
3. Drainage Tiles
Drainage tiles are the way to go if you're looking for a boat flooring option to keep your vessel safe from water damage. Drainage tiles allow water to drain away from the surface of your boat, preventing it from becoming flooded or damaged by excessive moisture.
Drainage tiles also provide an anti-slip surface ideal for boats used in wet or muddy conditions. Drainage tiles are typically made from rubber, vinyl, or plastic and cost around $3 to $5 per square foot.
Boat flooring is subject to a lot of wear and tear, especially if you frequently fish from your boat. The constant movement of your feet can cause the boat flooring to break down over time. In addition, fish guts and other debris can quickly create a mess on boat flooring. However, drainage tiles can help to solve these problems.
Drainage tiles are designed to allow water to penetrate them, which helps control the mess created during fishing. Plus, when it's time to clean up the boat flooring, all you have to do is use a hose and spray over the tiles. Any liquid on the tiles will easily flow down to the bottom, making cleanup quick and easy.
4. Marine Vinyl Flooring
You'll see yachts and ski boats frequently using marine vinyl flooring. Unlike vinyl flooring used in homes, marine vinyl flooring is designed to withstand the harsh conditions found on boats.
Waterproof and UV-resistant vinyl flooring can withstand the elements without fading or cracking. A lot of DIY boat enthusiasts love marine vinyl flooring for this reason.
Additionally, vinyl flooring is easy to clean and provides good sound resistance - making it ideal for fishing boats. However, one downside to vinyl flooring is that it can be slippery when wet. Vinyl marine flooring options typically cost around $3 per square foot, making it one of the market's more affordable boat flooring options.
5. Marine Carpet Flooring
Marine Carpet flooring has been around for a long time, but it has undergone many changes and upgrades over the years to make it more compatible with the needs of today's boaters and fishermen.
The price of boat carpet depends on the type you choose, but it typically costs between $2 and $4 per square foot. Marine carpet flooring is much more comfortable than it used to be.
Even though it is durable and water-resistant, other types of marine floorings on the market are preferable since marine carpets fade over time, occur due to UV damage, and contain more bacteria. As you may know, bacteria are also known to build up in the crevices of drainage tiles, so it is essential to clean carpets regularly. But if your goal is to provide comfort for a fishing boat, marine carpet is likely the right choice.
Boat Flooring Options: The Wrap Up
When it comes to selecting the right flooring option for your boat, there are multiple factors that you'll need to consider. Your budget will be essential in determining which flooring is best for you, but so will the type of use your boat will get.
