Watercraft Restoration: Making the Best Flooring Decisions

When it comes to the flooring in pricy watercraft such as yachts, military ships or even smaller boats you have to take your investment seriously. There are many options available so it pays to do a little research and to get information on which options will work best with your particular watercraft. From hardwood to carpet to laminate there are a variety of ways to go about upgrading, replacing and repairing the flooring for your watercraft.

Safety First

When it comes to the flooring on your watercraft’s deck it is important to take into consideration the safety aspect of it. The best looking floor in the world isn’t much use if you slip and break your neck on it. The good news is that there are a variety of flooring styles available that take safety into consideration and offer a slip resistant surface. Some of these are made of rubber while others are made of other slip resistant materials. A good watercraft deck floor doesn’t just look good, it also keeps you safe.

Carpet or Hardwood?

When it comes to the interior of your watercraft there are less safety concerns so that you can concentrate on looks and durability as opposed to safety. Both carpet and hardwood are popular choices for different reasons. Hardwood gives a room a sense of style, class and elegance and is also known for its durability.

Carpet on the other hand lends a room a more comfy, cozy feel and is considered to be more comfortable on the feet by many. In any case it is up to personal preference but don’t forget that there are many different styles of both hardwood and carpet to chose from. Try picking a style that compliments the general feel and look of your watercraft and the room it is going in, you don’t want a floor that feels out of place.

Laminate Flooring

If carpet or hardwood aren’t appealing to you there is always laminate flooring. Laminate flooring is a synthetic type of flooring that mimics wood or stone and is produced in layers. Laminate flooring is known for being a popular choice among people who desire more durability than carpet but are reluctant to pay the high price of an authentic hardwood or stone floor.

One thing you must keep in mind if you decide to use laminate flooring for your watercraft is the fact that it can be damaged by water very easily. It should not be used in areas where it can be easily exposed to water and you should always take care not to track water onto it as this can cause the planks to swell and warp.