Typical Lifespan of Marine Grade Boat Flooring

Owning a boat is a luxury. Whether you bought a brand new or pre-owned boat, you should take pride in your new vessel. When you own a boat, the number one priority should be to keep your boat clean and functional. Your boat’s flooring is essential because you can face the danger of mold, mildew, or caving in floorboards. To keep your boat up to par, you should know the typical lifespan of marine grade boat flooring and your best options to ensure a durable and sturdy walking ground.

Different Types of Marine Grade Flooring

Having the right boat flooring will protect your boat from damage and mold while adding a unique style to your vessel. Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to expensive repairs, replacements, and hefty cleaning fees. Knowing that multiple flooring options have pros and cons can help you choose the right flooring for your boat.

Wood

Wood has been a popular flooring choice for boats for thousands of years. Wood flooring is beautiful and ages gracefully if maintained correctly. Good-quality wood flooring can be expensive; plus, its rich color tends to fade over time, and restoring its color is an additional fee. Also, there is a chance of wood rot if the flooring is exposed to water for a long time.

Vinyl

Vinyl marine-grade flooring is a popular choice for boat owners because of its durability and longevity. Vinyl flooring is also available in versatile colors or finishes. For example, you can get vinyl flooring that resembles wooden planks or carpets! Vinyl flooring is water resistant and can handle wet areas, so you won’t have to worry about mold or mildew growing if this flooring is installed correctly.

Specialty Paints

Specialty water-resistant paints are cheap and low maintenance. You want to find paints that are low on toxicity and dry fast to prevent dust and debris from getting stuck in the paints. You have the option between satin, high gloss, and semi-gloss finishes. Although paints provide more choices, they have a short life span and must be re-painted for a flawless look.

Best Way To Maintain Marine Flooring

The best way to maintain your boat is by cleaning it regularly and after every use. By keeping up with a cleaning routine, you will reduce the likelihood of needing to repair your flooring. Cleaning off build-up, removing stains immediately, and routinely cleaning your floors are the best ways to maintain marine flooring and get more use out of your boat.

How Long Will Marine Grade Flooring Last?

If properly maintained and cleaned, marine-grade flooring should last at least 10 years. Depending on your type of flooring, it can last even longer—vinyl lasts between 10 and 20 years. Of course, there will come a time when you want to replace your flooring, but you should only replace it if necessary.