Most of us would want a boat flooring that doesn’t rot, damage, or corrode easily. When these are the considerations, PVC board boat flooring can be your top choice. Though not used vastly, I have seen boats with PVC board flooring that have lasted for years. So besides wood, plywood, and other boat flooring options, PVC board flooring is slowly emerging in the boating industry.
With passing time, PVC board boat flooring is coming on trend. But before you decide on getting a boat flooring crafted with PVC, you should know about it very well. Also, if you are indecisive about it, you first need to have enough information about this option. And in this article, my sole purpose is to inform you about PVC board boat flooring and solve your queries.
If you are considering PVC boards for boat flooring, I would request you read this article once. Get the most from this piece and then decide whether PVC is a good boat flooring or not. So let’s jump to the discussion!
5 Steps To Install PVC Board On Boat Floor: Know The Steps
Before discussing the suitability of PVC boards for boat flooring, I would like to inform you of the installation process. Many people stay very confused about the installation process as PVC boards are usually very thin. So placing the boards on the boat deck sounds challenging. This is why I am starting with the PVC board installation process.
Let’s get into the installation process:
Step 1: Clear The Deck And Prepare
First, you should take out all the machines and materials from the deck. Empty the deck before starting the project so that there is no accident or hazard.
Next place the boat on a cradle for stabilizing the boat. This makes the process easier and more convenient for you. Now you can move on to the next step of installation.
Step 2: Remove The Previous Boat Floor
If you are having boat flooring already, you need to remove the damaged flooring. To start afresh and install new flooring, you should remove the old one. Otherwise, the boat flooring will remain fragile. Also, if the damage is minor, you may repair the flooring.
Step 3: Make A Frame For The Flooring
Remember that the PVC board flooring would need a subfloor. PVC boards are not fragile but they may crack if there is no support beneath them. This is why a frame should be made first before installing the PVC board.
In the inner part of the hull, there must be wooden or aluminum framing by bars connecting the widths of the boat. This is the basic frame that should be there already. But on that, you need to create a frame on which you can fix the PVC boards.
I would suggest making a frame with aluminum plates. Aluminum plates intersecting each other vertically and horizontally can make a strong frame. You can drill through the plates and screw them to each other. This would be the initial support for the PVC boards.
If you want to reinforce the frame, you can install a wooden board on the aluminum plate frame. This creates solid support for the PVC boards to lay on. However, you can also fix the PVC boards on the aluminum frame directly.
Step 4: Cut, Shape, And Install PVC Boards
After the frame is ready, take the PVC boards and start measuring the lengths and widths of the PVC board you would need. For that, you can take an idea from the previous flooring. You have to be very precise about adjusting the PVC board along the curves of the boat.
You can simply buy a large PVC board of 4-6 mm thickness and place it on the deck. Then you can mark an outline to see how much of the board you would need to cut off. According to the outline, you have to measure the deck once again to double-check.
Now use a circular saw or miter to cut and trim the PVC boards. I would suggest taking some extra length and width while trimming so that you can cut off the extra portion later. It is better to place a single board on the entire deck rather than cutting them into planks.
After you have shaped the PVC board, drill holes on the frame as well as in the board and nail them. Screw them tightly and the new PVC board boat flooring is ready!
Step 5: Finish With Epoxy
For added protection, I would recommend you finish the flooring with epoxy. Many people say that epoxy doesn’t bond to PVC. But in reality, epoxy does bond to PVC boards. Not all but some special epoxy do adhere to PVC boards. Ask the seller to give the best epoxy resin for PVC board flooring.
Apply the epoxy on the PVC boat flooring and wait till it dries. Now, you can again decorate the deck and use it as before!
7 Reasons To Choose PVC Board For Boat Floor: The Advantages
Now comes the question of why you should choose PVC board for the boat floor? There are quite valid reasons why you should at least consider installing PVC board on the boat flooring. So before you choose it, know why it is even considered a good boat flooring option.
Below are 7 top reasons why you should choose PVC board for boat flooring:
1. Long-lasting:
PVC board, in general, is a long-lasting and durable boat flooring option. Polyvinyl chloride bonding is extremely firm and strong giving the boards a compact and solid shape. They won’t break or crack easily under high impact or rough usage. So you can stay tension-free about the life of the PVC boat deck and use it casually.
Needless to say, PVC boards are extremely water-resistant. You can even test and see that water simply slides over the flooring and doesn’t get soaked. It won’t discolor, warp, or distort its shape in contact with water. Thus you can expect a long-lasting service from PVC board boat flooring.
2. Low Maintenance:
Don’t worry about cleaning and maintenance when you install PVC boards on boat flooring. Dirt can settle down on PVC boards but cleaning is very easy. You can wipe off the PVC board boat flooring after you come back from sailing. Make sure you dry it well before storing it.
For deep cleaning, use a mild detergent and water to wash off the deck. Dry it well and wipe it off with a dry cloth to prevent water staining. That is basically all you need to do for maintaining the PVC board boat deck. Easy, fast, and simple, right?
3. Lightweight:
Lightweight materials are always the best for the manufacturing of a boat. And PVC boards are extremely lightweight and easy to install and carry. But don’t think that PVC boards are fragile just because they are lightweight. They have a compact and solid shape with strong bonding.
Lightweight PVC board boat flooring, therefore, improves the balance and stability of the boat. Also, installation becomes easy and simple due to this quality. Moreover, shaping and trimming are also very simple with PVC boards.
4. Stain and Scratch Resistant:
Staining and scratching are two common issues with boat decks. Especially with wooden and vinyl flooring, scratching becomes a big problem. But with PVC boards, both the problems are solved.
PVC boards don’t hold spills or get stained. If you remove the spill, you can prevent staining. Even if you see a mark, you can clean it easily. Added to that, PVC boards don’t show scratches due to their texture and color. Thus you need not worry about staining and scratching the PVC boat deck.
5. Fire And Heatproof:
Another mind-blowing characteristic of PVC boards includes their fire and heat resistance. They don’t catch fire easily. This means you are choosing a safe boat flooring option. In case of any fire accident, you can stay safe on board with the PVC boards.
Similarly, PVC boards don’t discolor, burn, or distort under sunlight. It is also resistant to UV rays. This means PVC boards don’t get affected by heat or fire.
6. Mold And Mildew Resistant:
The growth of mold and mildew is a huge concern when it comes to wet boat decks. As boat decks come in contact with water, the risk of mold growth remains. But with PVC boards, you can stay chill! PVC boards don’t encourage the growth of mold or mildew, unlike wooden boat decks.
Similarly, termites and other pests can’t settle on PVC boards. So the boat deck remains hygienic, protected, and safe if you choose PVC board boat deck.
7. Inexpensive:
PVC board boat flooring is one of the cheapest options available. If you are looking for a top-notch boat flooring option that is affordable, PVC board should be the first option on the list. It is extremely budget-friendly and thus anyone easily chooses it.
Related Questions:
Can You Use PVC Board For Boat Flooring?
Yes, PVC board is now becoming popular as an efficient boat flooring option. They are durable, waterproof, and inexpensive making them a suitable and affordable boat flooring option. If installed correctly, it can last for years.
But on the PVC board, you must install a layer of epoxy or fiberglass resin in order to strengthen and settle the PVC board on the boat flooring. Without it, the PVC board may not perform the best.
Is PVC Board Marine Grade?
Marine grade PVC boards are available in the market. If you are considering PVC boards for boat flooring, you must select the marine grade PVC boards. These are resistant to wear and tear, water and distortion, and can last for a long time in wet conditions.
They also prevent the growth of molds, stay protected from heat and fire, making them suitable for sailing. Thus you should always consider getting a marine grade PVC board for boat flooring.
Can You Nail PVC Boards To Boat Decks?
Yes, you can nail PVC boards to the boat deck to install new flooring. In fact, instead of adhering to the PVC boards, you should nail down the boards to make the flooring long-lasting and durable. Use stainless steel screws for nailing down the PVC boards to the deck as they are corrosion resistant. Therefore yes, you can nail PVC boards to the boat deck.
How Long Does PVC Board Boat Flooring Last?
PVC boards for boat flooring are extremely durable and corrosion-resistant. It performs well both in heat and wet conditions. If maintained and used with care, PVC boards on boat flooring would last around 2 to 3 decades and even more.
With rough usage, you can expect it to survive for at least 15- 20 years. Therefore, take a little care if you want it to last for decades.
How Much Does a PVC Board Cost?
PVC boards are very cost-effective and affordable to all. This is one of the reasons why people are increasingly choosing it over other boat flooring options. PVC board prices start from as low as $0.95 per square foot. It can spike up depending on the quality, size, and thickness of the PVC board. But in general, it is very budget-friendly.
Is PVC Better Than Plywood For Boat Flooring?
In my opinion, PVC outweighs the benefits of plywood when it comes to boat flooring. In terms of durability, cost, longevity, water and corrosion resistance, maintenance, and safety, PVC is a better option than plywood boat flooring. In terms of appearance, the preference can vary. But considering the other qualities, PVC board boat flooring is a better choice than plywood boat deck.
Conclusion:
To conclude, I must suggest you consider PVC board for boat flooring at least once. Compare it with other options, explore a bit more, and then decide whether PVC board is suitable for your boat deck or not. The decision is entirely yours!
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