When it comes to being on the water, the last thing you want is a distraction from the view. If you find yourself looking at wear in your boat flooring instead of the horizon, it might be time to upgrade your flooring entirely. Whether it’s peeling, cracking, or dated, choosing to update your boat flooring ensures your time on the water is spent having fun and not tiptoeing around an inevitable task on the old to-do list.
Check out our complete guide to boat flooring options to see which floor is the best option for your boat.
Vinyl Boat Flooring
One of the most popular boat flooring options is marine vinyl flooring. Found on many pontoon boats, ski-boats, and even yachts, vinyl flooring has seen many developments over the years.
The look, feel, and function of vinyl have improved, but those aren’t the only benefits of choosing this option. Other pros include:
- It’s waterproof. Since vinyl flooring is glued to the boat’s frame, it creates a waterproof seal that keeps water from penetrating the two surfaces.
- It’s UV-resistant. Your vinyl flooring will not fade, crack, peel, or warp over time thanks to its UV-resistant capabilities.
- It’s sound-resistant. Offering sound-deadening properties, vinyl flooring is ideal for long days on the boat fishing, enjoying watersports, and more.
- It’s comfortable. When walking around barefoot is a possibility or when you’re on your feet all day, vinyl flooring is comfortable. So your feet have something soft underneath them.
- It’s durable. Vinyl flooring requires very little maintenance. It’s easy to clean and can handle heavy traffic and various weather conditions.
- It’s stylish. Gone are the days of the hideous vinyl flooring. Today’s vinyl flooring comes in many different styles and patterns including teak plank-inspired designs.
Vinyl boat flooring adds a high-end look and it’s a quick and easy way to upgrade your boat. If you’re into instant gratification – and who isn’t – then this flooring option may be the one for you.
Shop all vinyl boat flooring.
Marine Carpet
Since carpet is one of the most sought-after flooring options in our homes, it should come as no surprise that it would find its way onto boats as well. While they feel similar, marine carpet is far more durable than regular, residential carpeting.
Choosing carpet as a boat flooring option has different benefits than vinyl flooring. The pros of marine carpet include:
- It has traction. With marine carpet, it’s easier to stabilize yourself while the boat is moving. Plus, it offers a safer, anti-slip surface when walking with bare, wet feet.
- It’s soft. Like most carpet, it’s a softer surface than the other options. As a result, it’s comfortable under your feet and encourages you to stay on the water longer.
- It’s easily customized. Since carpet comes in numerous colors, styles, and textures, you’re able to customize your flooring to suit your specific taste. You can easily make it the focal point of your boat’s interior design or have it take on more of a supporting role – it’s totally up to you.
- It’s inexpensive. If you’re looking to upgrade your boat on a budget, marine carpeting is worth exploring. You can easily get the biggest bang for your buck with carpet.
While there are plenty of reasons to go with carpet as an option for your boat flooring, there are a few cons to consider as well.
- Not all marine carpet is UV-resistant. If this is a deciding factor, make sure you look for details surrounding how the carpet threads handle lengthy periods of UV exposure.
- It’s water-resistant, but not waterproof. It is carpet after all, so soaking up moisture will happen over time.
- It’s absorbent – odors included. Not only will marine carpet soak up water over time, but it will also absorb the juices and odors of your catch. If you use your boat primarily for fishing, keep this in mind.
Marine carpet is a solid option when it comes to boat flooring and is often best suited for larger boats like pontoon boats or speed boats. Installation requires the carpet to sit on top of the plywood subfloor and is adhered with marine-grade carpet adhesive.
Shop all marine carpet.
Boat Flooring Mats
Another flooring option to consider is a boat mat. Boat mats are kind of like area rugs for your home. They come in many different shapes, styles, designs, and textures to give your boat a personalized feel. Whether you’re looking to create specific areas to wipe your feet when boarding, you need to add padded mats to stand on while fishing, or you simply want to inject some personality, a quality boat mat can achieve all of those goals.
Consider a Helm Pad, for example. Designed from ultra-thick, durable foam that absorbs impacts while reducing fatigue when standing at the helm for long periods, a helm pad will quickly become your new best friend on the water. They often come with a peel-and-stick backing that’s easy to install and ensures the pad doesn’t slip or slide while in use.
Shop all boat mats and helm pads.
Whether you’re looking to update and upgrade your boat flooring out of necessity or preference, there are plenty of options available to completely transform your favorite place on the water. Take your boat out in style with a new boat floor that suits your needs and is easy on the eyes. Your feet will thank you and your eyes will enjoy those gorgeous views without interruption.
What qualities do you look for when shopping for boat flooring? Tell us in the comments below.
