Boat decks are prone to damage from sun and moisture. They can rot or develop mold and mildew. Pontoon Boat Flooring protects the deck of the pontoon boat while boosting its appearance. There are different types of flooring options available. They have their own advantages and disadvantages. A few are applied as a coating on the deck to preserve it. Others are glued on the deck using adhesive. Some flooring options are economical while others are expensive. Choosing the right flooring depends on a few factors. It must look great, should be resistant to corrosion and fading in sunlight, be easy to clean, and last for a long duration. Here are some of the most popular flooring options used by pontoon boat owners.
Marine Grade Carpet is the most popular flooring found on pontoon boats and a luxurious one. Carpets look great, provide a solid footing, muffle the sound of the footsteps and feel softer. Boat carpets are quite similar to their household counterparts but are made of marine grade synthetic materials. Regular carpet material will attract mold and mildew while marine grade material resists them. It can withstand damage from moisture and dry in a shorter time as compared to household carpets. They are prone to accumulating dust and food droppings. The carpet must be regularly cleaned and sprayed with a protectant to minimize sun damage and preserve its color. Marine Carpets are available in a wide variety of colors and textures.
Marine Vinyl Flooring is a great flooring option for boats. Marine vinyl flooring is an inexpensive alternative to carpets that is easy to clean and maintain. Vinyl floors are available as sheets, tiles, and planks and are easy to install. Nowadays textured vinyl floors are anti-slippery, durable and dampen noise as effectively as carpets. They do not attract mold like carpets or shorten the lifespan of decks and can be washed easily using a hose or a pressure washer. UV stabilized vinyl floors do not fade with exposure to the sun. Vinyl flooring is the ideal choice for boat owners who live in humid areas.
Marine Polyurethanes flooring is best for pontoon boats with wooden decks. It is a plastic coating that comes in liquid form. Once dried, it will turn into hard plastic that will protect the surface from scratches and abrasions. It can have a water base, an oil base, or a hybrid base combining the two. Oil based polyurethane coatings last longer than water-based ones and are ideal for pontoon boats that heat up because of sunlight. It will highlight the color and texture of wood when used on a wooden deck. It can be used to coat other types of surfaces. Polyurethanes can be either rolled or sprayed on the deck.
Teak flooring is a classic choice that with the right care can easily last for two decades. It has a certain appeal to it and works with every type of upholstery and décor. It is naturally anti-slip and keeps the boat cool. Teak wood is available in different qualities with varying prices. It requires regular cleaning using a soft detergent and polishing with teak renovator. The boat must be kept covered when not in use to improve the life of the teak floor. If not cared for, teak flooring turns grey after a few years. It is a bit on the expensive side as compared to the carpet and the vinyl flooring. Besides teak planks, preassembled teak decks are also available.
5. Hydroturf
Hydroturf is a fantastic flooring type for pontoon boat owners who prefer extra cushioning. It does not heat up in the sun and keeps the temperature of the boat cool. It provides excellent grip that prevents slippage and has better cushioning than carpets. Hydroturf is either self-adhesive or can be glued onto the deck using an adhesive cement. The top surface may be flat or have grooves or diamond patterns. Hydroturf is available in a few different colors including tan, grey, and black. Unlike carpet, it does not absorb water and cleaning it is a breeze. The material used for its construction is EVA which is characterized by its excellent toughness. It is a bit expensive but every penny you spend on Hyroturf will be worth it.
6. Kiwigrip Non-Skid Coating
Want to improve the grip of your pontoon floor without replacing it? Kiwigrip Non-Skip Coating is what you need. It is a marine deck coating for improving grip and prevent skidding. It is low glare and easy on eyes. You can adjust the texture if needed by changing application technique. It is available in multiple colors including light grey, light blue, and black. You can apply it on different surfaces like concrete, epoxy, fiber, metal, and wood. It is an acrylic polymer and does not contain any filler and hence won’t erode away. You can apply it yourself with the roller sleeve provided with it.
Dri-Dek is a great addition to protect the precious deck of the pontoon boat. It is installed over the pontoon deck and prevents direct contact between the deck and feet while providing a non-slip surface. Dri-Dek serves as the point of impact for equipment and protects the deck surface from getting abrasions. You may also use it for lining cabinets and storage spaces. Its well-ventilated design makes water drainage easy and protects the deck and gear from getting wet. It has anti-bacterial properties which discourage the formation of mold and mild dew and improve the life of decking. Dri-Dek’s quick snap design makes installation easier. It can mimic any shape and is available in twelve colors.
8. Tuff Stuff Non-Skid Coating
Tuff Stuff is a rubberized coating that enhances the traction of the pontoon deck. It is a water-based coating that can either be air-sprayed or rolled onto the deck. It contains an acrylic/urethane copolymer and rubber crumbs. It dries easily and does not catches fire. Tuff Stuff is environment-friendly and poses no health hazards. It can be applied to almost any surface to render it non-slip. Its flexible nature ensures that it can withstand impacts without chipping. Tuff Coat is available in 21 different color options to match décor of any pontoon boat. The colors are UV resistant and do not fade away easily.
9. Seagrass
Seagrass is an alternative floor covering to carpets. It is economical, easy to install, and feels warm and comfortable. It is woven out of seagrass found along riverbanks and is completely natural and sustainable. The appearance is quite similar to jute products. Seagrass fiber does not stain and is durable and longlasting as compared to conventional carpet flooring. Seagrass flooring is easy to maintain but can be damaged by water in the long term. It is a great choice for people who are prone to allergies or those who don’t want chemically treated products. It is available in different designs depending on the weave style.
10. Tuf-Vinyl
There are different grades of vinyl flooring available. The higher the quality, the more durable and long lasting it will be. If you are looking for a rough and tough flooring, Tuf-Vinyl is a right fit for you. It is superior to basic marine vinyl, is exceptionally strong and will withstand rough usage. It makes use of high quality reinforced PVC that can withstand extreme temperatures, is waterproof, and doesn’t wear down easily. No need to worry about heavy traffic or kids jumping around. Unlike other vinyl floors that may have a woven texture, Tuf-Vinyl is available as a single sheet.
11. Nautolex
Nautolex is a premium flooring choice for pontoon boat owners. It is an expanded vinyl fabric material similar to the one used in upholstery manufacturing. Its main characteristic is its lustrous finish. Nautolex flooring will have the same upscale sheen as the furniture of a luxurious pontoon boat. It is durable, anti-bacterial, waterproof, and superior to regular vinyl flooring. UV treatment is provided to minimize sun damage. Cleaning Natuloex flooring is quite easy and can be done with soap and water. Nautolex is available in a wide array of colors, and stylish textures that will complement the decor of different boats.
Click this link for additional information about Pontoon Boat Accessories.