Choosing the right flooring for your pontoon boat is a crucial decision that impacts both comfort and longevity on the water. With so many options available—from classic marine carpet to modern vinyl, rubber, and woven materials—understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each can help you make an informed choice.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different flooring types, their pros and cons, and how to select the best option to meet your needs and budget. Whether you’re focused on durability, maintenance, or style, this guide will help you find the perfect flooring solution for your pontoon boat. Once you have found the perfect flooring solution for your pontoon boat head over to our pontoon boat flooring buyers guide for even more information and product options.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Pontoon Boat Flooring
Here are a few things to pay attention to when selecting flooring for your pontoon boat.
Maintenance
An important thing to consider when choosing a pontoon boat flooring is the ease of maintenance. Regular maintenance helps keep your pontoon boat floor clean and long lasting. Additionally, regular maintenance helps to prolong the life of the flooring and thereby avoiding unnecessary expenses. However, some types of pontoon boat flooring are easier to maintain as compared to others.
Vinyl, PVC, aluminum, rubber, and coated floorings are relatively effortless to clean. On the other hand, carpet flooring requires more time and effort to clean. In addition to cleaning, a few floorings (aluminum for instance) require polishing, to preserve their life. Keep these aspects in mind when selecting flooring, and opt for low-maintenance floorings if you can’t spare the time and effort.
Durability
An essential factor to examine when choosing pontoon boat flooring is durability. Pontoon boat floorings will have different lifespans depending on the material. Some of them are sturdy and durable and will last for years to come. Others may not be as durable and will require replacement every few years. Aluminum, PVC, rubber, and vinyl floorings are highly durable. Generally, there is a tradeoff between durability and price. A more durable flooring will be more expensive as compared to one that doesn’t last as long.
Boat Activities
The type of activities you undertake when pontooning will determine the ideal flooring option. If you use your pontoon for swimming, fishing, or other activities that wet the deck, then strictly avoid marine carpet flooring. The moisture will seep into the carpet, breed germs, and emit a foul smell over time. It will rot wooden decks as well. Vinyl, PVC, rubber, or aluminum flooring should be preferred. Additionally, consider anti-skid coatings for the deck.
Individuals who stay on the pontoon, without getting wet, can opt for carpet flooring. As long as the carpet stays dry, it won’t cause any issues. If you entertain guests but don’t engage in swimming or fishing, then you will be fine with carpet flooring. An alternative to carpets is seagrass flooring. It feels equally good to the feet while being durable.
Weather
The weather conditions in your region will determine the ideal pontoon boat flooring option. Avoid carpet flooring for regions that experience high humidity. The moisture will encourage the growth of mildew or mold, which will damage the carpet. Aluminum, vinyl, rubber, and PVC flooring may be a better option for these areas.
For hot and dry areas that receive plenty of sunlight, flooring that does not absorb heat easily (such as carpet) will be ideal. It must have UV protection and shouldn’t discolor easily. Aluminum, vinyl, and rubber floorings are not suitable for hot weather conditions.
Budget
The right pontoon boat flooring for you will also depend on the amount of money you are willing to spend. Pontoon boat floorings are generally priced per square foot. Overall, marine carpets are among the cheapest, but it will be based on the manufacturer and the fabric used. There are some expensive carpets available as well.
Similarly, the market contains many different types of vinyl floorings. The higher the quality, the more they will cost. PVC flooring is quite expensive as compared to other types of floorings. Paint and polyurethane flooring are among the cheapest. Go for a pontoon boat flooring that fits your budget. If you own a basic pontoon, don’t go overboard with the flooring. There is no point in purchasing a pontoon boat for five thousand bucks and spending an equal amount on the flooring.
Types of Pontoon Boat Flooring
Choosing the best flooring material for a boat goes a long way in determining the vessel’s longevity. The preferred material should fit the style and choices of the boat owner. Whether for business or pleasure, the wrong boat flooring idea will cost the boat owner a lot in the long run.
Some of the best flooring manufacturers produce materials using wood, fiberglass, and more. The suitable material should protect the boat’s hull. It should also be able to withstand rigorous movements and outdoor activities. Below are some of the materials used in pontoon boat flooring.
Marine Carpet Flooring
Marine carpet flooring is a popular choice of boat owners. It is similar to regular household carpets but designed for use on pontoon boats. The flooring is more durable and resists mildew and water better. It provides excellent traction and minimizes the chances of slipping. Marine carpet flooring is aesthetically pleasing and dampens footsteps. However, it can still retain moisture and experience mildew and mold growth. The water can seep into the plywood deck underneath and damage it as well. Marine carpet flooring must be washed and cleaned regularly.
Marine Plywood Flooring
Plywood is traditionally used in most pontoon boat decks. Marine grade plywood with a tongue and groove fit ensures a watertight finish. However, being good in deck construction, they are not inherently the best option for flooring. It is not aesthetically pleasing and requires lot of effort in maintenance and cleaning.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is a popular flooring type because, when properly taken care of, it can last a long time. New boat owners may opt for wood flooring because of its low maintenance cost. Hardwood is an excellent option because it provides durability, flexibility, and water resistance. Unfortunately, hardwood also has some disadvantages, including being prone to disintegration over a while.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is gaining popularity among pontoon owners. It is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only an occasional wash. Vinyl is not susceptible to mold and mildew either. It prevents water from seeping into the deck, prolonging its life. There are UV resistant versions of vinyl available for preventing discoloration due to exposure to sunlight. Vinyl flooring is easy to install, provides padding, and softens footsteps. A disadvantage of vinyl flooring is it increases the chances of slipping on a wet deck. To prevent slipping, opt for vinyl flooring with an anti-skid pattern or coating. Vinyl flooring does absorb heat and may not be ideal for hot summers.
Woven vinyl flooring is a significant improvement from traditional vinyl flooring. Woven vinyl flooring possesses the same characteristics as traditional vinyl flooring (see previous description) except it also provides the benefits of carpet. Specifically the benefit of being soft and staying cool on bare feet even in direct sunlight. Marine SeaGrass is one woven vinyl flooring option which absorbs less heat. Woven vinyl flooring offers much more styles and color options to greatly improve the aesthetics.
Deck Coating
A few pontoon owners may opt for deck coatings. There are different types of coatings available for pontoon boats. Pontoon boat deck coatings are non-skid, water-resistant, keep the deck cool to the touch, and protect the deck from scratches. The coatings are generally applied directly on the deck and provide an alternative to flooring. Deck coatings are a little different than a a paint or epoxy because they typically have some “traction” built into them and the high quality coatings are made to last over 5 years.
Rubber Flooring
Some pontoon boats feature rubber flooring. Rubber flooring provides an excellent grip and withstand water and moisture. Its extra padding makes it great for individuals who suffer from joint-related discomforts. Rubber flooring is suitable for people who primarily use their pontoon boat for fishing. It is affordable and relatively easy to install. Rubber flooring is environmentally friendly because they are made from old car tires. However, rubber flooring not suitable for hot weather because it becomes very hot when exposed to the sun.
Aluminum Flooring
Marine grade aluminum flooring is also popular choice for pontoon boat flooring. Being lightweight and durable, aluminum is used in many pontoon boats and fishing boats. Aluminum flooring requires less maintenance, is quite inexpensive, and offers good traction and stability on a moving boat.
There are some cons associated with marine grade aluminum flooring. The aluminum flooring is not so aesthetically appealing. It can be somewhat noisy to walk on. It does require a bit more maintenance especially when exposed to saltwater (saltwater can cause galvanic corrosion). Use freshwater and detergent to clean the aluminum flooring.
Paint Flooring
One of the cheapest floorings for your pontoon boat deck is paint. The paint is designed for marine applications and is waterproof. It does require you to prepare the surface of the deck by sanding and priming. Painted flooring is best suited for wooden decks. It is typically the most economical choice and it is certainly maintenance free. However, some people may not like how it feels on their feet, and it may not look as good as some of the other flooring options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right flooring for your pontoon boat is essential to ensuring long-lasting durability, comfort, and style on the water. Whether you choose the practicality of vinyl, the comfort of rubber, or the classic appeal of marine carpet, each option comes with its own set of benefits and considerations. By understanding the pros and cons of different materials, factoring in your specific boating needs, and considering ease of maintenance, you can make an informed decision that enhances your pontoon boat experience. With the right flooring, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy more time out on the water with confidence and comfort.
