To ensure the longevity of your trailer floor, you need to find ways to protect it. You could use many ways and methods to protect your trailer’s wooden floor, but it all boils down to your actual considerations.
Various trailer floor protection materials have their pros and cons. Trailers serve multiple purposes; some are used for residential purposes, some are used as commercial kitchens, and others are used for transport. Regardless of the use, you have to keep in mind that choosing the best trailer floor does not mean purchasing the most expensive option. First, identifying your needs and considerations will help you assess the protective material that will benefit you the most.
It’s important to point out the actual use of your trailer as early as now because this will influence your decision-making regarding the best trailer floor protection suited for your application. Another vital consideration you need to consider when choosing is the maximum load capacity of your trailer. More often than not, your options may somehow be limited due to the allowed load your trailer can withstand.
Enclosed Trailer Floor Protection Options
Roll-Out Vinyl Flooring
Roll-out vinyl flooring is your best bet if you are on the hunt for something cheap and easy to install. It’s a thin sheet of vinyl plastic that is sold in rolls. To install it, all you have to do is roll it in, cut it to size, and you are good to go.
The great thing about roll-out vinyl flooring is that it also comes either smooth or textured. One of the popular textured variants for roll-out vinyl is a diamond plate pattern and coin pattern. Like any plastic, there are cheaper variants of roll-out vinyl flooring. These usually tear easily. The more premium brands have anti-tear technology that ensures that your floor lasts longer. Generally, the price point for roll-out vinyl falls under cheap and affordable compared to other flooring materials.
Advantages of Roll-Out Vinyl Flooring
- Non-Porous
- Stain Resistant
- Easy to Install
- It comes in various colors and textures
- Easily adheres onto the floor using double-sided tape or polyurethane-based glue
Disadvantages of Roll-Out Vinyl Flooring
- The need to replace the whole thing once it gets damaged
- Relatively thin
Vinyl Tiles
For residential-use trailers, vinyl tiles are one of the popular options you can consider. Vinyl tiles are relatively thicker than roll-out vinyl flooring, providing a cushion compared to its roll-out counterpart. Vinyl tiles come in a massive array of colors and textures, with wood being one of the most popular designs most people prefer.
Advantages of Vinyl Tiles
- It comes in a textured wooden pattern; perfect for residential trailers
- Low maintenance
- Easy to install
- Easy to replace
- Non-porous
- Easy to clean
- Fast installation
Disadvantages of Vinyl Tiles
- Humidity may weaken the adhesive, causing it to pop out
Rubber Flooring Rolls
A step beyond roll-out vinyl is your trusty rubber flooring roll. It is sold in ¼ inch thick sheets; rubber rolls are often considered if you will be loading moderate to heavy loads. Since it’s thick, this type of flooring is great if you will be loading heavy equipment with sharp edges. It also acts as a cushion so that your stuff won’t move around while the vehicle is in motion.
Similar to vinyl, rubber flooring rolls come in textured variants as well. The difference it has with roll-out vinyl is its thickness and material makeup. Its thickness provides a tear-resistant feature giving it an edge over vinyl.
Advantages of Rubber Flooring Rolls
- Resistant to sharp and heavy loads
- Provides cushion
- Provides excellent grip and traction
- Waterproof
- Some variants are mold and mildew resistant
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Cleans well with a pressure washer
Disadvantages of Rubber Flooring Rolls
- Difficult to install
- Heavy
- Water may penetrate the seams causing damage to the wooden floor
- Expensive
Rubber Tiles
A step beyond rubber flooring rolls, rubber tiles are easier to install. Most rubber tiles are designed with interlocking edges that snap in and out quickly. Seamless and durable, these rubber tiles are widely used in fitness gyms and can also load livestock and heavy equipment.
Advantages of Rubber Tiles
- Easy to install
- Resistant to sharp and heavy loads
- Resistant to tear
- Provides cushion
- Provides excellent grip and traction
- Waterproof
- Some variants are mold and mildew resistant
- Low maintenance
- Durable
- Cleans well with a pressure washer
Disadvantages of Rubber Tiles
- Difficult to install
- Heavy
- Water may penetrate the seams causing damage to the wooden floor
- Expensive
Epoxy Flooring
If you’re looking for something longer-lasting, it would be a great idea to coat your trailer floor and walls with an epoxy coating.
Epoxy is a synthetic resin material that is often sold in liquid form. It’s a two-part mixture that hardens into a solid when mixed. It’s incredibly durable and lasts long. However, one of the downsides is that it takes a lot of preparatory work. It is not entirely easy to do, and frequently, it would be best to call a professional to do the installation.
Epoxy is a great flooring material for trailers exposed to high levels of water because it’s waterproof and easy to clean.
Advantages of Epoxy Flooring
- Durable when cured
- Creates a nice finish
- Long-lasting
- Waterproof
Disadvantages of Epoxy Flooring
- Time-consuming surface Preparation
- A lot of steps involved
Carpet Rolls
As the name suggests, carpet rolls are made from woven fibers. Carpet can either be made from synthetic or natural fibers. It provides a soft flooring surface that feels warm and luxurious and is frequently used for residential purposes.
Installing carpet rolls requires a layer of underlay before installation. A.Polyurethane foam is commonly used for this application. Carpet rolls are tough to maintain, so it is often reserved for residential purposes.
Advantages of Carpet Rolls
- Affordable
- Easy to install
Disadvantages of Carpet Rolls
- Not applicable for wet areas
- High maintenance
Carpet Tiles
An alternative to carpet rolls, carpet tiles are square carpet panels with a backing similar to vinyl tiles. It is installed using vinyl adhesive or contact cement. It is an excellent alternative to carpet rolls because it’s easier to install.
Advantages of Carpet Tiles
- Easy to Install
- Easy to Replace when damaged
- Affordable
Disadvantages of Carpet Tiles
- Not applicable for wet areas
- High maintenance
