Yacht Flooring – How to Pick the Best One

As yachts get bigger and superyachts become more common, the room inside means that you have space much like a house.  And just like selecting domestic flooring, there are plenty of options when it comes to yacht flooring so how do you pick the best one for yours?  As an experienced yacht floor layer based here in Fareham, Hampshire, here are some of the tips I have from working on yachts around Portsmouth and further afield.

Carpet and yachts

Yacht carpets are still a popular option for flooring in big areas of your yacht.  That’s because it is comfortable and luxurious and is particularly popular in the salon, the stateroom and guest cabins.  It is also ideal for foyer and corridor areas as well as staircases and even in crew areas.  It is warm and attractive but also safe, offering a non-slip surface as well as softening any impact.

Generally, yacht and superyacht carpets are a little different than those used in homes or even some commercial flooring.  They often absorb airborne pollutants better, are easy to clean and laid in a way to cut down on engine noise.  Wool carpets are a good option and are strong when you get something like a wool-nylon mix – 90-10% ratio is one I have found effective.  That little amount of nylon helps make the pile stand up and strengthens the fibres.

Wood and stone flooring

Wooden flooring is another popular choice in yachts because it has a stylish look and is also one of the easiest types of flooring to maintain.  It is often used in the salon to accent other wood as well as the formal dining room.  Other places wood and laminate flooring can be used include the bridge, galley, guest rooms and also rooms such as a library or fitness centre if your yacht has these.

Stone flooring can be used on yachts, particularly on superyachts where luxury materials such as marble and granite are often used.  Marble comes in a wide range of colours and patterns and is very beautiful and durable.  Granite can also be polished and is very scratch resistant.

‘Unnatural’ flooring

Another option is what is often called ‘unnatural’ flooring – in other words, manmade materials.  A good example of this is luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) while others include rubber, PVC and even synthetic teak.  Materials like vinyl flooring do have advantages over natural flooring such as wood or stone and even carpets because they are very tough, and this is an advantage due to the unique conditions onboard.

These types of flooring are also very easy to maintain and to clean up if there is a spill or damage.  Red wine on vinyl tiles is much easier to clean than on carpet or even wood flooring.  These flooring options are also popular in high traffic areas such as crew areas and are very long lasting, so they offer good value for money.

The perfect flooring

 Choosing the perfect flooring is definitely a personal choice – a combination of the needs of your yacht and your personal preference.  But there are lots of great options to ensure you get the look you want for every room.