Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

[Skagit]

I'm a wood guy and was thinking about replacing my trashed out interior cabin carpet with solid cherry and cedar strip flooring. The total area is about 2' X 4'. I figured I'd do marine varnish on both sides before I secure it to keep water out and leave some room on the edges to allow for normal environmental expansion.

I've heard people say that wood in a "marine environment" could be a problem...buckled floors, crushing fiberglass from expansion, etc. This is down in the cuddy where it won't really be exposed to anything but wet feet...should I really be concerned? I have a hard time seeing how it's any different than wood floors in a bathroom.

Any input appreciated...

--Skagit out

 

[Desertsky]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

How about the engineered wood flooring? The kind made from three layers of wood. The outer layers run lengthwise and the inner planks run chordwise. This would be minimally expansive and you could soak them in epoxy resin before installing.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

I've heard people say that wood in a "marine environment" could be a problem...buckled floors, crushing fiberglass from expansion, etc. This is down in the cuddy where it won't really be exposed to anything but wet feet...should I really be concerned? I have a hard time seeing how it's any different than wood floors in a bathroom.

Na..your good.. Marine varnish is also not needed..do it like you want it. .

YD.

 

[Skagit]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

How about the engineered wood flooring? The kind made from three layers of wood. The outer layers run lengthwise and the inner planks run chordwise. This would be minimally expansive and you could soak them in epoxy resin before installing.

I was thinking about that, but I have an angle change on the outer edges of the floor, so the snap joints wouldn't work right. I'll have to custom miter the outside piece.

Thanks for the goods news YD!

--Skagit out

 

[drewpster]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

You would crazy not to do it! Sounds like it would look awsome. Wood in a marine enviroment is tricky, but if you use marine products to seal it, it will last a long time.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

Not to go against Drewpsters here..but I have funny luck with high end house coatings then with Marine grade coatings .

IE. Minwax spar for my varnish etc..

The scratch resistant coatings for house floors (IMO) is far supierior than marine coatings when not in direct sunlight ( which is I gather what your doing ) .

Kiddies and dogs running around on your nice house floors.. barely a scratch here and there .

Just me..

YD.

 

[NSBCraig]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

Do it and post pics!

 

[sqbtr]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

Do it and post pics!

+1. Looking to do some hardwood in my cabin. Can't wait for the results....

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

I have worked on many boats with wooden floors in them. I've seen teak, mahogany, oak, ebony inserts, etc. All were beautiful. You also shouldn't have to do any additional sealer than you would in a house. I have had wood floors in my bathroom for 5 years without and issue. Wet feet all over them all the time.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

I really hope this one gets going, I bet it will look fabulous. My recommendation to use marine products was a general one. It is true that being below decks without the sun mitigates things. I used hardwood floor poly on my cabinets when I stripped and refinished them and they are tough as nails!

 

[pcosky]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

I'm really interested in this thread. I have an '88 Chaparral that will be needing a deck at some point and my neighbor owns a hardwood floor business. If there is no issue in the cabin that's great since it will all be torn apart anyway. If it can be done up on the deck, just an insert or two, that's even better.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Cabin Floor + Real Wood = Mistake?

If you are concerned, take a look at strip plank vinyl flooring. Solid vinyl flooring that comes in a variety of simulated woods. You can do the same patterns, but you know it will resist water without the regular maintenance of varnish.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Post some pics as you go along.