Phenolic Flooring

[truckasaurus]

I can only find reference to phenolic surface treatments on typical plywood floors so here goes.

I'm just reading an article on phenolic plywood in Finewoodworking magazine and it seems like it should be in the running as a replacement floor material. The article says it's Baltic birch plywood covered two sides with phenolic sheet. Not too heavy, not too expensive, not too hard to find, superior strength, flatness and durability, resistant to moisture, heat, chemicals and abrasion. Easy to cut/ machine. 4' x 8' 3/4" sheets from $54. So what am I missing here?

Has anyone used it already on their trailer?

[byamcaravanner]

Looks like it might be a great alternative. The only concern I would have is that the phenolic skins may retain moisture within the wood core. You could minimize this by sealing any penetrations through the top skin.

Thanks for the post!

[utee94]

Could also be an interesting alternative for boat decking, and less expensive than MGP.

[truckasaurus]

I'll have to do some more research, maybe there's a deal breaker. Perhaps it's brittle at 40 below or something?

[Royce]

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

I can only find reference to phenolic surface treatments on typical plywood floors so here goes.

I'm just reading an article on phenolic plywood in Finewoodworking magazine and it seems like it should be in the running as a replacement floor material. The article says it's Baltic birch plywood covered two sides with phenolic sheet. Not too heavy, not too expensive, not too hard to find, superior strength, flatness and durability, resistant to moisture, heat, chemicals and abrasion. Easy to cut/ machine. 4' x 8' 3/4" sheets from $54. So what am I missing here?

Has anyone used it already on their trailer?

The phenolic layer is very thin on most of the ones I have seen. Likely would not hurt anything, but I wouldn't expect a huge improvement.

[utee94]

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

I'll have to do some more research, maybe there's a deal breaker. Perhaps it's brittle at 40 below or something?

No worries for me down here in Texico, but if it starts coming apart at 100F then I might have a problem...