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Old 12-24-2007, 09:25 PM   #1
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alternative to plywood re-floor?

I'm getting ready to replace a semi-rotted bath floor and am wondering if there are any non-rotting (non-wood?) alternatives available. some sort of plastic, structurally strong composite, like they're using for deck material, maybe? I'll use treated plywood otherwise, I suppose.

thanks
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Old 12-24-2007, 09:55 PM   #2
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Aluminum Deck Material

Looked at a horse/people trailer that had aluminum decking and an aluminum frame. In the passenger compartment there were options for the floor such as vinyl, composite or wood.
In my years of reading this forum it has not been mentioned much.
I wonder why. Aluminum decking could be very nice with a rolled flooring.

R
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Old 12-24-2007, 10:00 PM   #3
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Recycled Cellulose/Glass Composite Replaces Marine Plywood

Black Rhino - Recycled Plastic Lumber Sheeting

Maybe these two sites will help you find something.
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Old 12-25-2007, 01:29 AM   #4
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I think "boatdoc" used some sort of aluminum sandwich "signboard" for his Argosy.
Marc
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Old 12-25-2007, 06:15 AM   #5
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You can use Coosa board, which is beginning to be seen replacing marine plywood in higher end yachts.

Coosa Composites, LLC - Manufacture of high-density, fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane foam panels
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Old 12-25-2007, 08:00 AM   #6
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Treated plywood is much more prone to warping and has more toxic chemicals. If using wood my choice would be marine plywood.
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Old 12-25-2007, 08:12 AM   #7
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Yes, Lum, I meant marine ply (used it in my darkroom sink, epoxy coated, works great). However after seeing this "Coosa" stuff, if I can afford/get it, it looks like a superior way to go. Never have to worry about rotting back there again, lightweight, structural, etc.

thanks for all the info, once again...
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Old 12-25-2007, 09:01 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fotochop
However after seeing this "Coosa" stuff, if I can afford/get it, it looks like a superior way to go. Never have to worry about rotting back there again, lightweight, structural, etc.
Here is some pricing for the Bluewater 26, which seems to be the applicable material for an A/S floor alternative.
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Old 12-25-2007, 09:11 AM   #9
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Here is a post on a boat design forum in which a woman from Coosa comments on the product.
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Old 12-25-2007, 09:19 AM   #10
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Here is a post on a boat design forum in which a woman from Coosa comments on the product.

>>with corrected link<<
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Old 01-03-2008, 08:23 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fotochop
I'm getting ready to replace a semi-rotted bath floor and am wondering if there are any non-rotting (non-wood?) alternatives available. some sort of plastic, structurally strong composite, like they're using for deck material, maybe? I'll use treated plywood otherwise, I suppose.

thanks
Do not use pressure treated plywood. Take a look at the following thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...num-29176.html

I replaced my entire subfloor with a product called Polyboard. Check out the following:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f36/...ice-14620.html

I would be happy to answer any questions about my experience with Polyboard.

Malcolm
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Old 01-03-2008, 08:42 PM   #12
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I am using a plywood called aquatek. It was $50 cheaper than the traditional Okium marine plywood which was $175 for 18mm 4 x 8. Even at $125 each it was no bargain. You get what you pay for when it comes to plywood. There are fresh pictures on my blog so you can see what it looks like. It is very stiff, very flat, and extra light.
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Old 12-13-2017, 07:50 PM   #13
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Originally Posted by Crusty View Post
You can use Coosa board, which is beginning to be seen replacing marine plywood in higher end yachts.

Coosa Composites, LLC - Manufacture of high-density, fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane foam panels


Has airstream ever researched Coosa?
Seems like a vast improvement over the plywood floor that rots out
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Old 12-13-2017, 08:04 PM   #14
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Plywood

I used marine grade and glassed the edges. I think it'll last
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Old 12-13-2017, 08:06 PM   #15
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Sounds great
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Old 12-13-2017, 10:58 PM   #16
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I'm of your mindset. When you see a rotted floor why would you ever put plywood back in? Trouble is cost of wood alternatives. I researched heavily and found many synthetic options :
Thermo-Lite board
Gillfab 5065
Nyloboard
Sign board
King starboard

Isuzusweet has commented in many threads about Coosa (I think he is a company rep!) I am taking his advice. It is lighter than ply. Stronger than ply. Will never rot. I found it for $200/ 4x8' sheet. I wasn't aware of cost of marine ply being upwards of $175/sheet so when you consider that it is worth it.
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Old 12-14-2017, 10:09 PM   #17
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Seems more than worth it when you consider you will never have to replace the floor again due to rot.
So it is approximately $600 to do the whole floor in Coosa.
Why in the world won't Airstream use this product in the first place?
Airstream are you listening?
It is stronger and weighs less than the plywood you are using now plus, it will not rot due to a leak.
A Classic 33 costs $135,000 and I can almost guarantee that if you poll all current airstream owners if they would be willing to pay $600 more to insure the floor would last for 40 years without rotting away that they would gladly pay it?
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Old 12-15-2017, 04:52 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy9107 View Post
I'm of your mindset. When you see a rotted floor why would you ever put plywood back in? Trouble is cost of wood alternatives. I researched heavily and found many synthetic options :
Thermo-Lite board
Gillfab 5065
Nyloboard
Sign board
King starboard

Isuzusweet has commented in many threads about Coosa (I think he is a company rep!) I am taking his advice. It is lighter than ply. Stronger than ply. Will never rot. I found it for $200/ 4x8' sheet. I wasn't aware of cost of marine ply being upwards of $175/sheet so when you consider that it is worth it.
😁, No, not a company rep, but a huge fanboy of Coosa.
The big advantage of Coosa over Starboard, Nyloboard, or any of those other plastic based products, is it's stability; it won't expand or shrink; which if you don't allow for when installing plastic based boards, you will have problems.

I should be getting a referral commission though from Coosa, don't you think?


Cheers
Tony
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Old 12-15-2017, 05:30 AM   #19
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Original Alternative

My 1955 still has the original flooring. There is just a small area at the entry door which needs a little attention. It will be getting that attention in the next month. Approximately 63 years out of plywood when the trailer is well maintained. Not bad.
Hmmm ...... I am almost 64, if I replace it with plywood and sealed the edges and top and bottom, and I maintain the trailer, .... it should last until I am at least 120 years old. Just an opinion .......
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Old 12-15-2017, 06:09 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy9107 View Post
I'm of your mindset. When you see a rotted floor why would you ever put plywood back in? Trouble is cost of wood alternatives. I researched heavily and found many synthetic options :
Thermo-Lite board
Gillfab 5065
Nyloboard
Sign board
King starboard

Isuzusweet has commented in many threads about Coosa (I think he is a company rep!) I am taking his advice. It is lighter than ply. Stronger than ply. Will never rot. I found it for $200/ 4x8' sheet. I wasn't aware of cost of marine ply being upwards of $175/sheet so when you consider that it is worth it.
Menard's has had 1/2" marine plywood for $49 a 4x8 sheet for several yrs. All things considered that it the best option. I would brush on a mixture of linseed oil and mineral spirits (get the edges good) and let it dry a day before installing.
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