Metal floor options

[deelind]

Not there yet in this phase of the rehab (slow gut job) but I'm envisioning options and would like to have a metal floor, something very utilitarian in the event this unit is used for some kind of food service (right now slated for a mobile art gallery/studio). What would you recommend? Thanks!

[cameront120]

Metal on top of the wood sub floor, or in place of it?

[deelind]

wood.

[Wabbiteer]

Metal gets hyper-slick if oil, grease, soap gets on it - an emergency response vehicle I once worked out of had diamond plate and naturally hydraulic fluid from the equipment it carried put a film all over it; to unload was like working on black ice.

So its true any flooring would be slick but metal especially so. And if you use aluminum diamond plate its too soft and wears out fast if occupied 8-12 hours a day plus nearly impossible to clean thoroughly as a food prep area requires, and steel too heavy with same cleaning problems.

Remember also the floor must act as a shower pan, the baseboard molding extends up so mopping water and cleansers go where they should - and perhaps a floor drain for a sanitary hose down?

[cameront120]

Unless you're using aluminum, metal flooring would also add a lot of weight. I think you'd be better off with a resilient flooring suitable for commercial kitchens.

[deelind]

Hadn't occurred to me about installing a drain, perfect. Thanks for your input on the floor options, I'll have a look.

[Royce]

How about something like this?

http://www.truckline-sale.com/images/img_0029.jpg

Replace the wood and foam underneath for insulation.

[DGJackson]

I like how you are thinking. Wonder if you would need a thin 1/8" plywood for subfloor for vinyl and or laminate floor to lay on. Need to think about weight versus standard 3/4" plywood. I'm thinking this will be lighter per square foot.

[Wabbiteer]

they have a smooth surface type that would do famously with a layer of kitchen composite on top of it... I think no backing wood would be required...

[65CV]

Why not think like a boat if you are exposing it to moisture?

Combine the drain idea with a coating of marine epoxy, impregnated with non-skid.

See if you can find a good marine supplier near the coast or an experienced person at West Marine.

You can find some great stuff here:
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com

Once you have your game plan, you may want to shop around -- they are top dollar.