Fort Lauderdale’s waters play host to some of the world’s largest mega-yachts. And with 300+ miles of inland waterways and 50,000 registered yachts, it’s no wonder Fort Lauderdale is dubbed “the Yachting Capital of the World.” More people today are investing in water-related crafts than ever before. This is a major investment, and boat owners are painstakingly working to ensure their crafts are well furnished and have the best flooring possible.  What are the best yacht interior flooring options?

The selection of yacht flooring options is basically no different than for a residential home, but there is one difference. The marine industry is governed by many rules regarding safety, and hence, one has to be compliant with the established rules. Yacht owners have started to install flooring inside the boat. Today, owners have several yacht flooring options that are both elegant and functional. Some of those choices include stone, tiles, carpet, wood, and marble. Common areas inside the yacht that have the flooring installed include the lounge, staircase, master cabin, guest cabins, salon, corridors, and crew areas.

YACHT INTERIOR FLOORING OPTIONS

Carpet

Carpet installation plays a major role in yacht interior flooring installation. Carpets continue to be a popular flooring option in yachts, especially in luxury areas, such as guest rooms, salons, and bedrooms. Depending on the yacht’s design, carpets may also be suitable for staircases, corridors, and crew areas. The carpet creates a safe environment, providing a non-slip surface and the ability to soften any impact. In general, carpet absorbs airborne pollutants to give better air quality indoors, and they are easy to clean and help reduce engine noise rather than magnify it. Carpets not only offer good aesthetics but are warm and inviting. 

It is important, however, to select the right type of carpet for a yacht. Wool and nylon carpets are recommended as they are strong, resilient, and durable. Nylon is durable, easy to clean, and even moisture resistant.

From classic Axminster yacht carpets to contemporary designs and the most luxurious bespoke rugs, you want to enjoy the same quality on your yacht that you enjoy at home. With their timeless look, these carpets have been updated with unexpected patterns and colors to satisfy any taste. These high-quality carpets give a unique feeling of ultimate luxury. They are popular yacht flooring choices for spaces, including the salon and suites and the foyer, corridors, and staircase coverings.

Pros of carpet tiles for yachts

  • Relatively easy to install
  • Easy to replace
  • Eco-friendly carpets like nylon are available. These carpets are resistant to mildew and mold.
  • Low cost
  • Excellent aesthetics, depending on the type purchased

Cons of carpet tiles for yachts

  • Can get dirty quickly
  • Have to be cleaned or vacuumed regularly
  • Shelf life is shorter than other flooring materials
  • Not necessarily a good choice if you are using the yacht for fishing. The carpet can absorb the fishy smell, which is hard to eliminate.

Hardwood

Another of the yacht interior flooring options is hardwood. These floors offer unmatched natural beauty, warmth, and design appeal. Longer lasting than carpet, wood is the easiest floor to maintain and is the best choice for the environment. Onboard, you typically find hardwood flooring installations accenting the salon and in the formal dining room, bridge, galley, and suites. Some owners install hardwood in the library and guest rooms. 

Even though regular hardwood is not moisture resistant, the wood used for yachts is the ultimate in quality and includes Brazilian cherry, teak, oak, mahogany, cedar, and plywood. All these durable hardwood species also offer excellent aesthetics and can immediately make any yacht look opulent and rich. Hardwood is usually installed in the formal spaces on the yacht, including the bedroom, office, and dining room.

Teak

Solid teak is also a standard choice among yacht flooring options. Teak wood is highly valued for its nautical-friendly characteristics. Not only does it look rich and beautiful, but it also lasts longer than other types of wood when exposed to water and sun. Solid teak wood is not porous and is impermeable to beverages, food, and seafood liquids. The latest teak wood also comes with an anti-slip surface coating, which provides an excellent grip as well. Teak is relatively easy to maintain but must be swept regularly.

Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is slowly gaining more acceptance in the marine industry. The commercial vinyl made for water-faring vessels is durable, moisture resistant, and designed to withstand significant foot traffic. In addition, vinyl is available in many shades, colors, designs, and patterns. It can even mimic stone, marble, or wood. Vinyl flooring for yachts also comes with a surface coating that makes it slip-resistant and scratch-proof. 

Pros of vinyl flooring

  • Relatively easy to install
  • Available in sleek modern designs
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • Moisture resistant
  • Cost-effective and cheaper than hardwood and teak flooring

Cons of vinyl flooring

  • May fade following continuous exposure to UV light. Hence, the flooring is best used in covered areas or away from the sun’s rays.
  • Can develop dents from the movement of heavy furniture or equipment.
  • Usually cannot be repaired and requires total replacement if even one segment of the flooring is damaged.

Rubber Flooring 

Rubber flooring is an environmentally friendly option for marine flooring. While it may not be the most attractive material, it has many other features that make it stand out as the flooring of choice for yachts. Rubber is extremely tough and durable and will easily last many decades with good care. Rubber is also slip-resistant, which is beneficial for a constantly wet environment. 

Pros of rubber flooring

  • Excellent slip resistance. Even when wet, it offers good traction.
  • Easy on the feet and comfortable to walk on
  • Soundproof
  • Helps cushion any fall
  • Long shelf life

The one con about rubber flooring for yachts is that it does get warm when exposed to the sun. Hence, walking bare feet on rubber flooring is not recommended, especially on hot days. Rubber is also slightly more expensive than vinyl or tiles.

Tiles

Tile flooring is another option for yachts because of its durability and ease of maintenance. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are both very durable. In addition, they are moisture-, stain-, and scratch-resistant. Tiles can be installed in the galley, bathrooms, and even the office. Because tiles get slippery when wet, it is important to have an extra surface coating.  Unglazed tile is another favorite, especially in the galley and bathrooms. They are easy to clean – just a light wipe or damp mopping.

Other Materials

The rapid sales growth in the yacht industry has created a demand for prestigious yacht interior flooring options, including lightweight marble, granite, onyx, limestone, and stone.

Stone is a favorite for mega yachts because it’s indestructible and durable. Stone also reflects luxury and is easy to maintain – simply clean with soap and water. Granite and marble flooring remain in high demand, especially in the mega-yacht segment of the market. Marble is renowned for its beauty.  It is also available in a variety of colors and patterns and is very durable. Like marble, granite flooring is very hard and does not break or crack easily. The polished finishes look extremely beautiful and are scratch resistant.

CONCLUSION

When choosing between yacht interior flooring options, it is important that you work with a flooring expert who has experience in custom marine flooring installation. When it comes to selecting among yacht flooring options, you have several good choices. Visit East Coast Flooring & Interiors or call today at 1-954-621-1375 for a free consultation and estimate.  We want to be your flooring partner!