What is the Best Plywood for Trailer Floor | Complete Guide

Last Updated on April 2, 2023

Plywood is a type of engineered wood made from thin layers of timber glued together in alternating directions. It is lightweight, strong, and stable. Today it’s also widely used as flooring for both new and existing trailers, and they come in a variety of colors and styles.

You may want the best plywood for trailer flooring if you are using your trailer for heavy-duty purposes. In that case, you should consider investing in pressure treated plywood or marine grade plywood. These types of plywoods are designed to withstand the wet and humid conditions present in many trailer applications.

There are other types of plywood that can be used for your trailer floor. So keep reading to learn more about the different options available and find the best plywood for your trailer floor.

What is the Best Plywood for Trailer Floor Construction?

There are different types of plywood that can be used for your trailer floor, each with its own features. Here is a quick overview of the most popular types of plywood:

Marine Grade Plywood:

This type of plywood is designed for use in marine applications. It is made with waterproof glue and treated to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. Marine grade plywood is a good choice for trailer floors because it can withstand the wet and humid conditions often present in trailers.

Lumber Plywood:

Lumber plywood is another good choice for trailer floors. It is made with pressure-treated lumber and designed to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. Like marine plywood, lumber plywood is also a good choice for trailers that will be exposed to wet and humid conditions.

Hardwood Plywood:

Hardwood plywood is also a good option for your trailer floor. It is made with hardwood veneers and designed to resist moisture and heat. The material is also good for trailers to protect the floor from water damage. Birch, walnut, oak, and maple wood veneers are used in making this type of plywood.

1. Baltic Birch Laser Plywood:

Baltic Birch Laser Plywood is a great choice as a plywood floor. It is made with Baltic Birch veneers and designed to resist moisture and heat. This wood is also a good choice for trailers that will be exposed to extreme weather conditions.

2. Oak plywood:

Oak plywood is a good choice for your trailer floor. It is made with oak veneers and designed to resist moisture and heat. A trailer built of this wood will also be able to deal with extreme temperatures.

3. Maple plywood:

If you are looking for plywood that is good at withstanding moisture and heat, then maple plywood is a great option. It is made with maple veneers and designed to resist moisture and heat. This wood will protect against harsh weather.

4. Walnut plywood:

Walnut plywood is another good choice for your trailer wood floor. It is made with walnut veneers and designed to resist moisture and heat. Additionally, it is suitable for trailer wood floors since it can withstand the elements.

5. Poplar Plywood:

There are a variety of plywoods available on the market, but one of the most popular is poplar plywood. Poplar plywood is made with poplar veneers and is designed to resist moisture and heat. This works well for trailers exposed to extreme weather conditions.

Softwood Plywood:

Softwood plywood is a versatile product that can be used for a variety of purposes. It is made from softwoods, like basswood, pine, redwood, or cedar, which makes it strong enough for construction projects.

Some examples of projects that can use softwood plywood are sheds, flooring, and framing. This unfinished wood is also easy to work with and can be cut or shaped to fit your needs. Unfinished wood is a great option, whether you’re a traveler looking for a temporary floor or a construction worker.

1. Basswood Plywood:

Basswood plywood is a great choice for both professional and DIY woodworkers. It is made from basswood, light in color, and has a fine grain. This makes it an ideal choice for projects that require a smooth finish.

It is available in different sizes sheets and is a good choice for furniture, cabinets, and other projects that require a high degree of precision. It machines easily and can be stained or painted to match your project’s finish.

2. Pine Plywood:

Pine plywood is a type of plywood that is made from pine, a softwood. This wood is versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes. It is available in different sizes, thicknesses, and grades.

3. Cedar Plywood:

Cedar plywood is another type of softwood plywood. This wood is made from cedar, which is a light-colored wood with a fine grain. Cedar plywood is also used for shingles and siding. It is easy to work with and can be cut or shaped to fit your needs.

4. Redwood Plywood:

Redwood plywood is made from redwood, a softwood. This wood is strong and durable, making it a good choice for construction projects. Redwood plywood is also used for furniture and cabinets. It is easy to work with and can be stained or painted to match your project’s finish.

Exterior Sheathing Plywood:

Exterior sheathing plywood is a type of plywood that is used for flooring, roofing, exterior sheathing, and roof decking. This wood is made up of compressed wood flakes that are joined by waterproof adhesive. It is semi-exposed to prevent wearing and delamination.

This plywood is used to provide a weather-resistant barrier on the exterior of homes and other buildings. It is also used to provide a layer of insulation and support for the structure. There are a few different types of exterior sheathing plywood available on the market.

1. OSB Plywood:

OSB (oriented strand board) is a type of plywood that is made up of compressed wood flakes that are joined by waterproof adhesive. It is semi-exposed to prevent wearing and delamination.

This plywood is used to provide a weather-resistant barrier on the exterior of homes and other buildings. It is also used to provide a layer of insulation and support for the structure.

2. CDX Plywood:

CDX Grade Plywood is a construction grade plywood that is meant to be used for exterior applications. It has a veneer on both sides, one of which is graded “C” and the other is graded “D”. The plywood is bonded together with glue, which makes it resistant to moisture. It is certified by the APA as C-D Exposure 1 plywood.

Aircraft Plywood:

Aircraft plywood is a high grade, durable wood that is perfect for projects that require industrial strength. This wood is made from hardwoods like mahogany or birch and uses thin veneers to keep it light and flexible.

Aircraft plywood is perfect for projects like Rv trailers, trailer boats, airplanes, and furniture that need to be strong and durable. With its unyielding strength and resistance to heat and moisture, aircraft plywood is the perfect choice for a harbor freight company that requires durable, industrial-strength wood.

Exterior Plywood:

Exterior grade plywood is a great product to use for projects that need to withstand the weather. The glue that holds the veneers together is weather and water-resistant, so the plywood won’t easily warp or rot.

You can choose from a variety of wood types depending on your climate, and exterior plywood is a great choice for furniture and cabinets.

Structural Plywood:

Structural plywood is a great choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive and strong material to use in their building projects. This type of plywood is made with a very strong adhesive, which keeps the plies together and makes it structurally sound.

You can use structural plywood for trailer decking, as it is strong and weather-resistant. Be sure to check the grading before purchasing, as structural plywood usually has a C or D grade.

Now that you know what type of plywood to use for your trailer floor, you can get started on your project with confidence. Be sure to select a high-quality plywood that will withstand the demands of your project.

What are the Different Grades of Plywood?

When you are shopping for plywood, you will notice that there are different grades available. These grades refer to the quality of the wood and how it will be used. The three main grades of plywood are A, B, C, and D.

Each sheet comes with two grades, such as AC. The first letter signifies the grade of the veneer on the face, and the second signifies the grade of the veneer on the back. There are also some plywoods that come with a third letter, X, which designates them for exterior use. Let’s check out what each grade means.

A Grade Plywood:

The highest quality of plywood is A grade. This type of plywood is sanded smooth and is paintable. You will usually find that A grade plywood has few repairs and knots. Try to choose the best plywood for utility trailer floors that is A grade.

B Grade Plywood:

B grade plywood is the next highest quality of plywood. It has a solid surface with some repairs. The repairs can be in the form of football-shaped patches or wood filler.

This wood has more knots and defects than A grade plywood, but it is still a high-quality wood. If you want to find the best plywood for trailer decking, B grade is a great option.

C Grade Plywood:

The third grade of plywood is C grade. This type of plywood has more knots and knotholes than the other grades. It also has some splits and discoloration. You will find that this type of plywood is perfect for projects that do not require a high level of quality.

D Grade Plywood:

The lowest grade of plywood is D grade. This type has the most knots and knotholes. It also has the most splits. D grade plywood is the least expensive grade of plywood. It is made from veneers that have a lot of knots and defects.

You should not use this type of plywood for any serious project. This wood is not meant to be used in projects where a high level of quality is required.

Which Types of Ply are there?

Plywood is made with different layers, or plies, of wood veneers. These layers are glued together with the grain running in opposite directions. This creates stability and strength in the plywood.

There are mainly 3-Ply, 5-Ply, and Multi-Ply plywoods available in the market. Depending on the number of layers, the plywood is categorized.

3-ply:

It consists of three layers of wood veneers glued together. This is the most common type of plywood used for indoor purposes like making furniture, floor tile, cabinets, etc. You can use this type of ply for your enclosed trailer floor also.

5-ply:

It has five layers of wood veneers glued together. With more layers, the 5-ply plywood is more strong and more durable than 3-ply. This types of ply is suitable for a trailer deck and other projects which don’t require high strength and durability.

Multi-ply:

This type of plywood is mostly used for roofing and exterior applications. It has more than seven layers of wood veneers glued together, making it incredibly strong and durable. Choose this type of ply if you want your cargo trailer to be as weather-proof as possible.

How to Redeck a Trailer?

If you’re looking for a way to improve the appearance or functionality of your trailer, redecking it may be the answer. This process is simple and can be done with minimal tools and materials.

Step 01. Remove the Old Decking:

To begin, you’ll need to remove the old decking from your trailer. This can be done with a pry bar or a screwdriver. Once the old decking is removed, you’ll need to clean the surface of your trailer to prepare it for the new decking.

Step 02. Cut the New Decking:

Next, you’ll need to cut the new decking to size. You can use a saw or a power drill to do this. Be sure to cut the decking so that it will fit snugly against the trailer frame.

Step 03. Install the New Decking:

Once the decking is cut, you can install it by using carriage bolts or screws. Make sure to secure it tightly against the frame of the trailer.

Step 04. Painting:

After the new decking is installed, you may want to paint it to match the color of your trailer. This will give it a finished look and help protect it from the elements. You may choose water or oil base paint.

Oil base paint will offer more protection against the weather, but it is also more expensive. Water base paint is less durable, but it is cheaper and easier to apply.

When painting your trailer decking, be sure to use paint that is designed for exterior applications. This will help protect the wood from moisture and UV damage.

Step 05. Dry the Deck:

After painting, you’ll need to let the decking dry completely before using it. This can take up to 24 hours, depending on the type of paint you used.

FAQs:

How Long Does Plywood Last?

Plywood can last about 20 years but it depends on the type, grade, layer, and usage. The lifespan of plywood also varies according to how it is used. For example, if you use it for roofing, it will last shorter than if you use it for flooring. But if you use it for flooring in an enclosed area, it will last longer.

Is Plywood Good for a Trailer Deck?

Yes, plywood is a good choice for a trailer deck. It is strong and durable, and it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. Plywood is also easy to install, and it comes in a variety of colors and finishes to match your trailer.

How Thick Should Plywood be for Trailer Sides?

The thickness of the plywood you choose will depend on the intended use of the trailer. If you’re using the trailer for hauling heavy items, you’ll need to use thicker plywood. When using the trailer for light-duty applications, thinner plywood will be sufficient. 1/2″ or 5/8″ is the most common thickness for trailer sides.

Can You Deck a Trailer With Plywood?

You can deck a trailer with plywood, but only if you use the right kind. Marine treated plywood is designed for outdoor use and will hold up better than standard plywood. Make sure to use construction adhesive and carriage bolts to attach the plywood to the trailer frame, and seal the seams with sealant or caulk.

Conclusion:

Plywood is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of projects. Whether you’re looking for the best plywood for trailer floor or decking, there is a type of plywood that will fit your needs.

When shopping for plywood, it is important to read our guide on the different types of plywood available so that you can choose the right one for your project.

Once you’ve selected the right plywood, follow our tips on how to redeck a trailer so that you can install it correctly. Be sure to let the decking dry completely before using it. We hope you enjoy your new trailer deck.