Composite flooring is quickly becoming the go-to option for cargo vans, particularly for those who prioritize durability and safety. Composite floors are typically made from a combination of materials, including plastic and wood fibers, and are designed to provide excellent strength and resistance to wear and tear.
Here’s how it holds up:
- Durability: Very high. Composite floors are built to last the life of the van (7-10 years) and are resistant to temperature fluctuations, chemicals, oils, and adhesives.
- Weight: Low to moderate. Composite flooring is lighter than wood or metal but still provides excellent strength.
- Strength: High. It can handle heavy-duty use and is resistant to impacts and abrasions.
- Cost: Moderate to high. While more expensive than materials like rubber, the long lifespan and minimal maintenance make it a worthwhile investment at $5 to $8 per square foot.
- Safety: Excellent. Composite floors are designed to reduce cargo sliding and prevent vehicle damage. They also offer good traction, even in wet conditions.
- Ease of Installation: Moderate. Composite floors typically consist of two or three sections glued together to form one cohesive piece.
- Maintenance: Virtually none. These floors are easy to clean and require almost no upkeep.
- Applications: Composite flooring is ideal for high-use cargo vans, such as those used by contractors, delivery drivers, or tradespeople who carry heavy loads and need long-lasting, maintenance-free flooring.
To sum up, while composite flooring has higher upfront costs than other options, it’s incredibly long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free. It also has high oil, adhesive, and chemical resistance, excellent traction and safety features, and is a lightweight yet quite strong material.