Anyone used cedar for flooring?

[rhythmsurfer]

The H36 we just bought had 8 " of rainwater inside. I don't know how long the water was there. The automatic float switch did not work after the oysters in the cockpit drains caused water to flow in to the badly sealed engine cover. Anyways, the PO put in cedar planks (tounge and groove) that he bought at Home Depot. they are about 3.5" W and vary in length probably 1/4" in depth. The majority of the flooring is still good. I pulled some up due to trapped water being underneath them. Has anyone ever tried or heard of using cedar flooring? I am thinking of just buying a box of the stuff and replacing what was lost. the PO mentioned that he varnished this stuff. Not sure of how many coats. I was thinking of going to the vinyl stuff everyone has mentioned on here and having a professional install it. Anyone know of anybody who does this on the Gulf Coast? My other idea is to pull it all up and just save my money for what was original in the boat. I am guessing teak and holly.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[Ross]

You can use almost any species of wood but some are more desireable than others. Cedar would not be in the top ten for me. You must of course specify what variety of cedar is involed on your boat.

 

[Witzend]

Cedar is good for rot resistance, but way too soft for flooring. Holly is the choice for economy and makes good plywood.

 

[Patrick17430]

There's a guy here in the marina that used solid Hickory house type flooring. Looks good, real colorful grains.

 

[njsail]

As others have said you can use anything but some are more suited to marine flooring. As an alternative you might want to look at teak and holly marine plywood. My last boat had finely crafted joinery and beautiful teak and holly floors. With kids, dogs and a living in a small space they take a beating in area's. Our new boat has laminate teak and holly plywood screwed down. Now I can access any part of the lower hull and pan I want when I want it with nothing more than a screw driver. I'm a convert. I also have people who visit saying what a beautiful floor. A quick mop and I'm done. no more sanding out dings and dents and trying to get out black stains from something that leaked. I have teak decks...that's enough wood maintenance for me.

Teak and Holly marine plywood.
http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=51940

Here's a bunch of marine links. There are a few teak and faus-teak companies as well.
http://www.diybob.com/marineproducts.htm

Good luck. I'm sure it'll look beautiful when you're finished.

 

[rhythmsurfer]

NJSail Thanks for the links. I am looking at them now.

 

[rickk31]

It is your boat so you can use what you want. I have a little 22 hunter that had the same water problems that you had. It had two wood floor panels about 3x4 foot made of plywood. I took some cedar boards and cut them down and made new panels. I put two coats of finish on them and they look and wear just fine.

P.s. If you deside to get rid of the boat and not mess with the floor let me know. I want to buy a 31 to 38 footer down your way hopefully in the next few weeks.