Your trailer floor takes a beating every day. It bears the weight of massive loads, endures constant friction, and faces everything from scorching heat to freezing rain. Yet it’s often the last thing considered during purchasing decisions—until it fails.
Ask any operator who’s had to pull a trailer off the road due to flooring issues, and they’ll tell you the same thing: choosing the right floor directly impacts your long-term uptime and profitability. Whether you’re replacing worn floors on your trailer or specifying materials for a custom build, this decision affects everything from maintenance schedules to fuel costs.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Trailer Flooring
Not all trailers have the same flooring requirements. Before selecting a material, consider:
- Trailer Type: Enclosed trailers, flatbeds, utility trailers, and livestock haulers each have unique flooring needs.
- Load Requirements: Heavy-duty loads demand durable, high-strength materials that can withstand consistent pressure.
- Environmental Conditions: Exposure to moisture, extreme temperatures, and chemicals affects material performance over time.
- Maintenance Needs: Some materials require frequent upkeep, while others provide long-term durability with minimal maintenance.
- Weight Considerations: Flooring weight impacts fuel efficiency and payload capacity.
Comparing Trailer Flooring Materials
Each material offers specific advantages for trailer applications. Here’s how our recommended options compare:
APITONG (KERUING) WOOD
Superior Choice for Flatbeds & Heavy-Duty Trailers
- Exceptional strength-to-weight ratio outperforms domestic hardwoods
- Greater density and hardness than domestic alternatives
- More stable structure with fewer weak points from knots
- Superior resistance to decay compared to domestic hardwoods
Best for: Flatbeds, heavy-duty trailers, truck beds requiring maximum durability.
CUSTOM-MILLED APITONG FLOORING KITS
Precision-Fit Solutions for Efficient Installation
- Custom-cut to your exact specifications
- Available in various profiles to match your specific requirements
- Eliminates waste and reduces installation time by up to 50%
- Single-length boards up to 53′ eliminate the need for splicing
- Consistent quality throughout the entire length
- Reduces lifetime cost through perfect fit and extended service life
Best for: Platform trailers (full floors or nailer boards), flatbeds, custom trailers
BAMBOO FLOORING
Eco-Friendly & Long-Lasting
- Stronger than many domestic hardwoods but lighter for improved fuel efficiency
- Pre-treated for exceptional resistance to moisture, rot, and mold
- Less shrinkage and expansion from weather exposure
- Ideal for trailers in moisture-prone environments
- Available in 3/4″ x 7″ for light-duty flooring and up to 1-1/8″ kits for heavier applications
- Provides 3-5 years of additional service life compared to domestic hardwoods
Best for: Enclosed trailers, utility trailers, dry van trailer flooring
DOMESTIC HARDWOODS
Limited Longevity & Performance
- Inconsistent quality with weak points from knots and grain variations
- More susceptible to rot and decay than tropical hardwoods
- Typically requires replacement every 2-3 years in heavy-use applications
- Higher long-term costs due to frequent replacement cycles
SOFTWOODS (LIKE PINE)
Not Recommended for Commercial Applications
- Inadequate strength for commercial trailer applications
- Typically requires replacement every 1-2 years
- Prone to splintering, cracking, and premature failure
- Higher lifetime costs despite lower initial purchase price
ALUMINUM TRAILER FLOORING
Lightweight & Corrosion-Resistant
- Reduces overall trailer weight for better fuel efficiency
- Resistant to rust and corrosion but can dent under heavy loads
- Provides aesthetic appeal and low maintenance
Best for: Refrigerated “aka Reefer” trailers, specialty trailers, weight-conscious builds
STEEL TRAILER FLOORING
Maximum Durability but Heaviest Option
- Built for maximum strength and impact resistance
- Prone to rust and requires coatings to maintain longevity
- Heaviest flooring option, impacting fuel efficiency
- Cost fluctuations and more labor/welding costs to install
- Weight of loads will eventually bend steel between crossmembers causing wavy surface on floor
Best for: Dump trailers, industrial equipment haulers
LAMINATED TRAILER FLOORING (LTF)
Stronger & More Durable Than Domestic Oak Laminated Flooring
- Mixed Malaysian Laminated Flooring offers superior strength compared to domestic oak laminates
- Engineered for high-impact resistance and heavy-duty applications
- Provides consistent quality and performance for long-haul durability
Best for: Dry van trailer flooring, high-impact applications
Matching Flooring to Trailer Applications
Different trailers require specific flooring solutions:
- Flatbeds & Heavy Haulers: Apitong (Keruing) for superior durability and strength
- Enclosed Trailers: Mixed Malaysian Laminated Flooring for enhanced strength, stability, and longevity compared to domestic oak laminates
- Utility Trailers: Bamboo for moderate use with excellent longevity
- Dump Trailers: Steel for extreme wear resistance
Beyond the Price Tag: The Real Value of Quality Flooring
When deadlines are tight and budgets are tighter, it’s tempting to cut corners on flooring. But experienced truck and trailer owners know that those “savings” often disappear after the first few months on the road. The real calculation isn’t just acquisition cost—it’s cost per mile over the life of your trailer.
The difference between a floor that lasts two years versus eight years isn’t just replacement costs—it’s also avoiding the headaches of unscheduled downtime, lost loads, and emergency repairs when you can least afford them.
At Galleher Industries, we’ve helped countless customers solve their toughest flooring challenges. From nationwide fleets to independent owner-operators, our team provides straightforward guidance based on real-world performance data.
Have questions about which flooring will hold up best for your specific application? Contact our team—we’re here to help you make decisions that keep your trailers on the road and your business moving forward.
