There are lots of reasons you might have a trailer, and there are lots of different types of trailers out there.

But whether for business or personal use, a trailer is an expensive bit of kit, and therefore, you need to maintain and care for them to increase the longevity of the vehicle.

This might mean that you need mechanical work or repairs from time to time.

As the floor makes up such a big and important part of your trailer, this should be one of your key focus areas. If you’ve noticed your trailer floor is no longer functioning as it should, or it could do with replacing, then you need to act as soon as possible.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of replacing your trailer floor.

Check out where and what needs replacing

It might be that you don’t need to replace the whole floor, only a section of it. But this will, of course, depend on the type of trailer you have and what the current floor is made from.

So when the time comes and before you buy any materials or enlist any help, make sure you give it a close inspection and see what needs to be done.

Buy your materials

Now you understand what work must be completed, it’s time to take measurements and order your tools and materials.

Lots of trailer floors are made using steel, polyvinyl or wooden decks (or a combination of these), so you need to ensure you buy not just enough but also the right materials for the job.

There may be additional products you need to get if you have a mechanical trailer, like a moving floor trailer. In this case, it might be best to get the professionals in.

Call the professionals

If you can’t do the work yourself, it’s going to be easier to call in the professionals. This way, you can ensure the floor is replaced correctly and can still function properly.

This is vital if you’ve got a very expensive trailer with lots of technical moving parts. The last thing you want to do is damage or break your trailer even more, so a professional service provider is usually the best option.

Remove the existing floor

If, however, you’re going about the job yourself (or with a friend’s help), it’s time to remove the old or damaged floor. Be sure to do this carefully and to dispose of any old materials in the safest and most environmentally friendly way.

Check there are no bigger issues

You can take this opportunity to really look underneath and check there are no bigger issues.

If there is larger structural damage, this may require welding. Make sure that it is completed to the highest standard before proceeding with the new floor.

What’s more, if your floor became damaged due to a leak from the roof or side panels, it’s important to get this fixed and let the trailer dry out fully before laying the new floor.

Seal the wood

If you’re going to be putting a wooden deck in your trailer, it’s important that all the wood has been properly sealed before being installed.

You should not leave this until after you’ve put the floor in, as it can be a lot messier and also less effective.

So before you continue, make sure to get a resin or waterproof stain that will create a water-resistant barrier on the floor. This can be crucial in wetter conditions or if you regularly transport goods containing liquids.

Lay the new floor

The final stage is to put in the new floor. You can add this is in piece by piece, ensuring that every section of the flooring is properly sealed, attached and fit for purpose.

Do not try to rush this part of the process, cut corners or use improper tools, as this will only lead to further damage and issues in the future.

If one particular area of the floor was damaged worse than the rest, for whatever reason, you might wish to add some extra cross supports to that section to strengthen it in the future.

By following these steps carefully and inspecting your trailer floor at each different stage, you can create something solid and sturdy that will last for years to come.